Butakovka is a name of a lateral gorge in Maloalmatinsky ravine, Zailisky Alatau mountains. Being a part of Almaty city, the entrance to the canyon is easily reachable by bus or car so the gorge looks really popular among the citizens. The location provides great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking and camping. When visiting Butakovka, do not miss a chance to climb Kotyrbulak trekking peak (3050m), which seems to be a perfect point to enjoy the North Tien Shan panorama from the bird’s eye view. Another attraction is waterfalls: there are 2 big falls in this area, and one of them is a mecca for Almaty climbers: climbing routes are set on the wall along the water stream.

Activity options:

Ascent to the Kotyrbulak trekking peak (3050m) via Butakovsky pass

Having reached the end of the asphalt road (here there is a parking), we cross the stream and hike up along the dirt road following the river, upstream. The road leads to a ruined campsite. Here turn right to the path which runs along the main riverbed. The path gradually rises to the right slope and traverses to the headwaters of the gorge, without significant ascents. Crossing the springs, we approach a wide glade, from where the ascent to Butakovskiy pass start (this part takes 1.5-2 hours). A serpentine trail runs up the slope and leads to the crest (steepness of about 35 degrees). The ascent to the pass can take 40-50 minutes. There is a fork on the pass: the way down to the other side leads to the Left Talgar gorge, and the path to the right traverses the slope and leads to Medeo. In order to reach the peak of Kotyrbulak, you need to turn left (south) and follow up the unsteep crest up. There are 20-30 minutes of walking by the crest to the summit. Descent from the top: either following the same way (used for climbing up), or may go further south along the ridge through the peak of Bukreev, to the Pass of Lesnoy. From there, take the path down to the Butakovskoe Gorge.