Overview
Kurmety gorge cuts north from the Kungey Alatau range in the Kegen district, draining into the Kolsay Lakes National Park territory. The gorge entrance sits about 80 km southwest of Charyn via the Kegen valley road — a straightforward drive through open highland steppe at around 1,200–1,500 m elevation. At the treeline, Tien Shan spruce forests take over and the temperature drops several degrees. The Kurmenty River runs clear over rounded stone; the lower gorge is flat enough for an easy walk of 2–5 km depending on energy. Wildlife includes marmots on the slopes, deer deeper in, and raptors overhead. The upper gorge narrows dramatically above 2,200 m and demands a 4x4.
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Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Bartogay Reservoir & Kurmety Gorge
Kurmety Gorge
Step 4 · 100 km from previous · 90 min drive
Kurmety gorge cuts north from the Kungey Alatau range in the Kegen district, draining into the Kolsay Lakes National Park territory. The gorge entrance sits about 80 km southwest of Charyn via the Kegen valley road — a straightforward drive through open highland steppe at around 1,200–1,500 m elevation. At the treeline, Tien Shan spruce forests take over and the temperature drops several degrees. The Kurmenty River runs clear over rounded stone; the lower gorge is flat enough for an easy walk of 2–5 km depending on energy. Wildlife includes marmots on the slopes, deer deeper in, and raptors overhead. The upper gorge narrows dramatically above 2,200 m and demands a 4x4.