Aksay Gorge: Stone Castle and Aksay Skete

What to expect

This walking route to the Stone Castle and Aksai Monastery includes a transfer from the city. The route is 2 kilometers long one way, with an altitude gain of 370 meters. Along the way, we will make a stop at the Stone Castle, one of the man-made attractions of the Ile-Alatau National Park. The fabulous fortress on the bank of a turbulent mountain river in the Aksai Gorge was built single-handedly by amateur architect Ivan Plotnikov over 30 years. After visiting the castle, the route continues to the Seraphim-Feognost Aksai Monastery, a unique attraction not only in Kazakhstan, but throughout Central Asia.

Important Info:
Aksay Skete is located in Ile-Alatau National Park near Almaty. It is a secluded place of religious pilgrimage and hiking, surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests. The skete was founded almost a hundred years ago by monks who were hiding from persecution, and is known for its rich history. The path to it passes through a dense forest, and at the top you can enjoy stunning views of the gorge.