Date Change
If weather or road conditions get in the way of the route, we will offer the nearest safe alternative.
30 000
1 day
Extreme rafting on the Ili River with scenic canyons and turbulent rapids. Easy access (60/120 km of asphalt + 8 km off-road), rafting time arranged individually. Season May-September, up to 10 people per group. Travel time: 2/4 hours.
| Season | May-September |
| Travel time one way/total | 2/4 hours |
| Rafting time | arranged individually |
| On asphalt | 60/120 km. |
| Off-road | 8 km. |
| Group | up to 10 people |

River and sea journeys have always been among the most fascinating kinds of travel. Kazakhstan is home to several large rivers suitable for rafting trips of varying difficulty. Rafting on the Ili River is a recreational water outing that is accessible and safe even for children and people with no prior experience at all, as the river has no rapids and flows at an average speed of 3-5 km/h.
Below the Kapchagay Hydropower Plant the river channel runs among the rocky mountains of the canyon, whose terrain is enchanting — the inaccessibility of its approaches both beckons and holds back many who would like to visit it. While rafting, you can enjoy these rocky landscapes to your heart’s content. You can also moor and walk to several attractions along the banks of the Ili. On the eastern bank stand the “Tamgaly-Tas” rock carvings, painted several centuries ago by Buddhist monks. And on the western bank is the “ancient castle of the nomads” — a film set where several famous movies were shot, including “The Nomad” and “Night Watch”, among others.
While rafting you also cannot miss the camp of Kazakhstan’s Emergency Committee. It is a fairly large territory serving as a training ground for rescuers. Real but non-operational equipment — helicopters, railroad cars and more — has been brought there to practice a variety of operations. The Ili riverbed also bears traces of a shipwreck: a sunken barge is the undeniable evidence, which you can see during the rafting trip.
A rafting trip on the Ili in the spirit of a leisurely water outing is not only a wonderful opportunity to swim and go boating on the river, but also a chance to fill your soul with wonderful moments of life — and your photo gallery with unique pictures. Below you will find the description and price of the weekend tour “Ili River Rafting”. Have pleasant travels and unforgettable impressions!

Tamgaly-Tas
Film Set Decorations
Sunken Barge
Catamaran
Route: Almaty – Kapchagay.
Rafting start: below the Kapchagay Hydropower Plant.
Rafting finish: the “Tamgaly” rock art cliffs.
Rafting distance: 16 km.
Dear residents and guests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, we hereby inform you that under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 39 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the State Border of the Republic of Kazakhstan” dated 16.01.2013, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan establishes a border zone within the territory of border administrative-territorial units, where the border regime defined by this Law shall apply.
The border regime is the established procedure for entry, temporary stay, residence or movement, as well as for holding socio-political, cultural or other events within the border zone.
In this regard, the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan asks citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and foreign nationals to stay alert and pay attention to warning signs and information stands when visiting mountain areas (natural sites) located in the border districts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additional information on the course of the state border line and the limits of the border zone can be obtained from tour operator representatives or the Border Guard Service of the NSC of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The leadership of the Karasai Border Detachment of the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Before payment we lock in the route, group size, pricing format and all terms, so your trip is clear from the very first message.
If weather or road conditions get in the way of the route, we will offer the nearest safe alternative.
We agree on refund timeframes and deduction terms in advance, with no fine print.
The guide stays in touch, assesses the road and can adjust the itinerary as needed.
We state the price per group, per one or two people, as well as what is already included.
Need to clarify the terms of a specific tour? Write to us and we will advise on the route and dates.
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