Ice Climbing
Locations
Near Almaty

Here is a brief overview of the most popular ice climbing locations near Almaty.
In 2024 and 2025, we developed these locations and set up bolt-in anchor stations for rappelling and top-rope climbing, as well as several mixed and drytool routes. As a result, climbing here is now more fun and safe.

Butakovskiy waterfall is a picturesque place near the city. Here we set drytooling and mixed routes and hold our ice climbing and drytooling festival, Almatymixt.
The ice conditions here are variable. It can be safe to climb with ice screws, but when it is not cold enough, the ice can become unstable. However, it is still possible to climb in poor ice conditions here, using a top rope and anchor stations (No1 and No2). We often leave a fixed rope for access to these stations for the entire climbing season. Or you can lead bolted drytoolig and mixed routes No1 and No3 to reach them.

• Location - Butakovskiy gorge.
• Approach - 40 minutes by car from the city center, 45-60 minutes walk from parking.
• Altitude - 2159 m.
• Waterfall height - 20 m.
• Difficulty level - From WI-3 to WI-6 depending on ice condition...

1 - D5 (bolted route) - 13 quickdraws.
2 - Bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope.
3 - M8 (bolted route) - 12 quickdraws. It is recommended to clip the first 1-2 quickdraws with a stick.

The condition of the ice varies greatly from season to season here. Most often, it is leaking and thin, making it difficult or impossible to protect with ice screws. The steepness of the ice is from 70° to 90°. There are 3 bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope.
In addition - This location may be prone to avalanches in unfavorable snow conditions.

• Location - Maloalmatinskoe (Small Almaty) gorge.
• Approach - 30 minutes walk from Tuyuk-Su alpine camp. Or 1.5 hours from the city center to Shymbulak and 1-1.5 hours walk.
• Altitude - 2650 m.
• Waterfall height - 45 m.
• Difficulty level - From WI-3 to WI-6 depending on ice condition...

1 - Bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope. 30 m from the ground.
2 - Bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope. 30 m from the ground.
3 - Bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope. 45 m from the ground.

The most accessible and simple waterfall near Almaty. The ice condition is usually stable here and you can easily climb the waterfall with your own ice screws. There is a bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope.

• Location - Prokhodnoe gorge.
• Approach - 40 minutes by car from the city center, 25 minutes walk from parking.
• Altitude - 1800 m.
• Waterfall height - 35 m.
• Difficulty level - From WI-1 to WI-2

1 - Bolted anchor station for rappelling and climbing with top rope.