Almaty Gorge is the second most important in the general system of the rivers of the Big Almaty Gorge. This gorge has an unofficial and very common name - Prohodnoye. The name itself reveals the importance of the gorge for travelers and nomads. Indeed, the easiest and shortest route to the valley of Chon-Kemin river and further through Kungei Alatau ridge to the Issyk-Kul lake passes through this gorge. The gorge is bounded from the east by the Great Almaty spur, from the south - by the main ridge of Trans-Ili Alatau, from the west - by Kargaly spur.
The trekking starts from the former sanatorium "Alma-Arasan" along the mouth of Prohodnaya river. At the beginning, before the sulfur-hydrogen hot spring, the trail is rocky and passing through two bridges. Next you will get to the waterfall "Girlish Tears", after passing which you will rise along the river to the pine-birch grove. Trail will pass through a thicket of raspberries, which bushes are abundant with a sweet ripe berry in autumn.
In 3 km after the waterfall, you will approach the deep canyon washed with mudflow from the slopes of Big Almaty peak. At the bottom of the canyon a stream flows - Big Iguzek, which dries up in summer. It will be not difficult to cross it, because in several places there are well-visible trails.
After passing the canyon, trail goes through the forest, sometimes near a high cliff and periodically exits to small glades.
"Terra" glade is located on the opposite side of the river near the upper forest borders at an altitude of 2650 m a.s.l. To reach it, it is necessary to cross the river by bridge made from two iron pipes. A little more effort on a steep short ascent and you are there. From the glade the jagged peak "Saw" with altitude up to 4000 m a.s.l. is very well visible. A small picturesque lake called by locals "pot" is perfect place for recovering and relaxing. In its mirror-surface spruces and high mountain slopes are reflected. From the edge of the glade it’s possible to see the city.
After having the rest on "Terra" glade, you will follow the path leading to the final point of the route - "Alyoshka’s Bridge", the climb will not take more than 15 minutes. Next to the bridge on the stone there is a nameplate in memory of Alyosha Molchanov, who died in this place in 1987. The accident happened on July in the evening, when group of tourists crossed the river by trunk of the spruce. At this time, the water in the river usually rises considerably. Alyosha, probably, slipped, lost his balance and fell into the river. No one noticed the fall, and his disappearance was found out the next morning. The place of crossing this bridge has been called after him since that time.
Going back by the same way to the start point of the trekking route.
