The highest waterfall in Kazakhstan – Burhan-Bulak
The Burhan-Bulak waterfall is the highest and most beautiful waterfall in Kazakhstan, located in the Jungar Alatau Mountains, in the gorge of the picturesque and turbulent river Kora. The total height of the waterfall, consisting of 4 cascades, is 168 meters, with the visible part of the waterfall, comprising the three lower cascades, being 114 meters. The waterfall is situated at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level.
To reach the waterfall, you can only travel by off-road vehicles. Travelers often choose the route through Kapal Pass. You need to drive about 56 km from Taldykorgan on the highway towards the village of Kapal, then turn south into the mountains. From there, continue in a southeast direction for another 41 km to Lake "Opera." Then, proceed 8 km northeast from the lake to Kapal Pass, and from there, it's approximately 18 km eastward to the waterfall.
Also, you can reach the waterfall directly from Taldykorgan via Tekeli through the Kora River gorge. The distance from Tekeli to the waterfall through the Kora gorge is 55 km and can be traversed on foot or horseback, as the road that previously passed through the gorge was destroyed by a mudflow.
When heading to the waterfall, it's necessary to stock up on supplies beforehand in larger settlements. Overnight accommodation will be in tent camps. There is a tourist base in the vicinity of the waterfall.
In ancient times, a woman lived in the area of the waterfall with her only child, named Burhan. The mother cherished her son's soul and wished for him to marry a quiet and obedient girl. However, when the mother learned that her son was in love with a proud and headstrong beauty, she became angry and began to obstruct their marriage. She soon erected a large castle in the rocks, where she imprisoned Burhan. However, the young man's heart could not be subdued, as his love was so strong that he broke free from captivity and united with the beauty named Kora... Many centuries have passed, yet the young couple always remains together, while the poor mother continually mourns her son's foolish choice and pours out her sorrow in the form of a small stream, which is located nearby the Burhan-Bulak waterfall and is called "Mother's Tears."
