Passing over a gentle ridge high above the Zhabagly Valley, the quiet Kichi Kaindy river comes slowly into view. Only upon drawing closer, scrambling the final 20m down a scree slope, does the roar of the waterfall dropping 30m into a steep rock basin become apparent. While there's no safe path for travellers to climb to the base of the falls, park rangers report regularly seeing mountain goats and other wildlife take shelter among the rocks below – human visitors have to remain content with a picnic lunch from the overlooking rocks.
Nine kilometres round-trip from the reserve entrance, the waterfall trail is possible as a hike or a horseback trip, and in either case combines well with the Zhetymsay Valley as a long day out.
The trailhead for this route is a 6.5km drive from the reserve headquarters beside Turbaza Ruslan (42.414336, 70.541806; +7 701 189 5283). As with all points in Aksu Zhabagly, entry is strictly controlled and only in the company of a reserve guide.
