Bear falls, Natural waterfall in Ile-Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan
Bear Falls is a waterfall in Ile-Alatau National Park that drops 30 meters down a rocky face on the southern slope of the Karash Ridge. The water cascades over smooth stone surfaces and creates a misty veil around the basin below.
The waterfall formed through tectonic movements around one million years ago that shaped the landscape of the Almaty region. These geological processes created the steep slopes and rock formations that direct the water's flow today.
The falls connect to local narratives through legends of an elderly couple and a mystical spring that transformed an old woman into youth.
The location is about 70 kilometers from the city of Almaty and reached via a hiking trail of about 1.5 kilometers from the parking area. The path is straightforward to walk, and visitors should bring suitable footwear and a jacket for the damp conditions.
The water maintains a constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius year-round, regardless of season or weather conditions. The surrounding rocks bear traces of fossilized plant material from the pre-glacial era.
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