The Japanese Road in Almaty, also called the Japanese Trail, runs above GES-2 in the Big Almaty Gorge. The hike starts at the bus 28 terminus: about 3,000 steps beside the pipe lead to the road at 1,900-1,950 metres. Allow half a day for the climb, walk and return. The guided e-bike tour uses a different approach, the old dirt track from the eco post, and takes about 3 hours.
In short
- It is in the Big Almaty Gorge, Ile-Alatau National Park. People often confuse it with Medeu, which is in the next gorge over.
- The hike starts at the bus 28 terminus by GES-2. The staircase along the pipe is roughly 1.2 km long.
- The road itself runs almost level at 1,900-1,950 metres, with views of Kokshokty and Kaskabas peaks.
- Plan half a day for the whole trip, including the bus, the climb and the way back.
- The south-facing slope gets hot in summer, so start in the morning. After winter snowfalls the slopes above the road are dangerous.
How to get to the Japanese Road from Almaty
Bus 28 runs from the First President's Park along Al-Farabi Avenue to its last stop by GES-2 in the Big Almaty Gorge. A taxi goes to the same spot, and the stop is listed under that name in ride-hailing apps. You don't need transport beyond it: from the stop the pipe climbs the slope, with a steel staircase and handrails beside it.
Check the bus schedule and drop-off point on the day. The hiking start at GES-2 and the e-bike group meeting point may differ: your guide sends the tour meeting point separately. Transfer is not included. Travel to the start yourself by taxi or public transport. We send you the starting point before the ride.
Japanese Road route, section by section
-
From the GES-2 stop, walk to the staircase beside the pipe. This is the start of the hike, not the e-bike departure point.
-
Climb the stairs with handrails. The staircase is about 1.2 km long and has roughly 3,000 steps. This is the strenuous section; pause and drink water in hot weather.
-
The almost level road begins by the old cable-car house with a large steel drum. Follow the slope, taking account of the condition of narrow sections. You will pass old maintenance tunnels for the pipe; do not enter them.
-
Return by the same staircase or by the road, which runs about 5 km back to the bus. That distance describes the return section, not the whole hike. At an easy pace, allow half a day for the climb, walk and descent.
Looking down the staircase beside the pipe: the photo shows the gradient of the hiking approach
Japanese Road access and season
The surface underfoot changes along the route. The staircase is metal and the steps get slippery after rain. The road itself is dirt, and in places the ledge is cut straight into the rock. You can't drive up it: rockfalls have narrowed some sections so much that a jeep will not fit.
Before an independent hike, check the forecast and Ile-Alatau National Park announcements. Fire risk can lead to temporary restrictions. This route description does not confirm that every section is accessible on your travel date. For a tour, the guide checks the route conditions and access for your date before confirming the departure.
In summer the south-facing slope is hot by midday, and there is almost no shade on the stairs or the road, so hikers start in the morning. Take care on slippery steps after rain. After winter snowfalls the slopes above the road are dangerous, and it is better not to go on those days.
How much time to allow and what to bring
Half a day for the hike and about 3 hours for the guided tour refer to different programmes. Do not use the riding time to plan an independent hike. Your pace on the stairs depends on fitness and weather; leave time to descend in daylight.
For the hike, bring shoes with a grippy sole, water and a snack. A hat and sun protection help on the exposed slope, and a windproof layer is useful when stopping in cool weather. Charge your phone and save the route for offline use. On a tour, the team provides the bike and protective gear; bring weather-appropriate clothing and your own water.
Why it's called the Japanese Road
Local accounts connect the road's name with Japanese internees and construction of the hydropower cascade. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs documents their presence and work in the country after the Second World War, but we found no accessible archival record establishing when or by whom this particular road was built. The Japanese Road and the Japanese Trail are two names for the same place.
The e-bike tour: what it looks like
If the staircase doesn't appeal, you can ride up the old dirt track. We turn onto it just above the eco post on the road to Big Almaty Lake, then climb over rocks and narrow ledges with rock on one side and the slope on the other. An electric bike suits it well: it crawls slowly and quietly, there is no clutch to burn, and when you stop you hear the river.
We finish at the top, where the pipe ends, and have tea on the roof of the old cable-car house looking down the gorge. The Japanese Road e-bike tour takes about 3 hours and costs 30,000 tenge, with the base bike, gear and guide included. Transfer is not included. Travel to the start yourself by taxi or public transport. We send you the starting point before the ride. No motorcycle experience is needed and the route is rated 2 out of 10. We don't hand bikes out to ride alone: we go together, and the guide shows you where to carry speed and where to crawl.
xBike participants during a stop in the mountains
For riders who already have enduro experience there is a harder option: an unusual descent toward the Kok-Zhailau trailhead. It is not for beginners. If that is you, tell the guide when you book.
Choose a date for the Japanese Road tour
This route is already selected in the form. Enter your preferred date; the team will confirm access, the meeting point and bike availability.
FAQ
Where is the Japanese Road in Almaty? In the Big Almaty Gorge, on the slope above GES-2, in Ile-Alatau National Park. Not in Medeu, which is in the neighbouring Small Almaty Gorge.
How do I get to the Japanese Road? Take bus 28 to its last stop by GES-2, or a taxi to the same place, then climb the stairs along the pipe. With us, you ride up the dirt track from the eco post on the road to Big Almaty Lake.
Can I drive to the Japanese Road? No. Rockfalls have narrowed the road so much that a jeep will not fit. Hikers climb the staircase from GES-2; on a guided e-bike tour you ride up the dirt track from the eco post.
How many steps are there? About 3,000 on the staircase along the pipe. The road at the top has no steps and is almost level.
How high is the Japanese Road? About 1,900-1,950 metres above sea level.
How long does the hike take? Climbing the stairs, walking the road and going back down to the bus takes half a day at an easy pace. The guided e-bike tour is about 3 hours.
Is the Japanese Road open now? Check the forecast and park announcements before hiking: access can change with weather and fire risk. For a tour, the guide confirms conditions for your chosen date. The route cannot be promised to remain accessible at all times.
What should I bring to the Japanese Road? For the hike, bring shoes with grip, water, a snack and weather-appropriate clothing. Save the route on your phone in advance. xBike provides the bike and protective gear for the tour.
Who built the Japanese Road? Local accounts connect it with Japanese internees. The Foreign Ministry documents their work in Kazakhstan, but we found no archival record identifying the builders of this particular road.
Are the Japanese Road and the Japanese Trail the same place? Yes, both names refer to the same place above GES-2.
How much is the Japanese Road tour? The Japanese Road tour is 30,000 tenge per person, with the base bike, guide and full gear included. Transfer is not included. Travel to the start yourself by taxi or public transport. We send you the starting point before the ride.
