Hiking Tour to Ayusai: Young Scientists from KazNU and Xinjiang University Strengthen Academic Cooperation in the Mountains of Almaty

On June 29, 2025, as part of the Summer School program, a one-day hiking tour was organized for young scientists from the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Xinjiang University (PRC) to the picturesque Ayusai Waterfall in the Greater Almaty Gorge. The event was organized by the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism of KazNU.

During the tour, participants visited the Ayusai Visit Center, where they learned about the local ecosystem, biodiversity, and modern approaches to sustainable ecotourism. The hiking route stretched approximately 8 kilometers, passing along a scenic traverse and crossing a mountain pass near the dam, offering breathtaking views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains.

The organization and technical support of the hiking tour were provided by the staff of the Remote Sensing Center of the Kazakhstan-China Joint Laboratory, ensuring safety and professional guidance throughout the journey.

This outdoor event not only fostered international academic collaboration but also served as an effective platform for integrating academic tourism, environmental education, and intercultural exchange in a natural setting.