Monakhov gorge
{{Short description |Canyon found in Kazakhstan}}
{{Multiple issues|{{peacock|date=January 2025}}}}
The Monakhovo Gorge (Kazakh: Монахов шатқалы) is a canyon in Kazakhstan. According to local sources, it was named by Orthodox monks who sought refuge there while fleeing the Soviet anti-religious campaigns in 1917. The caves and the church built by the monks were reportedly demolished when discovered by the Bolshevik authorities. Today, only a shallow corridor and a wooden cross remain at the entrance to the cave.{{cite web |title=Monakhovo Gorge, Almaty (Монахово ущелье) |url=https://www.tourister.ru/world/asia/kazakhstan/city/almaty/placeofinterest/28970 |website=tourister.ru |access-date=10 January 2025}}
Description
The Almaty State Reserve features several ecological trails that offer views of the Zailiysky Alatau mountain range. One of the most visited is the Monakhovo Gorge,{{cite web |title=Green Salvation Ecological Society - Almaty State Nature Reserve (Алматинский государственный природный заповедник - Зеленое спасение) |url=http://esgrs.org/?page_id=6049 |accessdate=2020-03-22 |website=esgrs.org}} which merges with the Right Talgar Gorge at an altitude of approximately 1400 m (4593 ft.). The Monakhovo Gorge is characterized by steep rock walls, caves, and waterfalls.{{Cite web |title=Monakhov gorge – Visit Almaty |url=https://visitalmaty.kz/en/monakhov-gorge/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |language=en-US}}
The Monashka River flows through the entire gorge, and its water is generally considered as safe drinking water. A hiking path follows the river through the gorge, ending at a two-cascade waterfall. Monakhovo Gorge is located in the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau, in the Maralsay Gorge, on the territory of the Almaty reserve.
Legend
The gorge has become a local pilgrimage site. According to local legend, some believe that a visit to the Monakhovo Gorge can spur enlightenment, purification of the soul, and energy rejuvenation.{{Cite web |title=MarsTour » Монахово Ущелье |url=https://www.marstour.kz/en/kazakhstan-tours/one-day-tour/monaxovo-ushhele/ |access-date=2025-01-26 |language=ru}}
Sources of information about the monument
- [https://www.dissercat.com/content/istoriya-izucheniya-petroglifov-kazakhstana Maryashev Monuments of Semirechye archeology and their use in excursions-Almaty, 2002]
References
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{{Coord|43|13|55.4|N|77|15|30.0|E|display=title}}