logoAlga
LOCATIONKAZAKHSTAN

TAU ZHETYSU

Ekpendi / Tekeli44.84397°N78.65406°E

Upcoming Events

Tau Zhetysu Open

12–16August2026

XC Training Camp

3–7October2026

Pilot Community Weekend

9–14November2026

Tau Zhetysu Open

12–16August2026
Map

Built for Flying

Tau Zhetysu combines exceptional flying conditions, developed infrastructure, and international experience. It is one of the few flying sites where a hotel, restaurant, and several equipped take-off areas are located right next to the launch.

The site is known for strong thermal conditions, altitude gains of more than 3,000 metres, and cloud bases above 4,000 metres. A large and safe landing area, several take-offs with different orientations, and the possibility to fly from early morning until evening make Tau Zhetysu suitable for both developing and experienced pilots.

Pilot reviews

What pilots say about Tau Zhetysu

Real experiences from pilots who have flown Tau Zhetysu.
Verified pilot
Lennard Shubert
Germany
Our first visit to Kazakhstan came after a recommendation from friends we met through Accuracy competitions. We enjoyed the experience so much that we returned two years in a row, traveling all the way to Kazakhstan to compete in world-class Accuracy events, both in terms of organization and pilot level. In our third year, we decided to bring our students along and turn the trip into a proper paragliding adventure in Tekeli, Kazakhstan. Since then, this flyingside has become a yearly highlight for me. The trip combines our work as instructors with Accuracy competitions and, most importantly, plenty of airtime. From a paragliding perspective, Tekeli really has something for everyone. There are several takeoffs and large landing areas, while the flying conditions offer a wide range of possibilities. Beginners can enjoy their first training flights, while more experienced pilots can work on their first longer thermal flights. For advanced and competition pilots, the area offers great potential for long-distance flights and big triangles. But it is not only the flying that makes Tekeli special. The landscape is impressive, and the overall atmosphere has a unique vibe that you simply don't find at every flying site anymore. The hotel is located directly at the takeoff, so you can make the most of every opportunity to get in the air without long transfers or complicated logistics. The conditions are generally very reliable. So, if you're looking for a combination of reliable flying, beautiful landscapes, great people and a bit of adventure, Tekeli is definitely worth a visit.
Great for progression

3 visits

Verified pilot
Sunith Rao
India
I really enjoyed flying at Tekeli. The lower takeoff is incredibly convenient, being located right next to the hotel, and the landing field is large and beginner-friendly. There are a few wires to be aware of, but with some wind, the site offers great opportunities for long soaring flights. The upper takeoff is also easily accessible by jeep and is a great spot for thermalling and shorter XC flights. While it may not be the ideal site for big XC adventures, one of its biggest advantages is the lack of air traffic. This makes it a particularly comfortable place for pilots who are newer to XC flying, especially compared to some of the more crowded flying sites. Beyond the flying itself, the warmth and friendliness of the local Kazakh people really stood out to me. David was also incredibly helpful with organising logistics throughout the trip, which made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. Overall, Tekeli is a really nice place to fly, particularly for pilots looking for a combination of goo
Competition ready
Verified pilot
Roshan Lobo
India
Tekeli was honestly one of the most impressive flying destinations I’ve experienced. The combination of reliable thermals, huge XC potential, beautiful terrain, and safe landing options makes it a fantastic site for both experienced XC pilots and pilots looking to improve their flying. Bringing a group of Indian pilots there was a great experience. You and your team were extremely welcoming and helpful throughout the trip, and the local support made everything from flying to logistics very smooth. We’d definitely love to come back! 🪂🇰🇿
Competition ready
Verified pilot
Rinat Sabitov
Russia
This is already our second time coming to Tekeli with our students for flying. We first came here last year, and that was when we fell in love with the place at first sight. I immediately knew we would keep coming back to the Tau Zhetysu base again and again. And for good reason: this place offers a unique combination of excellent conditions for cross-country flying and pilot training, together with comfortable accommodation in hotel rooms located right next to the take-off area. And the food here is fantastic! You can even relax in the swimming pool between flights. As I’m writing this, I already want to come back again :)
Competition ready

3 visits

Verified pilot
Alexey Tarasov
Russia
Tau-Zhetysu is a very interesting place for paragliding, combining mountain and flatland conditions. There are few places where you can walk out of your hotel, go a few hundred meters, and find yourself at a paragliding launch. Tau makes that possible! On the very same day you can fly your paraglider over a hotel with a swimming pool and then take a dip in that pool. And if there's no flying, you won't be bored: you can go trekking in the mountains, take a trip to the neighboring Koksu Gorge, go horseback riding... Kazakh hospitality leaves no one indifferent!
Great for progression

Location • Maps • Navigation

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Tau Zhetysu Route
Distance256 km

Common Questions

1Where is the flying site located and how do I get there?
The 18th FAI European Paragliding Championship concluded in Kruševo after nine tasks ranging from 68 to 104 km. Slovenia’s Tilen Ceglar became European Champion, while Anna Berger of North Macedonia won the women’s category. Slovenia also secured first place in the team ranking.
2What are the coordinates of the take-off and landing areas?
The 18th FAI European Paragliding Championship concluded in Kruševo after nine tasks ranging from 68 to 104 km. Slovenia’s Tilen Ceglar became European Champion, while Anna Berger of North Macedonia won the women’s category. Slovenia also secured first place in the team ranking.
3How many take-off areas are available and which wind directions work?
The 18th FAI European Paragliding Championship concluded in Kruševo after nine tasks ranging from 68 to 104 km. Slovenia’s Tilen Ceglar became European Champion, while Anna Berger of North Macedonia won the women’s category. Slovenia also secured first place in the team ranking.
PILOT BRIEFING

Flight rules and guidelines for pilots

Flight safety in the Alga club flying zone (Tau Zhetysu) is our top priority. Please carefully review the local restrictions, weather limits, and right-of-way rules before heading to launch.

Weather Conditions & Minimums

Weather limits for safe ridge soaring
Max. wind speed7-8 m/s
Safe wind directionNW, N, NE
Thermal danger12:00 to 16:00

Flight Zones & Restrictions

Vertical boundaries and landing approach sectors
Ekpendi launch (elevation)1800 m
Landing zone1000 m
Alga airspaceClass G (up to 4500m)

Right-of-Way Rules

FAI international standards for pilots in the air
Head-on priorityturn right
In thermals (circling)first pilot sets direction
Overtaking distanceat least 50 meters

Pre-Flight Checklist

Mandatory equipment check before takeoff
Reserve parachuterepack < 6 months
Carabiners & bucklescheck before every launch
Radio (frequency)145.450 MHz
About project

History of the project Tau Zhetysu

Tau Zhetysu grew out of a love for the mountains, flying, and a desire to develop paragliding in Kazakhstan.

The project was founded by Igor Virshki near the town of Tekeli, at the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau. For more than 15 years, the Virshki family has been involved in the development of paragliding and extreme sports in Kazakhstan. Over time, Tau Zhetysu evolved from a local outdoor destination into one of the country’s best-known paragliding sites, attracting pilots from different parts of the world.

An important part of the project’s history has been the development of competitive flying. In 2019, Ekpendi hosted a test event ahead of the FAI Asian Paragliding Accuracy Championship, bringing together international athletes. In the following years, the region continued to host national and international competitions.

Another major milestone came with international recognition of the flying potential around Tekeli. In 2024, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale approved the area to host the 3rd Asian-Oceanic Paragliding Cross-Country Championship. The event was organized by Alga Paragliding Club with the support of the Kazakhstan Air Sports Federation.

In 2026, Tau Zhetysu became part of another important chapter in the region’s flying history when the first Paragliding World Cup in Central Asia was held here. Around 150 pilots from 33 countries took part. For David Virshki, who grew up in the area and learned to fly on these slopes, hosting a world-level competition at his home site marked the realization of a long-standing dream.

Today, Tau Zhetysu continues to grow as an international flying destination, combining the natural conditions of Zhetysu, pilot-focused infrastructure, competition experience, and a community of people for whom flying is more than a sport — it is a way of life.

2019International FAI test event
2024Tekeli approved to host the Asian-Oceanic Championship
2025Pre-World Cup / test event
2026First Paragliding World Cup in Central Asia

Base coordinates and ways to reach us

Learn about weather conditions, transfer schedules, and flight rules. Our team is available every day — we'll help you plan your flight.
Phone+7 700 123 45 67Hotline for pilots and flight bookings
Emailfly@tauzhetysu.kzFlight requests, partnerships, and festival participation
LOCATIONZhetysu Region, KazakhstanTekeli Foothills, Dzungarian Alatau
WORKING HOURSDaily 08:00 – 20:00Time zone: UTC+5 (Astana time)
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