Kezilaxia Waterfall

Kezilaxia Waterfall

Kezilaxia Waterfall

Kezilaxia Waterfall is located in a deep mountain valley on the east side of National Highway 217 (Dushanzi–Kuqa Highway), about 10 kilometers east of the Nalati Scenic Area.

After visiting the Sky-Viewing Cave, continue for another 6 kilometers to reach Kezilaxia Waterfall. The waterfall has a drop of over 10 meters and a width of several meters. It is formed by numerous trickling streams from the mountaintop converging at a rugged peak, among small pines, weeds, and moss, forcing their way through a gap in the ridge before cascading down. The water plunges into a deep pool, creating a deafening roar. Visitors looking up from the bottom of the pool can see a breathtaking scene of falling blossoms and endless blue waters stretching into the sky. Legend has it that during Genghis Khan’s western campaign, the family and guards of his third son, Tolui, arrived here on horseback. On that day, the scorching sun made the journey unbearable—the soldiers were thirsty and exhausted, their horses fatigued, and everyone drenched in sweat. Suddenly, they spotted this waterfall, its cool mist a refreshing sight. Immediately, the women and servants rushed down to bathe in the pool. The soldiers, unwilling to wait their turn, began stripping off their armor and pouring into the pool. Tolui, furious at the scene, lashed his whip and declared, “Men, bathe at the mountaintop; the ladies shall bathe here.” (In Kazakh, “Kez” means “lady” or “girl.”) Hence, the waterfall was named Kezilaxia, meaning “Ladies’ Waterfall.”