Almaty - Scythian open air museum - Issyk Lake - Turgen falls
Archeological Museum of Local Lore - Start driving from Almaty in the direction of Turgen mountain gorge, by famous Kuldja Road - a part of the ancient Silk Way. Our first stop is a Scythian cultural open-air museum in Issyk town.
The museum is located in the centre of the King’s valley famous for its giant burials of ancient rulers and warriors of Saki tribes (IX – III BC). One of the burials is excavated and is open for the visitors so that everyone could see how people like a famous Golden Man (symbol of Kazakhstan) were living. Excursion by the museum and a King’s Valley takes 45 minutes.
Lake Issyk - After a museum visit, we move further up - to the highlands of Northern Tien Shan. Our next stop is a famous Issyk Lake, surrounded by impressive mountains and dense spruce forest.
Here at a lakeshore we will take a lunch with stunning views.
Turgenskiy Medvezhiy Waterfall - It’s time to leave a hospitable Issyk gorge and move to another famous one - Turgen gorge.
There are 15 kilometres more to the east from Issyk, and you enter huge Turgen ravine. Turgen is one of the most beautiful places in Zailisky range. While you’re moving further by the road that stretches deep into the canyon along the overflowing Turgen River, you feast your eyes on the richness of the luxuriant vegetation. Here, in the beginning of the gorge, a well-known rainbow trout farm is located.
Turgen valley is also known for its waterfalls: there are 7 big falls in this area but 2 of them are definitely “must visit” places: a Bear waterfall is 30 meters tall and located a height of 1450m ASL, and Kairak waterfall – the gem of Turgen collection.
So, we will not miss a chance and take a guided hike to the Bear waterfall (1.5 hours).
Turgenskoye Gorge - By the end of the day we arrive in the upper reaches of Turgen gorge and accommodate at Trekking Club campsite, which will become your unforgettable “glamping” experience!
What is a camp about?
Our camp is a huge forest “island”, fenced off from civilization by a turbulent river on the one hand and the slopes of the Assy plateau on the other. It really is an island! Cars remain in the parking lot on the shore, and you can get to us only by crossing the suspension bridge, the idea of which we spied on in Nepal. The camp became a finalist of Sustainable Destinations TOP 100 by Green Destinations, and can proudly say that it remains the most environmentally friendly tourist destination in Kazakhstan.
Accommodation is provided in big two-room safari-styled tents with lighting, beds, wicker furniture and a canopy.
In such a lovely place we take a dinner (riverside buffet in a big canteen tent), take hot shower and stay overnight - surrounded by high mountains and wild nature.
- Drinking water
- Private transportation
- Scythe museum tickets
- 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners
- Lunch
- National Park’s and Assy Reserve entry fees and permissions
- Private guiding
- Accommodation at a Trekking Club campsite, 2 nights
- Menu does not include soft/alcohol drinks, snacks
- Rent of personal clothes/shoes, personal hygienic set etc.
- Personal expenses like telephone calls, souvenirs etc.
- Scythian sauna at a camp (by request)
Embark on a thrilling three-day trip to the Nomad’s Homeland. Seize this exclusive chance to experience the untamed wilderness of the Northern Tian Shan ranges, immerse yourself in the daily lives of Kazakh nomads and discover the renowned Turgen waterfalls, while gaining insight into Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture. Plus, you have a fabulous opportunity to experience genuine glamping, with two nights spent at our Trekking Club camp in Turgen, recognized in 2019 as one of the world’s most eco-friendly destinations. The tour encompasses delightful waterfall excursions, together with picnics by the shore of Issyk lake and on the Assy Plateau.
If you cancel at least 4 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
