Almaty - Turgen Gorge - Kairak Waterfall - Glamping

Turgenskoye Gorge - Starting early in the morning from Almaty city, the journey follows the motorway towards Turgen Ravine, passing through Issyk village. The main road leads through the renowned Turgen trout farm, and after a brief stop at the National Park entry gates, the drive continues up to Batan forestry where the asphalt road concludes.
Here, at the confluence of the Kishi-Turgen and Turgen rivers, the hiking portion of the tour begins. A well-maintained, wide path follows the Turgen stream: it was initially intended as a National Park road, but the main bridge in Batan was washed away by a mudflow, allowing everyone to enjoy a pleasant walk to the Big Kairak Waterfall!

Kairakskiy Waterfall - The distance from Batan to the waterfall is 8 kilometers, with no ascents, steep slopes, or dangerous points. The focus is on enjoying the stunning wild nature surrounding you – deep spruce groves (Schrenk spruce) adorned with endemic mossy grasses, ash-tree shrubs, vibrant meadows filled with flowers, dragonflies, and butterflies…
After crossing 11 old bridges, the path reaches the confluence of the Turgen and Kairak rivers, where a left turn leads to a 20-minute hike through the spruce grove, following the Kairak river. Even within the forest, the sound of falling water can be heard: Kairak Waterfall appears suddenly, just around the last corner.
The Kairak Waterfall is one of the largest in the region, with a height exceeding 55 meters (70 in total) and it never dries up. In the Kazakh language, its name is associated with a sharpener.
The journey to the waterfall takes 2.5-3 hours of walking. The return trip takes another 2 hours, so plan for a total of 5-6 hours of walking.

Turgenskoye Gorge - After the hike, the return to Batan leads to the private territory of the Trekking Club campsite, located by a riverbank.

Settle in at the campsite, enjoy a late lunch, and relax after the hike in hammocks in the forest.
Then, have dinner and stay overnight at the camp.

Jeep Tour by Assy Highland Plateau - Almaty

Plateau Assy - After breakfast at the camp, drive up through the gorge (real off-road!) to the Assy Plateau.
The road begins in the forest zone of Turgen Gorge and ascends through the thicket, which ends abruptly at a height of 2600 meters ASL, revealing a boundless green highland valley.
For thousands of years, Kazakh nomads have used the Assy Plateau as a summer pasture, and they remain there with their goats, sheep, horses, and white yurts. Enjoy the nomadic wonders: vast highlands filled with beautiful, happy animals, white beads of yurts scattered across the expansive plateau, shepherds accompanied by their loyal Tazy dogs, ancient Saki (Scythian) ruins and burial pyramids, Bronze Age rock carvings, and of course, wildlife.

After a picnic on the plateau with breathtaking views of the Tien Shan snow peaks and glaciers, a stop is made to see the Assy space observatory before driving back down to the camp.

Almaty - Following the tour of Assy Plateau, return to the camp, enjoy tea, and pack up.
Drive back to Almaty and drop off at your hotel.

• Drinking water
• Private transportation
• English-speaking private guiding
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Ile-Alatau National park’s entry fees and permissions
• Accommodation at a Trekking Club camp in Turgen Gorge, 1 night, double tents (sharing basis)

• Rent of personal clothes/shoes, hiking gear
• Personal expenses like souvenirs, calls etc.
• Menu does not include soft and alcohol drinks, snacks

This exclusive 2-day tour provides a harmonious blend of nature, cultural exploration, and cozy outdoor lodging in the Almaty region. The itinerary uniquely combines several experiences that are seldom offered together in such a concise program.

The tour features a hike to Kairak Waterfall in the Turgen Gorge and an extensive off-road adventure across the Assy Plateau. During the plateau visit, participants engage with local nomads in a traditional yurt, view ancient rock art, and explore Scythian burial mounds scattered throughout the highland terrain. The Assy astronomical observatory is also observed from the outside along the journey.

The adventure is rounded off with an overnight stay at a glamping camp at Trekking Club’s site in Turgen Gorge, which has been recognized as a finalist in the Green Destinations Top 100. Every aspect of the tour is organized as a cohesive package, ensuring travelers enjoy a well-planned and leisurely experience.

If you cancel at least 3 full 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.