Almaty - Scythian Open Air Museum - Issyk Lake - Turgen Falls

Archaeological Museum of Local Lore - Begin the day with a morning pick-up in Almaty, then head east along the Trans-Ili mountain ridge via the Kuldja Road, a segment of the Silk Road. The first stop is a delightful museum dedicated to Saki (Scythian) culture, located at the entrance of Issyk town.

The museum is nestled in the heart of the King’s Valley, renowned for its massive burial sites of ancient Saki tribe rulers and warriors (9th – 3rd century BC). One of these burial sites has been excavated and is open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the burial practices of notable figures like the famous Golden Man, a symbol of Kazakhstan. A tour of the museum and King’s Valley lasts 45 minutes, after which the journey continues up the mountains to visit another attraction - the highland Issyk Lake.

Lake Issyk - Lake Issyk is a gem of the Trans-Ili Alatau ridge. Its water color varies with the seasons, ranging from steel gray to turquoise. The surrounding peaks reflect in the lake’s surface, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Turgenskiy Medvezhiy Waterfall - Depart the welcoming Issyk gorge and proceed to the renowned Turgen gorge. Located 15 kilometers east of Issyk, the expansive Turgen ravine is entered. Turgen is one of the most picturesque locations in the Zailisky Alatau range. As the road winds deeper into the canyon alongside the overflowing Turgen River, the lush vegetation is a feast for the eyes. At the gorge’s entrance, a well-known rainbow trout farm can be found.
Turgen Valley is also celebrated for its waterfalls: there are seven major falls in this area, with two being “must-visit” sites: the Bear Waterfall, standing 30 meters tall at an elevation of 1450m ASL, and Kairak Waterfall, the jewel of the Turgen collection.
A guided hike to the Bear Waterfall (1.5 hours) is a must.

Turgenskoye Gorge - Conclude the day by reaching the upper reaches of Turgen gorge and settling in at the Trekking Club campsite, promising an unforgettable “glamping” experience!
What is the camp about?
Our camp is a vast forest “island,” bordered by a rushing river on one side and the slopes of the Assy plateau on the other. It truly is an island! Vehicles remain parked on the shore, and access is only possible by crossing a suspension bridge, inspired by those in Nepal.
The camp was a finalist in the Sustainable Destinations TOP 100 by Green Destinations and proudly stands as the most eco-friendly tourist spot in Kazakhstan.
Accommodation is in spacious two-room safari-style tents with lighting and beds.
In this charming location, enjoy a riverside buffet dinner in a large canteen tent, take a hot shower, and spend the night surrounded by majestic mountains and untamed nature.

Jeep Tour by Assy Highland Plateau

Plateau Assy - After breakfast at the camp, embark on a drive up the gorge (true off-road!) to the Assy Plateau.
The journey begins in the forested zone of Turgen gorge, ascending through dense thickets that abruptly end at an elevation of 2600 meters ASL, revealing a vast green highland valley.
Kazakh nomads have used the Assy plateau for thousands of years as a summer pasture, and they continue to do so with their goats, sheep, horses, and white yurts. Delight in the nomadic wonders: expansive highlands teeming with joyful animals, white yurts scattered across the plateau, shepherds with their loyal Tazy dogs, ancient Saki (Scythian) ruins and burial pyramids, Bronze Age rock carvings, and abundant wildlife.
After a picnic on the plateau with stunning views of the Tien Shan snow peaks and glaciers, visit the Assy space observatory before returning to the camp.

Turgenskoye Gorge - At day’s end, return to the Turgen gorge and the beloved camp. Enjoy dinner and spend another night. Those inspired by the nomads can also experience a Scythian sauna, available at the camp.

Kairak Waterfall Hike - Almaty

Kairakskiy Waterfall - After breakfast at the camp, prepare for a walk!
The path begins at the confluence of the Kishi-Turgen and Turgen rivers. A well-maintained, wide trail follows the Turgen stream.
The total distance from Batan (starting point) to the waterfall is 8 kilometers, with no significant ascents or hazardous areas. Simply enjoy the stunning wild nature – deep Schrenk spruce groves carpeted with endemic mossy grasses, ash-tree shrubs, and vibrant meadows.
After crossing 11 old bridges, reach the confluence of the Turgen and Kairak rivers, then turn left and hike up for another 20 minutes.
The Kairak Waterfall is one of the largest in the region, standing 70 meters tall and never drying up.
The hike to the waterfall takes 2.5-3 hours. Typically, 30-40 minutes are spent near the waterfall for photos and lunch. The return journey takes another 2 hours, so plan for 5-6 hours of walking in total. After the hike, return to the camp for a late lunch.

Almaty - Following a late lunch at the camp, begin the drive back to Almaty (2 hours). Expect to arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon.

• Private transportation
• Accommodation at a Trekking Club campsite, 2 nights
• Private guiding
• Scythian museum (Issyk, King’s Valley) entry tickets
• Ile-Alatau National Park’s entry fees and permissions
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinking water

• 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)

This tour offers a remarkable chance to explore not only the finest natural wonders of the Almaty region but also to immerse yourself in the history, lifestyle, and culture of Kazakh nomads. Enjoy two nights of glamping under the starry mountain skies!

The itinerary includes a tour of the King’s Valley, featuring ancient Scythian burial mounds, including the site where the Golden Man, a symbol of Kazakhstan, was discovered. You’ll visit the highland lake Issyk and embark on hikes to the renowned waterfalls in the Turgen Gorge. Experience a 6-hour jeep tour of the Assy Plateau, where you’ll meet nomads, study rock paintings, and view the observatory.

Accommodation is provided at the Trekking Club camp in Turgen Gorge, which was a finalist in the TOP-100 Green Destination in 2019.

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.