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Duration 17 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Russian
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
★★★★★5.0/58 reviews
★★★★★5
CW
Clara Whitmore
September 14, 2025
Solo
This was one of the most visually impressive day trips I did from Almaty. The route through Turgen Gorge was beautiful from the start, but once we reached the Assy Plateau the landscape opened up in a completely different way. The wide alpine meadows, the sense of space, and the observatory high above everything made the trip feel really special. Issyk Lake was a perfect final stop — calmer, cooler, and incredibly photogenic. The whole day felt very well balanced for people who enjoy scenery and photography.
★★★★★5
EN
Ethan Navarro
August 16, 2025
Couple
A fantastic trip with a lot of variety in just one day. We liked that this was not only about one destination, but a full route with changing landscapes. Turgen Gorge felt green and fresh, Assy Plateau was wide and dramatic, and the observatory gave the day a very unusual highlight. Then Issyk Lake added a softer and more peaceful ending. If someone wants a scenic road trip from Almaty with great photo stops, this is a very strong choice.
★★★★★5
MS
Marina Solberg
July 18, 2025
Friends
We had an amazing time on this tour. The drive itself was part of the experience because the scenery kept changing all day. Assy Plateau was probably my favorite part — it felt huge, open, and almost untouched. The observatory added something unexpected and memorable, and the stop at Issyk Lake later in the day was absolutely worth it. The route felt thoughtful and never repetitive.
★★★★★5
JM
Julian Mercer
June 12, 2025
Business
I joined this trip during a work visit to Almaty and honestly did not expect it to be such a highlight. What stood out most was the contrast between the different places. Turgen Gorge had that mountain-road charm, Assy Plateau felt expansive and cinematic, and Issyk Lake was quiet and striking in a completely different way. The itinerary was clearly built with scenery and timing in mind, especially for photography. A very rewarding day outside the city.
★★★★★5
SL
Sofía Lindström
May 11, 2025
Couple
This tour was beautiful from start to finish. The off-road drive toward Assy Plateau made the day feel more adventurous, and once we arrived the views were stunning. I loved the sense of scale there — so much open land, mountain air, and silence. Issyk Lake was also lovely and gave the day a more peaceful, reflective mood after the plateau. It felt like seeing two very different sides of nature near Almaty in one trip.
Detailed itinerary
09:00
Pick-up and trip to Turgen Gorge
10:30
Off-road trip to Assy Plateau, several stops for the photo
12:30
Observatory of Assy, enjoying the view, photographing
14:00
Lunch (not included, but provided at a local cafe and paid by tourists)
15:00
Trip to Issyk Lake
16:00
Issyk Lake
17:00
Way back to Almaty
19:00
Drop-off
Highlights
•Turgen Gorge
•Assy Plateau
•Observatory of Assy
•Issyk Lake
Full description
•This tour takes you through the scenic Turgen Gorge to the high-mountain Assy
•Plateau, where you’ll visit an observatory at 2750 meters and see alpine
•meadows. You’ll also visit the beautiful Issyk Lake, formed thousands of years
Includes
✓Guide service
✓Transportation along the route
✓Main itinerary stops
✓Basic trip coordination
Not suitable for
•Pregnant women
•People with back problems
•Wheelchair users
Meeting point
and trip to Turgen Gorge
Important information
Know before you go
•Bring your passport or ID card
•Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
•Cash is useful for personal purchases outside the program
•Mobile signal may be unstable in remote locations
Clear answers, policies, and travel recommendations.
Which vehicles are used during the tour?
For groups of up to 6 travelers, we use reliable off-road SUVs such as Toyota Tundra, Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Patrol. For larger groups (7+ people), we provide specially prepared off-road vans and minibuses, including Dodge Caravan, Hyundai Starex and Mitsubishi Rosa, ensuring comfort and safety on all routes.
Is internet access available during the trip?
Mobile internet coverage depends on the region and terrain. However, our team is always available — you can contact our managers 24/7, including weekends and nighttime, or visit our office for a personal consultation.
Can I go horseback riding during the tour?
Yes! We offer a flexible and personalized approach to every traveler. Horseback riding can be included upon request, depending on the selected route and season.
Is vegetarian or special food available?
Absolutely. Vegetarian meals and other dietary preferences can be arranged — just let us know in advance.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, our tours are family-friendly and suitable for children. We adapt routes and activities to ensure comfort and safety for travelers of all ages.
Can I download the tour route?
Yes. We provide an interactive digital map with all key locations and attractions included in your tour itinerary.
I’m traveling solo — can I join a group?
Of course. We can include solo travelers in existing group tours or arrange participation in a private tour, subject to availability and group consent.
How does payment work?
We accept bank transfers, cryptocurrency, and secure online payment methods for your convenience.
Can I customize or change the tour program?
Yes. Our tours are flexible, and changes to the itinerary are possible upon request.
