Meet your guide and driver in the lobby of your Almaty hotel to begin the daylong outing. Depart Almaty for Issyk Lake, along a route that twists through the picturesque mountains of Issyk Canyon (75km, 1.5hrs). As you travel, your guide will share fascinating information about the region, including details of the 1963 Issyk Lake disaster that forever changed the course of the lake and the area’s inhabitants.
Stop along the way at Issyk Kurgan to marvel at the tomb of the Golden Man (6th-3rd centuries BC), which has become the main symbol of Kazakhstan’s rich and mysterious nomadic history.
Upon arrival to Issyk Lake (1750m above sea level), you’ll have some free time to walk around and relax on its peaceful shores. Admire the steep red-faced cliffs encircling the lake, which climb to 120 meters in height and have been dubbed the “Kremlin Wall”.
Drive to Turgen Gorge (35km, 45min), where you’ll stop for a picnic lunch. Continue on to Boten, the most popular spot in Turgen Gorge where three rivers converge to form the deepest corner of the canyon. From Boten you’ll take a short hike to Bear Waterfall (Medvezhye Waterfall), which drops 30 meters into the turbulent Turgen River.
Return to meet your driver and head back to Almaty for drop-off at your hotel. End of Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Tour.
Tour duration: 9-10 hours
Note: This tour is available from April to October.
Price includes:
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.