• Lake Issyk - ssyk (or Isik- another name for the lake, translated as “a door” from Kazakh) is a picturesque, alpine lake surrounded by unusually beautiful nature of thick forests and spacious flower fields. The lake is located at an altitude of 1760 meters above sea level, in the Issyk gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau, about 70 km east of Almaty.

Geologically, the lake was formed 8000 years ago as a result of a powerful rock avalanche, which later created a natural 300 m-high dam. The year of 1939 saw the beginning of active development of the lake territory, when a tarmac road, tourist center and bus station were quickly built. Dozens of thousands of Almaty residents and guests come there year round to relax in natural surroundings. The lake was so popular that even its photograph was printed in USSR’s tourist postcards and brochures.

However, in 1963, everything changed in a matter of hours. The glacial zone in the upper reaches of the Issyk River broke with a powerful mudflow whose huge waves destroyed the natural dam and emptied the lake for four hours. The official statistics claimed over a hundred people as a result of this tragedy.

A cross on a hillside near the lake was erected to commemorate the victims. The memory of the tragedy still makes the heart shrink even now. The young trees sprouted in the place once used to be the lake bottom, the ruins on the lower lakeside and huge boulders serve as a constant reminder of what has happened.

Today, the lake is restored, but its size is twice smaller than the previous one. The lake territory is very suitable for lovers of active mountain tourism, and everybody who wants to have a picnic in the weekends. The first can make a fascinating trek to the beautiful cliffs, named “the Kremlin walls”, while the latter may camp on the lakeside, enjoying the beauty, which opens before their eyes, and breathing the fresh mountain air.

• Turgen Waterfalls - Turgen gorge is located near Talgar, the satellite city of Almaty. From Almaty, it can be reached in about 1.5 hours, excluding traffic jams.

• Bottled water included
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• All fees and taxes covered

• Lunch

Experience the unspoiled splendor of the waterfalls at Turgen Mountain. This collection of falls will leave you awe-struck with their pure charm.

Tourists from across the globe flock to behold the crystalline blue waters of Issyk Lake and the majesty of Issyk Gorge. Along the lake’s edge, opportunities abound for picnicking or trekking to the towering cliffs of the “Kremlin Wall” encapsulating the lake.

Historic treasures were unearthed here when archaeological digs on the banks of the Issyk River led to the discovery of a Saki warrior. He was found dressed in armor and golden attire, which led to his moniker, the “Golden Man”.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.