Issyk Lake & Bear Waterfall, Almaty: A Journey into Ile-Alatau National Park's Pristine Nature
5.0
8 Ratings
Rakhat
Embark on a journey into the pristine nature of Ile-Alatau National Park in Almaty. Explore Issyk Lake and Bear Waterfall, hike through Turgen Gorge, visit the Golden Man archaeological museum, and enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch at a local trout farm.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum - The museum is located on a territory of ancient Saka people’s burial mounds. The most famous finding from here was a burial of a Golden Man, a warrior dressed in traditional armor with battle equipments and 4000 pure gold ornaments. It is supposed that skeleton belongs to a young Saka (Scythian) prince or princess.
So called, The Golden Man, became the national symbol of Kazakhstan
- Turgen Waterfalls - Beautiful Turgen Gorge is one of the few mountain gorges near Almaty. Ever green trees, fast rivers, rocks and cliffs - create local landscape. There are few waterfalls hiding in the forest. One of them is Bear waterfall - the most accessible. You can reach it in 40 minutes walking on easy trail and observing surrounding beauty.
- Lake Issyk - Issyk Lake is one of the two mountain lakes that are accessible to visit within an hour drive from Almaty. It is located up in the picturesque mountain gorge with crystal clear river flowing along.
The place is great to relax and enjoy the views of the surrounding peaks. You can leisurely walk around to the river mouth that feeds the lake with cool water from the alpine glaciers.
During the summer season a boat ride on the lake is available.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Snacks
Additional Information
Issyk and Turgen Gorges are one of the key and most comfortable destinations to travel from Almaty. The one-way drive will take no more than 1.5 hour from the city.
Amazing views of the Ile-Alatau National Park from Turgen Gorge side are more pristine and pure because of the remoteness from big city. Here you will enjoy a nice and easy hike to the Bear waterfall.
Lake Issyk is a perfect place to peacefully rest, surrounded by rich mountain nature. The combination of evergreen forests, fresh clear water and snowy peaks makes this place delightful.
There is not only pristine nature with the rough waterfall and mountain lake but also the unique Golden Man (ancient warrior found in this area) archeological museum on the way.
There is also a local trout farm where you can have a nice outdoor lunch during the tour.
This tour is one of the well balanced activities that you can have in Almaty surroundings. It doesn’t require long car journeys and can be conveniently done as a day trip.
Location
Issyk State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum
Aleksandrovka highway, 6.6 km. Building 2
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(8 Ratings)
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J8608pl_
Nov 26, 2023
非常によい旅ができた．Very good trip. - アルマティ市内の，大聖堂の横のホテルに宿泊しました．当日朝はガイドのヌルスルタンさんが迎えに来てくれて，博物館，Issyk湖，Bear滝に案内してくれました．会話は英語ですが，非常にわかりやすい英語を話してくれるので内容の理解は全く困りません．歴史的な知識も豊富なので，移動中にカザフスタンのことをいろいろ聞くことができました．カザフスタンのこと（宗教，言語など）を聞けたのが，一番よかったです．滝に向かう山は絶景です．ヌルスルタンさんは非常にフレンドリーなので，このツアーを選んだら，絶対によい旅ができると思います．すごくお勧めです．
We stayed at a hotel next to the cathedral in Almaty. On the morning of the tour, our guide Nur Sultan picked us up and took us to the museum, Lake Issyk, and Bear Falls. The conversation was in English, but he spoke very clear English, so we had no trouble understanding what he said. He has a wealth of historical knowledge, so I was able to ask him many questions about Kazakhstan during the tour. The best part of the tour was that we could hear about Kazakhstan (religion, language, etc.). The mountains leading to the waterfalls are spectacular. Mr. Nursultan is very friendly, so if you choose this tour, I am sure you will have a good trip. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adithya_s
Jun 28, 2023
Wonderful guide and location - Amazing locations. Bahtiyar was an amazing guide. He stopped at places where we wanted to take photos and never hesitated once. Very knowledgeable person.
Review provided by Viator
Wonseok_n
May 12, 2023
Breathtaking view from the lake and the mountain - Issyk lake and bear waterfall are not as big as other more well known destinations in Almaty region such as Kolsay but they are definitely worth to visit and easier to do so, since they are nearer. Our guide, Nursultan was so knowledgeable and friendly and it was nice to hear stories from him about the places that we visited as well as Kazakhstan in general. He brought a tea set for us to have a small picnic by the lake side, how wonderful was that! Highly recommended if you have already been to those well known destinations around Almaty or if you wish to visit somewhere a bit nearer to Almaty!
Review provided by Viator
Jaineashworth
May 3, 2023
Fantastic day! - We had a fabulous time time on this tour. The guide, Nursultan was fantastic- he was interesting, gave us lots of information about everywhere we went and was friendly and helpful. We loved the scenery - it was breathtaking. It was the highlight of our stay in Kazakhstan and I would 100% recommend this tour to others. A brilliant day out!
Review provided by Viator
Supatrak2023
May 1, 2023
One day for outdoor hiking/amazing historic explore. - I booked the tour before leaving my country. I didn't expect much but I just want to do some sightseeing aftr my business trip. My guide, Nul-sultan is very nice and polite. He picked me up at my hotel. He brought the tea kit so we could have hot tea at the lake. He was very patient because I was slow when hiking. He took a very good care of me as a client. I had a wonderful time to see amzing views and learn about the discovery of the Goldenman.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maradi59
Oct 3, 2022
Great outdoor experience - Loved the entire experience. Great guide and lots to see and explore. The waterfall was amazing and the scenery is just stunning my guide Nursultan was very kind, knowledgeable and passionate. I learnt so much from him
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edward
Aug 21, 2022
The definitive tour guide for your Almaty experience - Neomad gave us the tour of a lifetime! Nursultan was so wonderful, his passion for the region, it’s history, and it’s culture was clear and came through so clearly in his work during our trip.
I really appreciated how communicative and accommodating he was for us, reaching out beforehand to make sure we were clear on a pick up time and location. He had no problem with us stopping to pick up extra food along the way to Issyk, and was quite friendly during the drive. When we arrived at the Golden Man museum, he was happy to translate the museum curator’s explanation of the various exhibits and even discuss the history of the Kurgans and Scythian culture with us further.
He didn’t rush us at at all at Issyk gorge, gave us plenty of time to take pictures and explore the park. When we arrived at the Falls, he even prepared tea that he had brought for us to relax and enjoy the view. He also helped us find authentic homemade Kumys to enjoy on the ride back.
I cannot recommend Neomad highly enough. Travelers will get their moneys’ worth and far more, and enjoy the company of a fantastic guide who will add so much more to their adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Georginatar
Aug 17, 2019
Wonderful time at the Turgen waterfalls - I had a wonderful time on this trip with a very friendly and well prepared english speaking touristguide :) After a little hiking you can reach the waterfall, what is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places I have ever visited. After that a little visit at the Ostrich farm and in the Golden Man museum, this way the trip is a perfect combination of the beautiful nature, a little culture, and fun with animals.
I would highly recommend this trip to everyone who want to enjoy her/his time not far from Almaty. :)
Have fun at this cool place!
Best wishes from a hungarian tourist :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
