Almaty - Turgen Gorge - Kairak Waterfall - Glamping

Turgenskoye Gorge - Starting early in the morning from Almaty city, the journey follows the motorway towards Turgen Ravine, passing through Issyk village. The main road leads through the renowned Turgen trout farm, and after a brief stop at the National Park entry gates, the drive continues up to Batan forestry where the asphalt road concludes.
Here, at the confluence of the Kishi-Turgen and Turgen rivers, the hiking portion of the tour begins. A well-maintained, wide path follows the Turgen stream: it was initially intended as a National Park road, but the main bridge in Batan was washed away by a mudflow, allowing everyone to enjoy a pleasant walk to the Big Kairak Waterfall!

Kairakskiy Waterfall - The distance from Batan to the waterfall is 8 kilometers, with no ascents, steep slopes, or dangerous points. The focus is on enjoying the stunning wild nature surrounding you – deep spruce groves (Schrenk spruce) adorned with endemic mossy grasses, ash-tree shrubs, vibrant meadows filled with flowers, dragonflies, and butterflies…
After crossing 11 old bridges, the path reaches the confluence of the Turgen and Kairak rivers, where a left turn leads to a 20-minute hike through the spruce grove, following the Kairak river. Even within the forest, the sound of the falling water is audible: Kairak Waterfall appears suddenly, just around the last corner.
The Kairak Waterfall is one of the largest in the region, with a height exceeding 55 meters (70 in total) and it never dries up. In the Kazakh language, its name is associated with a sharpener.
The journey to the waterfall takes 2.5-3 hours of walking. The return trip takes another 2 hours, so plan for a total of 5-6 hours of walking.

Jeep Tour by Assy Highland Plateau - Almaty

Plateau Assy - After breakfast at the camp, the drive continues up the gorge (real off-road!) to the Assy Plateau.
The road begins in the forest zone of Turgen Gorge and ascends through the thicket, which suddenly ends at an elevation of 2600 meters ASL, revealing a boundless green highland valley.
Kazakh nomads have used the Assy Plateau for thousands of years as a summer pasture, and they remain there with their goats, sheep, horses, and white yurts. Enjoy the nomadic wonders: vast highlands filled with beautiful, happy animals, white beads of yurts scattered across the expansive plateau, shepherds accompanied by their loyal Tazy dogs, ancient Saki (Scythian) ruins and burial pyramids, Bronze Age rock carvings, and of course, wildlife.

After a picnic on the plateau with breathtaking views of the Tien Shan snow peaks and glaciers, a stop is made to see the Assy space observatory before driving back down to the camp.

Almaty - Following the tour of Assy Plateau, the return to the camp includes tea and packing.
The drive back to Almaty concludes with a drop-off at your hotel.

• Drinking water
• Private transportation
• English-speaking private guiding
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Ile-Alatau National park’s entry fees and permissions
• Accommodation at a Trekking Club camp in Turgen Gorge, 1 night, double tents (sharing basis)

• Rent of personal clothes/shoes, hiking gear
• Personal expenses like souvenirs, calls etc.
• Menu does not include soft and alcohol drinks, snacks

The tour offers an excellent chance to explore the renowned natural wonders of the Almaty region and learn about the history, lifestyle, and culture of Kazakh nomads—all within a weekend! The itinerary includes a hike to Kairak, the largest waterfall in Turgen Gorge. Additionally, there is a 6-hour jeep tour of the Assy Plateau, where participants will meet nomads, examine rock paintings, and visit the observatory. The experience also includes a night in glamping style 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.