Assy Plateau and Turgen gorge private day tour
Tour overview
Let’s to to the Roof of the World, as one of my guests said. Assy Plateu is one of the places which many tourists visiting Kazakhstan find realy uniue and essense of Almaty region. It is how Kazakhstan ideally should look like in some movie.
Interesting places you will visit during the tour:
- Turgen Gorge and Turgen River
- Assy Plateau
- Astronomical Observatory of Assy
- Issyk Lake on request
Location. The Assy Plateau is located in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, near the city of Almaty. It is situated to the south of the city, approximately 120 kilometers to the east. The plateau is known for its unique and picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, vast meadows, and rocky formations.
Turgen River. The road to Assy Plateau follows the course of the Turgen River. It is one of the major rivers in the area. The tour offers stunning views of Turgen Gorge. As you travel along the road, you will pass through picturesque valleys, lush forests, and rugged mountains. The Turgen River itself is known for its crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for fishing and rafting enthusiasts. As you approach Assy Plateau, the landscape becomes more rugged and the road starts to ascend. The plateau is located at an elevation of around 3,500 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Overall, the tour to Assy Plateau along the Turgen River is a scenic and adventurous journey that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Almaty Region. Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, this road trip is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Traditional nomadic lifestyle. One of the most common sights on the plateau are herds of sheep, horses, and cows. Herding is a traditional activity in this region, and the Assy Plateau provides ample grazing land for kazakh farmers. The herds of sheep, horses, and cows on the Assy Plateau add to the beauty and diversity of the region. They are an integral part of the traditional nomadic lifestyle that has been practiced in the area for centuries. The shepherds live with families in yurts (dwellings of ancient nomads) during this period , many of which you can also see on this tour.
The astronomical observatory. The Assy Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the Plateau. It is one of the leading observatories in Central Asia. The Assy Observatory was established in 1957 and has since been involved in various astronomical research activities. It actively participates in various scientific programs and projects, collaborating with other observatories and research institutions worldwide. Overall, the Assy Observatory in Almaty is a prominent astronomical facility in Kazakhstan, contributing to the advancement of astronomical knowledge and promoting public interest in astronomy. It is end point of our tour. From the mountain on which the Observatory is located you will get unforgettable best views of the Plateau.
Lake Esik, also known as Issyk Lake is an alpine lake located in the Almaty 80 kilometers from the city. It is situated at an elevation of 1,670 meters (5,480 feet) above sea level. The lake is known for its beautiful turquoise color, surrounded by picturesque landscapes of mountains and forests. It is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The water in Lake Esik is sourced from the beautiful Issyk River and remains cold throughout the year. This place is especially unique and is one of my favourite places around Almaty.
Tour itinerary
Note* Itinerary of the tour is flexible and can be changed and combined with visiting other places by your wish.
Photos on the tour
