Assy Plateau and Turgen gorge private day tour

240 USD for a car
Private tour
Number of people: 1-3
Duration: 10 hours
Driving distance: 220 km. round way from Almaty
Best time for visiting: May – October
Book a tour taxi for you travel in Almaty region
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Tour overview

Let’s to to the Roof of the World as one of my guest said. Assy Plateu is one of the places which many tourists visiting Kazakhstan find realy uniue and essense of Almaty region. It ishow 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.

Tour itinerary

Pick-up at time you choose (usually 8, 9 or 10 am)
Trip to Turgen Gorge for 1 hour (we can go along Kuldzha road or Big Almaty Canal road). Here it is possible to buy some popular local food “Samsa” for later picnic on Turgen river.
Of road trip along the Turgen River in beautiful gorge. Stops for photo making and body stretching.
In the middle of the way it is possible to stop for a hiking to 30 meters high Bears waterfall. Hiking takes around 1 hour round way.
Some driving by rocky road, accessible only to prepared off-roaders and arriving to breath-taking Assy Plateau.
Here you understand that this trip is really worth it, make great unique photos and we continue our way to the Astronomical Observatory.
Happy and a little tired we start our way back to Almaty.

Note* Itinerary of the tour is flexible and can be changed and combined with visiting other places by your wish.

Photos on the tour

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