In short
- Tours last 6 to 9 hours round trip from Almaty.
- The itinerary includes a 1.3-kilometer hike to Bear Waterfall.
- You will visit the Golden Man Museum before reaching the lake.
In this article
Organized day trips are the most popular way to visit the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. An Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall tour maximizes your time by combining three distinct stops. Visitors get a mix of history, a short forest hike, and time by the bright turquoise water.
What does an Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall tour include?
Tours combine a stop at the Golden Man Museum, a hike to Bear Waterfall, and time at Issyk Lake.
The route travels east from Almaty along the Kuldja tract. The driving time to the Esik area is about 1.5 hours. Guides time the stops so you break up the drive.
You will explore the Turgen Gorge first, followed by the museum, and end at the lake. Group tours cost between $30 and $80.
How difficult is the Bear Waterfall hike?
The hike to Bear Waterfall is a relatively easy 1.3-kilometer walk through the forest.
The trail is suitable for beginners. You will need about 1.5 hours total for the round trip hike and photos. The waterfall is 30 meters high.
The path can get muddy after rain. Wear comfortable walking shoes or sturdy hiking boots.
Why do tours stop at the Golden Man Museum?
The museum sits near the ancient burial mounds where the famous 'Golden Man' warrior was found in 1969.
Most itineraries allocate one hour here. You will learn about ancient Scythian-Saka history on the way up the gorge. You can also view the open-air field containing over 80 ancient burial mounds (kurgans).
What is the daily schedule like?
Organized tours usually take between 6 and 9 hours round trip.
You will leave Almaty in the morning. The timeline dedicates the most time to the waterfall hike and relaxing by the lake.
Are food and lunch included?
Most group tours exclude lunch, but they stop at a local cafe near Turgen Gorge.
Many tours stop at a nearby trout farm. Visitors can catch their own trout and have it cooked for lunch. This takes about 1.5 hours.
Food options at Issyk Lake itself are extremely limited. You can also bring a packed picnic lunch from Almaty.
Does the tour include the Assy Plateau?
Standard group tours do not include the Assy Plateau.
The Assy Plateau is a high-altitude summer pasture featuring an astronomical observatory. Reaching it requires a 4x4 vehicle and adds 3 to 4 hours to your trip.
If you want to see the plateau, you must book a specialized Jeep tour instead of a standard bus tour.
Questions travellers ask
Can I swim in Issyk Lake on the tour?
No. Swimming is strictly prohibited in the national park. The water is extremely cold year-round.
What should I wear for this day trip?
Wear comfortable hiking boots for the waterfall trail. Bring warm layers, like a jacket or fleece, because mountain temperatures can drop suddenly.
Do I need to pay extra for the national park?
Most organized tours include the 500 KZT ecological fee in the ticket price. Read your specific tour inclusions to be sure.
