Assy Plateau — 1 day
The Assy Plateau is the nomadic side of Kazakhstan: a high summer pasture at ~2,500 m, dotted with yurts and grazing horses, crowned by the Assy-Turgen observatory. We reach it through the Turgen gorge and its waterfalls.
A private day with far fewer tourists than Charyn or Kolsai — space, silence and real shepherd life.
Highlights
- Sweeping alpine plateau at ~2,500 m with herds of free horses
- Assy-Turgen astronomical observatory
- Turgen gorge waterfalls on the way
- Private vehicle and a flexible schedule
Itinerary
- Pickup from your hotel in Almaty
- Turgen gorge — waterfall walk
- Climb to the Assy Plateau, viewpoints
- Picnic / yurt visit with kumys tasting (summer)
- Observatory photo stop
- Descend and drive back
- Drop-off at your hotel
What's included
- Private SUV, sized to your group
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Ecological / national park entrance fees
- Bottled water
Not included
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Good to know
When is the best time?
June to September, when the pastures are green, the yurts are up and the road over the plateau is open.
Is the road rough?
The upper section is gravel, which is why we use an SUV. It adds to the adventure rather than the discomfort.