Umai Travel

ISSYK LAKE WITH TURGEN WATERFALL

This tour takes you to the beautiful Issyk Lake, nestled in the mountains, and the powerful Turgen Waterfall nearby. Enjoy fresh mountain air, lush landscapes, and a glimpse into local history at the Issyk Museum along the way.

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SeasonSpring to Autumn

Tour languageEnglish

TransportCar / Minibus

Distance85 km from Almaty

Tour activitiesWalking / Nature sightseeing

Tour duration6-7 hours

Start time9 am Almaty time

Duration: ⏳ Full-day trip
Location: 📍 Southeast of Almaty (approx. 80 km)
Best for: 🌿 Nature lovers, 🥾 hikers, 📸 photographers

Start your journey with a scenic drive through the Issyk Gorge, where you'll visit the Issyk Lake — a serene alpine lake surrounded by forested slopes and dramatic peaks. This turquoise gem, sitting at an altitude of 1,756 meters, was formed thousands of years ago and is known for its calm surface and peaceful atmosphere.

After a relaxing lakeside experience, head deeper into the mountains to explore the Turgen Gorge, home to the stunning Bear Waterfall (Medvezhiy Vodopad), cascading from over 30 meters. The area is rich in lush vegetation, rare flora, and clean alpine air. Short hiking trails lead to the waterfall, offering perfect spots for photos and nature immersion.

What’s included:

🚐 Round-trip transportation
🗣️ English-speaking guide
🥪 Picnic or lunch option
🎟️ Park entrance fees

Highlights:

🏞️ Visit two of the most scenic spots near Almaty in one day
🌲 Walk along forest trails to hidden waterfalls
⛰️ Enjoy panoramic mountain views and fresh air
📜 Learn local legends and history from an expert guide

What is important to know

Immerse yourself in the picturesque atmosphere of the Almaty region by taking a trip to Lake Issyk and Turgen Waterfall, two natural attractions located just 1-1.5 hours drive from Almaty.

Issyk Lake What it is: a mountain lake at an altitude of ~1,750 m, surrounded by fir trees and rocks. The water is emerald green, especially beautiful on sunny days. It is interesting to know: the lake has an ancient history — the "Golden Man" was found here, and it was destroyed by a mudslide in 1963 and rebuilt later. What to do: walks, photos, relaxing on the shore, visiting the Issyk Museum with Saka artifacts. Important: swimming is prohibited, the shore is steep in places — be careful. Turgen waterfall Location: just 30 km from Issyk, in the Turgen gorge. What to see: The most popular is the Bear Waterfall (~30 m high). A scenic route along the river with pine trees, bridges and fresh mountain air. Suitable for: light hiking, family vacations and nature lovers. What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, a hat and a camera — the views are amazing. A tip from us: a combined excursion to Lake Issyk and the Turgen Waterfall is a great idea for a day trip from Almaty. An easy route, clean air and the real beauty of Kazakhstan's nature are waiting for you!