Tours to Turgen Waterfalls

Turgen Waterfalls: A Day Trip from Almaty

The Turgen Gorge, carved by the Turgen River in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, is one of the most accessible natural wonders near Almaty. Just 70 kilometers east of the city, the gorge offers a series of waterfalls, alpine meadows, and dense spruce forests. The waterfalls are most impressive in spring and early summer when snowmelt swells the river, but the area is beautiful year-round.

Our tours depart from Almaty and are designed to let you experience the best of the gorge in a single day. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk to the falls, a cycling adventure, or even rafting, there is an option for you. Below, we detail each tour, what you will see, and how to prepare.

Geography and Climate

The Turgen Gorge is part of the Ile Alatau (Zailiysky Alatau) range, which rises to over 4,000 meters. The gorge itself ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 meters in elevation. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters. In summer (June-August), daytime temperatures at the gorge floor are typically 20-25°C, but can drop to 10°C at higher elevations. In winter, snow covers the ground from December to March, and waterfalls may freeze.

The best time to visit the waterfalls is from April to October. During this period, the weather is mild, and the trails are free of snow. However, even in summer, mountain weather can change quickly; rain and cold are possible. Always bring a warm layer and rain gear.

What Makes Turgen Waterfalls Special

The Turgen River forms a series of seven waterfalls, each with its own character. The most famous is the Medvezhy (Bear) Waterfall, which drops 30 meters into a narrow canyon. Others include the Korzhinsky Waterfall, named after a Russian geologist, and the Bozteryk Waterfall. The water is glacial, so it is icy cold even in summer.

Beyond the waterfalls, the gorge is home to the Turgen fir forest, a relic of the Tien Shan spruce. Wildlife includes ibex, roe deer, and occasionally snow leopards. The area is also known for its wild garlic and berries in season.

Our Tours to Turgen Waterfalls

We offer five distinct tours to the Turgen Gorge, each with a different focus. All tours include round-trip transport from Almaty, a guide, and necessary permits. The table below summarizes the key differences.

Turgen Waterfalls & Trout (Bus Tour)

This is our most popular tour, perfect for those who want to see the main waterfalls and enjoy a local culinary treat. The day starts with a 1.5-hour drive from Almaty to the Turgen Gorge. Upon arrival, you will hike for about 2 hours along a well-maintained trail to the waterfalls. The path is moderately easy, with some steep sections, but suitable for most fitness levels.

After the hike, you will visit a trout farm on the banks of the Turgen River. Here, you will have lunch featuring fresh trout, cooked in traditional Kazakh style. The farm also offers a chance to see how trout are raised in cold mountain water.

This tour is ideal for families and casual hikers. The total walking distance is about 6 kilometers. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water. The tour departs on weekends, so book in advance.

Assy Plateau: Observatory & Turgen Waterfall

For those who want to combine waterfalls with a high-altitude experience, this tour is a great choice. You will drive up to the Assy Plateau, located at an altitude of 2,500 meters, where the Assy-Turgen Observatory is situated. This observatory is one of the highest in the region and offers panoramic views of the Tian Shan mountains.

After exploring the observatory and enjoying the mountain air, you will descend into the Turgen Gorge to visit the main waterfall. The tour also includes a stop at a local cheese farm, where you can sample traditional Kazakh cheeses.

This is a full-day tour with a lot of driving (about 200 kilometers round trip). The high altitude may affect those with health conditions, so consult your doctor if you have concerns. The tour is available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, departing at 07:00.

Turgen Waterfall, Trout & Golden Man Museum

If you are short on time but still want a taste of the gorge, this 4-hour tour is perfect. You will visit the Turgen waterfall, see the trout farm, and also stop at the Golden Man Museum, which houses artifacts from the Saka era, including the famous Golden Man found in Kazakhstan.

The tour is available daily with departures at 09:00 and 14:00. It is a compact trip, ideal for those with limited time or who prefer a shorter excursion. The transport is a comfortable bus, and the guide will provide commentary throughout.

This tour is a great introduction to the region's natural and cultural heritage. No hiking is involved, as the waterfall is visible from a viewing platform.

Adventure Tours: Rafting and Cycling

For adrenaline seekers, we offer two active tours that explore the Turgen Gorge from a different perspective: rafting on the river and cycling through the valley.

Rafting on the Turgen River

Rafting trips are available from July to August, when the water level is suitable. The route covers 4 kilometers of rapids, rated as Class II, which means it is suitable for beginners. You will have two descents, with a break for a picnic on the riverbank.

The tour includes all necessary equipment: raft, helmet, life jacket, and wetsuit if needed. A professional guide will give a safety briefing before you set off. No prior experience is required, but you should be comfortable in the water.

This is a full-day tour, with about 9-10 hours from Almaty. Remember to bring a change of clothes and a towel. The tour operates on weekends, and the price includes transport by bus.

Bike Tour of Turgen Gorge

From May to September, on Saturdays, we run a bike tour that covers 25 kilometers along the Turgen River. The route is mostly on gravel roads, passing through spruce forests and meadows, with views of waterfalls and mountains. The highlight is a climb to alpine pastures at around 2,000 meters.

A support vehicle follows the group, and a mechanic is on hand to fix any issues. We provide a mountain bike and helmet. The tour is suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness, as there are significant ascents.

The tour starts in the morning and lasts the whole day. Lunch is not included, so bring your own snacks and water. The price includes bike rental, support, and transport from Almaty.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Regardless of the tour you choose, proper preparation ensures a comfortable experience. The mountain weather is unpredictable, and the terrain can be challenging.

• Sturdy hiking boots or sports shoes with good grip
• Waterproof jacket and warm fleece or sweater
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
• Personal water bottle (1.5 liters recommended)
• Snacks like nuts or energy bars
• Small backpack to carry your items

For rafting, add a change of clothes, swimwear, and a towel. For cycling, bring gloves and a cycling jersey if you have them. We provide helmets and bikes.

Physical preparation: hiking tours involve walking 5-10 kilometers. If you are not used to exercise, start walking a few weeks before. The altitude in the gorge is up to 2,000 meters, which can cause shortness of breath for some. Rafting does not require special skills, but you must be able to swim. Cycling requires basic bike handling skills.

Age and Health Restrictions

Our tours are generally suitable for adults and children over 10 years old. However, specific restrictions may apply depending on the tour. For rafting, a minimum age of 12 is typical, and for cycling, you must be at least 16. Pregnant women and people with heart or back problems should consult with us before booking.

We recommend that all participants are in good physical condition. If you have any medical conditions, please inform us at the time of booking so we can advise accordingly.

Permits and Regulations

The Turgen Gorge is not a border zone, so no special permits are required. However, the Assy Plateau is close to the border with Kyrgyzstan; certain areas may require a permit. Our guides handle all necessary paperwork.

Please respect the environment: do not leave trash, do not pick plants, and do not disturb wildlife. The gorge is a protected natural area.

Comparing Our Tours: Which One Is Right for You?

To help you decide, here is a comparison of the tours based on key factors.

If you want a relaxed day with minimal walking, choose the museum tour. For a classic waterfall experience, the trout tour is excellent. If you are adventurous, try rafting or cycling. The Assy Plateau tour is the most comprehensive, covering both high mountains and waterfalls.

Seasonal Highlights

The Turgen Gorge changes with the seasons. Here is what you can expect throughout the year.

• April-May: Snowmelt creates powerful waterfalls; wildflowers bloom in the meadows.
• June-August: Warmest weather; ideal for rafting and cycling; waterfalls are still strong.
• September-October: Autumn colors, crisp air, fewer crowds; good for hiking.
• November-March: Snowy landscapes; some tours may not operate due to weather.

Our tours run primarily from April to October, with rafting only in July-August and cycling from May to September. Check the specific tour details for exact dates.

Booking and Additional Costs

All prices are per person and include transport, guide, and listed activities. Meals are not included unless specified. For the trout tours, lunch is included. For other tours, you may have opportunities to buy food at local cafes, but it is safer to bring your own.

Entrance fees to museums or protected areas are included in the tour price. Any optional activities, such as extra rafting runs or bike rentals, are paid separately. We will inform you of these costs when you book.

To book, please contact our office. We accept bookings up to 24 hours before the tour, subject to availability. Payment is made in advance, and we do not offer refunds for no-shows. However, if the tour is canceled due to weather or other circumstances, we will offer an alternative date.

The Turgen Gorge: Nature and Culture

The Turgen area is not only about waterfalls. The valley is rich in history, with ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds. The nearby village of Turgen has a small museum dedicated to local culture. Our tours often incorporate these elements, providing a well-rounded experience.

The region is also known for its apple forests, which are ancestors of the cultivated apple. In autumn, you can see wild apple trees laden with fruit.

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to showing you the beauty of the Turgen Gorge.