The 9 Best Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trips

1.Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 203 reviews · 10 hours · from $28Our pick

Spend 10 hours outside Almaty with a light mountain hike to Turgen Waterfall, an optional trout-farm lunch, and two hours beside Issyk Lake. Guides such as Aigerim, Sayana, Altynai, and Zhanna are praised for clear explanations and patient help. Expect long drives, rocky paths, and beautiful scenery for $28.

“An awesome trip to the Esik lake and waterfall. The tour guide Aigerim was super friendly and has good knowledge about the places. The food was very tasty at the farm.”

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2.Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 127 reviews · 9 hours · from $32

Travel from Almaty to Bear Waterfall and Lake Issyk with an English- or Russian-speaking guide such as Aika, Amal, or Shakh. You get a short rocky hike, mountain views, a local lunch at your own cost, and time beside the lake. Comfortable vans, bottled water, and national park admission are included.

“Our guide, Aigerim, was fantastic and so informative. This is a great way to see the beautiful mountains and lakes of Kazakhstan”

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3.Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · from $32Top rated

Spend 9 to 10 hours outside Almaty visiting Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge and Lake Issyk in Ile-Alatau National Park. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned minibus, walk mountain trails, stop for photos, and eat lunch at a local cafe. Guides have included Medina, Aza, Aica, Kuanysh, and Azamat.

“A very interesting and quiet excursion, recommended for people who stay several days in Almaty as a less physically demanding but very cool excursion. The waterfall has a short hike a bit steep at some points but the pace of climb is quiet and the landscapes beautiful. The lake also has a hike, but it is by road and is not very steep, it becomes easy. Both places are lovely and the food was deliciousAuto-translated”

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4.Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 39 reviews · 12 hours · from $50

Joinme Asia takes you from Almaty to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, then up by SUV to the Assy Plateau above 2,500 meters. Expect a light forest walk, rough mountain roads, open pasture views, hot tea, and a small group of up to 14 people. Guides may include Aya, Altynay, Jana, or Umit.

“Trip was really good and well designed. Guide was very helpful, do take jackets for cold weather on the plateau with you and some food for lunch.”

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5.Issyk lake half – day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $134

Start at 8:00 a.m. with private, air-conditioned transport from Almaty to Issyk Lake, about 70 km east of the city. You get roughly an hour at the alpine lake for photographs, riverside relaxation, and snacks. Optional stops at the Museum of a Golden Man, Tourgen Waterfall, or a paid picnic can be added.

“Excellent service! They picked us up punctually and provided a comfortable ride to this stunning venue. The location is absolutely breathtaking - a peaceful paradise surrounded by beautiful green waters. This trip exceeded all expectations Read more”

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6.Issyk Lake, Bear Waterfall & Trout Farm Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $32

Leave Almaty at 7:30 AM for a full day in the Turgen and Issyk areas. Hike to Bear Waterfall, visit a trout farm, and relax beside turquoise Issyk Lake. English, Russian, and Kazakh guiding is offered, though language service may vary. Driver Madi has earned praise for safe, friendly service.

“The driver Madi was friendly and helpful. The ride was safe. Issue lake was beautiful and hike for waterfall was exciting.”

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7.Issyk Lake – shining pearl of Almaty surroundings + Golden Man museum

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $117

Leave Almaty for a private six-hour outing to Issyk Lake and the Golden Man Museum. Your guide, possibly Nursultan or Ruslan, handles the driving, local context, and timing. Walk beside the lake, take a boat ride or picnic, then see the Scythian warrior's gold armor. Lunch at a trout farm costs extra.

“Great day tour from Amalty for an introduction to Kazakhstan's natural beauty, whether you are only in Amalty for short time, or at start of a longer exploration of the country, as was my case. Great, young but knowledgeable and fluent English speaking guide!”

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8.1 Day Express Tour: Issyk Lake, Assy Plateau & Turgen Gorge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $257

Leave Almaty at 7:30 am for a private day in the mountains east of the city. You’ll visit Issyk Lake, cross the wide Assy Plateau, and explore Turgen Gorge, with possible walks to the lake and waterfall. Guides including Boris and Chingiz have led this route, though snow or road conditions can require a changed plan.

“The Assy Plateau was a beautiful and truly unique experience. Our tour guide Boris was awesome and really made the experience special!!! !We loved the waterfall hike and Issyk. If you are in Almaty you should 100% do this tour!”

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9.“Butakovka Waterfall” – a half day tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · 6 hours · from $176

Escape Almaty for a six-hour guided outing to Butakovka Waterfall with an English-speaking guide such as Roza. Expect a 3.5-hour mountain hike through forest and rocky paths, a cascading waterfall, clean mountain air, and strong photo opportunities. The trail is moderate rather than easy, especially after rain, and trekking poles help on the final climb.

“A moderately difficult climb to the Butakovskiy Waterfall. Our guide Roza lent us trekking poles. Below is a link to a video of our trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlRgFVDWbtA”

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