Kazakhstan · Our Tours

Day Tour to Assy Plateau from Almaty (Bear Waterfall & Highland Meadows)

From $80 per person

Overview

Is this hike right for you?

Perfect if you…

Want an incredible outdoor experience without planning headaches

Can walk at a comfortable pace — no special fitness needed

Want to see iconic Kazakh mountain landscapes up close

Traveling solo or with friends and want a safe, organized trip

No experience needed

Picked up from your hotel in Almaty and returned by evening

Your guide adapts the pace to the group — no one gets left behind

Gear list sent after booking so you know exactly what to bring

Description

Assy Plateau is a vast high-mountain valley at 2100–2800 m, about 110 km east of Almaty. This relaxed day tour combines a short scenic hike to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge with a beautiful off-road drive up to the plateau. You’ll walk through alpine meadows, visit the Assy-Turgen Observatory, enjoy 360° views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau ridges, and see traditional Kazakh yurts and grazing horses/sheep in summer. Total walking distance is only 5–7 km (mostly flat on the plateau), making it perfect for anyone who wants mountain scenery without a big elevation effort.

Detailed Itinerary

Pickup & drive from Almaty (2–2.5 hours)

We pick you up from your hotel/apartment at 8:00–8:30 and drive east through Issyk to Turgen Gorge (good asphalt most of the way).

Bear Waterfall hike in Turgen Gorge (1–1.5 hours)

Short, easy trail (about 2.5 km round trip, 150 m elevation) through spruce forest to the impressive 30-metre Bear Waterfall. Plenty of time for photos and a short break by the river.

Drive up to Assy Plateau (1 hour)

Continue on the scenic (and sometimes bumpy) mountain road over Asy Pass to the plateau. First views of the wide open highlands.

Explore Assy Plateau & Observatory (2–3 hours)

Walk across the gentle alpine meadows (flat, 3–4 km total). We visit the Assy-Turgen Observatory at ~2750 m, take panoramic photos, and often stop near local yurts (in summer you can see nomads with horses and sheep). Picnic lunch with mountain views.

Return to Almaty (2–2.5 hours)

Same route back or via a different scenic section depending on road conditions. Arrival in the city around 18:00–19:00.

Itinerary

Detailed itinerary will be provided upon booking. Our typical tour includes daily hikes through diverse terrains and cultural experiences.

Pricing

Group Size	1 person	2 people	3 people	4 people	5 people	6 people Best value
Standard	$234 $234 total	$142 $284 total	$111 $333 total	$96 $384 total	$86 $430 total	$80 $480 total

1 person

Standard $234 /person $234 total

2 people

Standard $142 /person $284 total

3 people

Standard $111 /person $333 total

4 people

Standard $96 /person $384 total

5 people

Standard $86 /person $430 total

6 people Best value

Standard $80 /person $480 total

100% private tour — prices are per person based on group size. The more friends you bring, the less everyone pays!

What's Included

Included

Professional English-speaking guide

Round-trip transport from Almaty

Lunch on the trail

National park entry fees

First aid kit

Hiking poles (upon request)

100% private group - no strangers

Not Included

Personal travel insurance

Personal equipment (boots, backpack)

Warm clothing & layers

Sunscreen & sunglasses

Personal water bottle

Snacks & extra drinks

Tips for the guide (optional)

Our Guarantee

If weather forces a cancellation, we reschedule at no cost. If you're not satisfied with your experience, we'll work with you to make it right. No questions, no hassle.

Private tours only (max 6) · Free cancellation up to 48 hours before · No upfront payment

Traveler Stories

4.8

4 reviews from similar tours

Sarah K.

Our guide was incredible - he adjusted the pace perfectly for our group and knew exactly where to stop for the best photos. The whole experience felt effortless, like everything was taken care of before we even thought to ask.

January 2026 • Charyn Canyon

Marco T.

We were a group of 4 friends and the per-person price made it a no-brainer. Private 4x4, lunch included, and the canyon was breathtaking. Way better than the big bus tours we saw there.

February 2026 • Charyn Canyon

Anna W.

Solo traveler here. I was nervous about hiking alone in a foreign country but the guide made me feel completely safe. The trail to Kok-Zhailau was beautiful and the photos he took of me were amazing. Only wish the hike was longer!

December 2025 • Kok-Zhailau

David R.

Third time booking with these guys. Butakovka, Big Almaty Lake, and now Titov Peak. Every single time the service is flawless. The fact that it's always private and max 6 people makes such a difference compared to other operators.

February 2026 • Titov Peak