The 5 Best Turgen Waterfall Tours from Almaty

1.Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip

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

Join a 10-hour group trip from Almaty to Turgen Waterfall and Issyk Lake. You will hike about 1.3 km to the falls, stop at a trout farm for optional lunch, and spend up to two hours by the lake. Guides such as Sayana, Aigerim, and Altynai have been praised for friendly help and clear explanations, but transport and restaurant quality can vary.

“it was great!! , Guide Sayana was fabulous, she explained the location very well. we were vegetarians she even helped us with food everywhere”

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2.Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

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

Travel from Almaty by air-conditioned minibus to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, then stop for an à la carte lunch before visiting turquoise Lake Issyk at 1,756 meters. Guides such as Aika, Amal, Shakh, and Zhenis add local stories and practical help. Expect a full day, a rocky walk, and no custom hotel pickup.

“The tour trip was amazing, and the guide really kind and helpful, we even had some snow near the lake, thank you again for this beautiful day :)”

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3.Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall tour

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

Spend 9 to 10 hours beyond Almaty, combining a short mountain hike to Turgen’s Bear Waterfall with two hours beside Lake Issyk. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned minibus, receive water and park admission, and eat lunch at a local café at your own cost. Guides such as Aza, Medina, and Azamat have led this route.

“An awesome day trip to a very beautiful lake. The lake is emerald in colour like in the pictures and it’s very quiet with not many tourists around. A true hidden gem! My tour guide Azamat speaks excellent English and explains things in great detail. He got us water and chocolate too, very hospitable.”

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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 and the high Assy Plateau in a 12-hour SUV trip. Expect a light forest walk, rough mountain roads, alpine views, hot tea, and small-group guiding in English or Russian. Guides such as Aya, Altynay, Jana, and Zahanna have been praised for their care, though food and warm layers are up to you.

“Although the weather was not at its best, we thoroughly enjoyed this day trip to the bear waterfalls and Assy plateau. The trek to the waterfalls is a light one and our 4 year old had no problem doing it. Jana, our guide was cheerful and friendly, responding to our questions. One recommendation to future travellers is to plan and carry food for all meals as only snacks are available at the food stops.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $257

This private 10 to 12 hour trip from Almaty takes you to Issyk Lake, the high Assy Plateau, and Turgen Gorge. You’ll see alpine scenery, open pasture, forests, waterfalls, and village life. Guides such as Boris and Chingiz have adapted routes around snow and road closures. Pickup and group discounts are available.

“The tour was good however it is not explained properly. It is a private tour and there is decent amount of walking involved about 5km. 2.5km is trek to the waterfall and 2 km walk to the lake. Therefore, I would advise to wear proper shoRead more”

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