Golden man museum, Issyk lake,Turgen waterfalls

Almaty , Kazakhstan

Golden man museum, Issyk lake,Turgen waterfalls

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About this experience

Come and enjoy Turgen mountain waterfalls. The cascade consists of few waterfalls which will amaze you with their pristine beauty.

Travelers from all over the world come to admire the turquoise waters of the Issyk Lake and the grandeur of Issyk Gorge. On the coast, you can have a picnic or go hiking to the sheer cliffs of the “Kremlin Wall” that surrounds the lake.

Right here, as a result of archaeological excavations on the banks of the Issyk River, the Saki warrior was found wearing an armor and golden clothes - the “Golden Man”.

Available options

Golden man museum, Issyk lake,Turgen waterfalls

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

ssyk (or Isik- another name for the lake, translated as “a door” from Kazakh) is a picturesque, alpine lake surrounded by unusually beautiful nature of thick forests and spacious flower fields. The lake is located at an altitude of 1760 meters above sea level, in the Issyk gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau, about 70 km east of Almaty.

Geologically, the lake was formed 8000 years ago as a result of a powerful rock avalanche, which later created a natural 300 m-high dam. The year of 1939 saw the beginning of active development of the lake territory, when a tarmac road, tourist center and bus station were quickly built. Dozens of thousands of Almaty residents and guests come there year round to relax in natural surroundings. The lake was so popular that even its photograph was printed in USSR’s tourist postcards and brochures.

However, in 1963, everything changed in a matter of hours. The glacial zone in the upper reaches of the Issyk River broke with a powerful mudflow whose huge waves destroyed the natural dam and emptied the lake for four hours. The official statistics claimed over a hundred people as a result of this tragedy.

A cross on a hillside near the lake was erected to commemorate the victims. The memory of the tragedy still makes the heart shrink even now. The young trees sprouted in the place once used to be the lake bottom, the ruins on the lower lakeside and huge boulders serve as a constant reminder of what has happened.

Today, the lake is restored, but its size is twice smaller than the previous one. The lake territory is very suitable for lovers of active mountain tourism, and everybody who wants to have a picnic in the weekends. The first can make a fascinating trek to the beautiful cliffs, named “the Kremlin walls”, while the latter may camp on the lakeside, enjoying the beauty, which opens before their eyes, and breathing the fresh mountain air.

Turgen gorge is located near Talgar, the satellite city of Almaty. From Almaty, it can be reached in about 1.5 hours, excluding traffic jams.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free to enter, fees for attractions

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.

Historical/Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Green Bazaar

Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.

Sports/Adventure 2-3 hours Entrance and rental fees vary

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint Half-day to full-day trip Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Lagman

A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.

Shashlik

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baursaks

Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Snowboarding Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kazakh, Russian
Widely spoken: Russian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Almaty-2 Railway Station

By bus

Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Kok Tobe Saryarka Zhetysu

Day trips

Charyn Canyon

200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip

Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.

Kolsai Lakes

300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.

Issyk Glacier

60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip

Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Festivals

Almaty Apple Festival • September Almaty International Film Festival • September Almaty Jazz Fest • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets