Lake Issyk Tour with the exclusive trout farm and lunch

Almaty , Kazakhstan

Lake Issyk Tour with the exclusive trout farm and lunch

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About this experience

We will drive along the former caravan route of the legendary Grate Silk Way with the views of Tian Shan mountains. We will get to know about the magic qualities of the Grate Steppe .
On the way we will make a photo stop at the archeological area with the ancient Saki burial mounts which are thousands of years old but still can tell us the stories about the grate nomadic civilization of the antique times and there you will learn the story of how the terrible tragedy brought Kazakh people to the discovery of their national symbol.
The third part of our journey takes us to the National park in the mountains where besides the stunning mountain views we will observe the sad ruins of the Soviet time resorts that witnessed one of the worst of natural disasters that happened in this area in July of 1963 that took many human lives and destroyed one of the wonders of this mountains. We will speak about the beauty and the danger of this place in the historical perspective.

Available options

Lake Issyk Tour with the exclusive trout farm and lunch

Pickup included

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Proffessional guide services

Detailed itinerary

Our journey lies through the city center to the picturesque Al-Farabi avenue where we will see the most prestigious upper part of the city. Then we will be driving through the country side where in the Medieval times lied an ancient caravan “highway” of the Grate Silk Road. We will have time to speak about the history of the Semirechye region and what does this name mean, we will learn about the life, culture and traditions of the Turkic people.

When we turn towards the Essyk village we start to enjoy the views of the Tian Shian mountains again and soon we stop for photos at the huge field of the ancient Turkic burial mounts, the area now belongs to the State National Reserve. In one of this mounts the famous “Golden Man” was found. Some of the artefacts found during the excavations at these mounts are kept at the Archeological museum of the Reserve. Museum visit is optional.
15 minutes photo stop

Then we drive to the Illi-Allatu Nature Reserve and go up by the mountain serpentine to the altitude of 1756m above the sea level. We will discuss the history of this road that led to the luxury Soviet time resort in the middle of the 20th century and get to know about the tragedy that ruined it in the 1963. You will get wonderful views of the Issyk gorge from the road and we will make a stop at one or two viewpoints to take photos.

By this time you will be hungry , either you take some food with you or we can go to the trout farm , an amazing experience to fish a trout which will be prepared for you !!!!!

When we reach the parking lot we start a short and not steep walking up (1,2 km) to the lake.
Soon you will get absolutely amazing view of the bright turquoise color lake surrounded by the Tian-Shan mountain peaks!
Upon your wish we may walk to the other side of the lake to the spot where the river Issyk flows into the lake or\and explore the mudflow protection structures.
Time at the lake 2 hours.
After the Lake we drive back to Almaty ( it takes about 1 hour )

What's not included

an entrance fee in the Archeaological Museum

Natural Park admission fee

Available languages

Guide guide

AR DE CMN EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

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