
Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour worth booking?
Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour is a 8-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $90 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 80 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $90 per person
Discover three of Kazakhstan's most diverse natural landscapes in one unforgettable day from Almaty — all in the comfort of a 4x4 Jeep. Start at the vast Assy Plateau — a sweeping highland steppe at 2,700 meters, where nomads have roamed for centuries and the sky stretches endlessly in every direction. Continue to the thundering Bear Waterfall (Turgen), one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Tian-Shan mountains, hidden deep in a lush canyon gorge. A short walk through pine forest leads you straight to the cascade. Finish at the stunning Lake Issyk — a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, formed thousands of years ago by a massive landslide. A lunch stop is included — time to try local Kazakh cuisine at a traditional restaurant near the lake. Private Tour: Same three landscapes for your group only — flexible pace, personal guide, no strangers. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. 4x4 Jeep transport. All entrance fees included. Maximum 9 people.
What you get
About this experience
Discover three of Kazakhstan's most diverse natural landscapes in one unforgettable day from Almaty — all in the comfort of a 4x4 Jeep. Start at the vast Assy Plateau — a sweeping highland steppe at 2,700 meters, where nomads have roamed for centuries and the sky stretches endlessly in every direction. Continue to the thundering Bear Waterfall (Turgen), one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Tian-Shan mountains, hidden deep in a lush canyon gorge. A short walk through pine forest leads you straight to the cascade. Finish at the stunning Lake Issyk — a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, formed thousands of years ago by a massive landslide. A lunch stop is included — time to try local Kazakh cuisine at a traditional restaurant near the lake. Private Tour: Same three landscapes for your group only — flexible pace, personal guide, no strangers. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. 4x4 Jeep transport. All entrance fees included. Maximum 9 people.
What's included
Included
- National parks entrance fees
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Plateau Assy
Assy Plateau is a vast highland valley near Almaty, known for its wide green meadows, nomadic landscapes, and breathtaking mountain views. Located at an altitude of about 2,500 meters, it is a perfect place for nature lovers, horseback riding, and stargazing thanks to its famous astronomical observatory.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Turgen Waterfalls
We will do trekking to the waterfall around 2 km hiking that is at 1521 meters elevation. Bear Waterfall is easily accessible and beautiful in the Turgen Gorge, and is one of the most visited places by tourists and lovers of mountain trails. The waterfall is named “Bear” because brown bears were found in the Turgen Gorge back in the 1960s[
90 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Issyk
Issyk Lake, which is also known as Esik lake, is a bright-colored alpine lake enclosed by beautiful mountain nature and lush forests together with vast flower fields. Located in the southwest of of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, this high-mountainous pit-type reservoir has an ancient landslide-tectonic origin.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Private tour option
Private tour option Pickup included
Group tour option
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazakhstan Very Nice
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 4 hours overall travellers spend on the car
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 36 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
36 verified traveler reviews for Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thank you Jibek
The experience was awesome. Our tour guide was Jibek. She picked us up early morning. Then we started. She walked with us on every trail. She was there every time when we need her. She even stopped the car couple of times on my request for landscape photography. And the food suggestion we received from her - that’s awesome. It seems that we were travelling with friends, not strangers. Thank you Jibek.
via Tripadvisor
It was a great tour and...
It was a great tour and good to see different scenery. I appreciated getting up early when we got to the lake because we were the only people there. By the time we left two tour buses had just arrived, spoiling the peace. Leana was a great guide. She looked after us well and seemed happy to share what life is like in Kazakhstan.
via Viator
Lovely day out at gorgeous locations
It was a brilliant day spent with lovely fellow travellers. Mukhtar is a brilliant guide who kept us entertained throughout with many interesting stories, historical information and cultural insights. The locations were gorgeous and there was enough time allocated to each spot for everyone to enjoy them to the fullest. There was also a spontaneous climb to a viewpoint added , just for fun, and I have to confirm, the climb was worth the view. Overall a great day planned and executed. 100% recommend! 😊😊
via Tripadvisor
Our guide Sony was very...
Our guide Sony was very helpful and engaging. She explained all the details at each viewing point. Having a single vehicle to travel would have helped make the travel more engaging
via Viator
Fantastic day of...
Fantastic day of exploring Kazakhstan's incredible landscapes! The wide-open, endless views at Assy Plateau were breathtaking, the hike to Bear Waterfall was super refreshing, and finishing the trip by the turquoise waters of Issyk Lake made for a perfect day in nature. Saida was an amazing guide—attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring every part of the journey went smoothly. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Almaty!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $90 to $190
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Kazakhstan Very Nice runsWhy this scores 80
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour cost?
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Prices start at $90 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 36 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour?
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Included: National parks entrance fees; Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 61 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour?
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Across 36 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Private tour option, Group tour option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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