
Lake Issyk Tour
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lake Issyk Tour worth booking?
Lake Issyk Tour is a 5-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $183 per person. It scores 52 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 52 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $183 per person
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.
What you get
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.
What's included
Included
- Proffessional guide services
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- an entrance fee in the Archeaological Museum
- Natural Park admission fee
What you'll see and do
Al Farabi Kazakh National University
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.
60 minutes here
Almaty State Nature Reserve
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
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Lake Issyk
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.
60 minutes here
Lake Issyk
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 !!!!!
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Lake Issyk
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 )
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, de, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TJ Travel
Know before you go
- 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
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Lake Issyk Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Misrepresenting advert trout fishing pay extra
I had to pay for the trout fishing which was advertised as inclusive There was a charge for equipment plus cleaning the fish plus cooking it
Response from the operator: Hello We are sorry that your were not satisfied with your tour with us. We never said it it al inclusive , we call our tour an exclusive , not inclusive and it is mentioned in details what is included a guide and a car , it is clearly mentioned that Lunch is not included or anything else , and for 74 USD it just couldn’t be included. We assigned one of the best English speaking guide for you who went out her way to take you there , you were alone on a tour , so it turned out to be a private tour , we picked you up from the hotel which is not mentioned in our hotels list , and yet you give us 1 star , the guide was almost crying , if you didn’t understand that it was not included , at least you could say good words about the guide etc, It seems to be unfair. Look again in your ticket at the name of out tour and what is included. Kind regards
via Viator
A wonderful tour
I actually booked this tour for my business parner from India who came for the conference in Almaty , I was thinking for a long time what to present to him and after a long consideration I have chosen a tour to the Lake Issyk which I love myself ! I was right , it was the best choice possible as Mr Mruthul liked the tour so much that he diceded next time to come back for a longer stay in order to visit other sightseeing places of Almaty , because the English speaking guide who led a tour just made him fall in love with Almaty and its mouintains and lakes ! Thank you so much !
via Viator
AMAZING
Ok where to start. I had a trip booked for Sunday and because my flight was delayed I could not make it and they graciously put me on the Tuesday Trip. What can I say Maria collected me with a smile at my hotel. And once en-route the history and culture lesson began. Maria the guide was both so knowledgable and fun. From start to finish it was a pleasure. She also gave some great local tips to navigate the culture. The scenery in the park was breath-taking and of course the lovely guide also willing to take a photo when asked. Thank you Maria for such a fun, interesting and beautiful trip. Of course after this trip I begged for a city tour from her
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $183 to $275
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by TJ Travel, who run 30 experiences we rank across 19 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.7.
See everything TJ Travel runsWhy this scores 52
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lake Issyk Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Lake Issyk Tour cost?
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Prices start at $183 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 Lake Issyk Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Lake Issyk Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 52 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 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 Lake Issyk 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 Lake Issyk Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lake Issyk Tour?
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Around 1 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lake Issyk 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 Lake Issyk Tour?
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Included: Proffessional guide services; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: an entrance fee in the Archeaological Museum; and Natural Park admission fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Lake Issyk Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 7 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Lake Issyk Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic, German, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Lake Issyk 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 Lake Issyk Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Lake Issyk 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 Lake Issyk Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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