Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall

Outty Ranking 84 4.8 · 93 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $30

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$30
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Outty Ranking

84/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 93 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall worth booking?

Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall is a 9-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $30 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 93 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
84 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (93)
Duration
9 hours
From
$30 per person

Discover the perfect mix of light adventure and breathtaking nature on this full-day tour from Almaty. Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a well-organized experience guided by a professional local expert. Sta

What you get

  • National park admission
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Bottled water
  • Modern and comfortable van with AC

About this experience

Discover the perfect mix of light adventure and breathtaking nature on this full-day tour from Almaty. Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a well-organized experience guided by a professional local expert. Start your day with a refreshing hike through the scenic Turgen Gorge. Walk along a picturesque mountain trail surrounded by lush forests and panoramic views as you head toward the beautiful Bear Waterfall. At the end of the trail, enjoy the cool freshness of glacial water and the peaceful atmosphere of this place. After the hike, continue to the stunning Issyk Lake, located at 1,756 meters above sea level in the Ili-Alatau mountains. The lake’s color changes from turquoise to deep blue depending on the season, creating a truly mesmerizing landscape. Take time to relax, walk along the shore, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy the calm beauty of the mountains.

What's included

Included

  • National park admission
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Bottled water
  • Modern and comfortable van with AC

Not included

  • Lunch (provided at a local cafe)

What you'll see and do

  1. Lake Issyk

    After lunch you will head to the Lake Issyk located in Issyk gorge of Ili-Alatau mountains 70 km from Almaty at an altitude of 1756 m above sea level. The color of the water in this lake varies from turquoise to dark blue depending on the time of year. You will enjoy nature and the scenic panorama of the Ili-Alatau mountains with magnificent lake, take stunning memorable pictures and be filled with positive emotions.

    120 minutes here · Admission included

  2. Ile-Alatau National Park

    This tour is designed so that you can enjoy the views at the best time of the day with the best lighting conditions. Our tour guide will show you the best photo spots and tell you interesting information about the sites.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

  3. As a morning warm-up in the fresh air, you will have a short hike deep into the Turgen mountain gorge, where the picturesque Bear waterfall is located. You will walk along a mountain trail enjoying stunning mountain views, and at the end you will enjoy the coolness of the glacial water of this waterfall.

    120 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Almaty

Meeting point

Almaty

Meeting point

Almaty

Hotel pickup

Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

Ends at

Returns to the starting point

Ends at

Returns to the starting point

Ends at

Returns to the starting point

Options you can book

  • Small-group tour

    Small group: of up to 15 participants. Pick-up/drop-off: only listed meeting points.

  • Private tour option

    Individual tour: only you travel, without other people. Vehicle type: 2-5 pax - SUV/minivan; 6-7 pax - Toyota Hiace van; 8-15 pax - Mercedes Sprinter minibus. Pick-up/drop-off: any location in Almaty city. Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
ru, en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 10 travelers per booking
Operated by
Kazakhstan Guided Tours

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
  • Important note: Children under 3 y.o. are not allowed on the tour
  • Not recommended for travelers who can not withstand hikes

Photos

Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty, photo 2Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty, photo 3Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty, photo 4Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty, photo 5Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty, photo 6Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall in Almaty, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 93 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

6 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Photo opportunities

2 mentions

The views and photo stops come up again and again.

Food and drink

2 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Physical effort

2 mentions

Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

Pace and timing

2 mentions

Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.

Traveler reviews

93 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
78
4 star
12
3 star
1
2 star
0
1 star
2
Sort
Shalene_S · July 2026

Contrary to the details...

Contrary to the details given in this itinerary- we only got to see Issyk Lake and Bear Waterfalls. There weren't any restrooms and it felt slightly anti climatic but this is purely a personal experience.

Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We would just like to clarify a couple of points for future travelers. This tour includes two main destinations: Lake Issyk and Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge — and both were visited as stated in the itinerary. Regarding restrooms, facilities at the natural sites themselves are limited, which is why our guide makes stops at gas stations along the way where guests can use the restrooms. We’re sorry if the destinations themselves didn’t fully meet your expectations, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!

via Viator

Ankush_K · July 2026

Very good experience....

Very good experience. Julie was a great guide and the entire tour was well thought out and planned. She was informative and open to questions, very friendly, and overall a great guide to have.

via Viator

Owen_M · July 2026

A Really enjoyable trip...

A really enjoyable trip that showcased some beautiful natural landscapes. Zhuldyz was a great guide!

via Viator

Christina_N · July 2026

This was a great tour to...

This was a great tour to book. The van was super comfortable and our guide Zhenis was great. He contacted us in the morning to make sure we would be at the pickup location when he arrived and helped us order at a local restaurant. The waterfall is about a ~25mins easy to moderate hike and the lake was around a 15 min walk downhill to be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

via Viator

Maps26379938207 · June 2026

Nice lake to visit near Almaty

This is a good one day trip for someone visiting Almaty. Other tours to other lakes involve much more time sitting in a car with less time spent at the actual tourist destination.

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
9 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
3+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Price range
$30 to $180
Hotel pickup
Available for selected locations
Booked in 30 days
33
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 84

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
Review evidence (18% weight)78
Booking momentum (14% weight)74
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)49
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.

How much does Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall cost?

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Prices start at $30 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 Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall take?

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Plan for about 9 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 Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 93 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 Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall?

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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 Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 3. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall?

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Around 33 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall 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, Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. 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.

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