
Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour worth booking?
Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour is a 12-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $43 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (14)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $43 per person
Experience the stunning landscapes of the Ile-Alatau National Park on a full-day trip from Almaty. Visit the magnificent Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, where you can take a short hike and capture memorable photos. Conti
What you get
- Guide services
- Entrance fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Experience the stunning landscapes of the Ile-Alatau National Park on a full-day trip from Almaty. Visit the magnificent Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, where you can take a short hike and capture memorable photos. Continue to the Assy Plateau, known for its breathtaking panoramic views and refreshing breezes. Enjoy a friendly picnic surrounded by nature, complete with hot mountain tea and snacks, making this tour ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. - Full-day tour with a duration of approximately 12 hours - Small group experience in a comfortable SUV, accommodating up to 7 passengers - Guided visit to Bear Waterfall and Assy Plateau with light hiking - Includes entrance fees, bottled water
What's included
Included
- Guide services
- Entrance fees
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
The Assy Plateau is a stunning high-mountain valley located about 2.5 hours from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Sitting at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of vast green meadows, alpine landscapes, and herds of grazing horses and sheep. The plateau is famous for its fresh mountain air, cool temperatures in summer, and unique cultural charm, with nomadic yurts often dotting the scenery. A hidden gem of the Almaty region, Assy is also home to an old astronomical observatory and is a favorite spot for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. The road to the plateau is an adventure in itself, winding through forests and rivers, offering travelers an unforgettable escape from city life. Whether you’re looking for tranquility, scenic beauty, or a taste of local life, the Assy Plateau is a must-visit destination.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Turgen Waterfalls
Turgen Waterfall, also known as Bear Waterfall, is one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Located in the lush Turgen Gorge within the Ile-Alatau National Park, this 30-meter cascade plunges dramatically down a rugged cliff surrounded by dense forest and mossy rocks. The cool mist, the sound of crashing water, and the fresh pine-scented air create a refreshing and serene atmosphere. Easily accessible via a short, scenic hike, the waterfall is perfect for travelers seeking a light adventure and a close connection with nature. The trail to the waterfall offers views of wildflowers, birds, and the tranquil Turgen River. It's an ideal spot for photos, a peaceful break, or just enjoying the raw beauty of the Kazakh mountains. Turgen Waterfall is a perfect starting point for exploring the greater Turgen Gorge and nearby alpine wonders.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
Please wait for our guide or bus before entering the metro station. If you see transport (bus, minibus) come and show your voucher. Make sure you go to your tour operator and to your tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please wait for our guide or bus before entering the metro station. If you see transport (bus, minibus) come and show your voucher. Make sure you go to your tour operator and to your tour.
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
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Joinme Asia
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
14 verified traveler reviews for Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour - there were...
Great tour - there were more than 40+ people on this tour, but the ride on the SUV was comfortable with only a maximum of 7 passengers (Mistubishi Delica). Tour guide was very helpful. Turgen Gorge was the first stop, and Assy Plateau was the last. At Assy Plateau, we were given 1.75 hours for exploring the area. However, be prepared since the toilets on the plateau are very primitive. Overall, it was an amazing tour.
via Viator
Bad experience in our tour guide and driver attitude
Actually we like the place it’s really amazing and we enjoyed the views. But we are very disappointed to our tour guide all the agenda that they need to arrange didn’t happened at all cause they are having their own things like drinking and they forgot that they are having guests with them. While other tours that we see are having a good time with their tour guide dancing and games and because of that we feel more upset and bad cause we feel neglected of our tour guide. I’m not saying all tour guides are same most of them are very good only the one that in our tour that day his name is badir.
via Tripadvisor
Assy Plateu overnight camping
Our experience with JoinMe Travel during the Assy Plateau overnight camping tour on August 18–19, 2026 was unfortunately very disappointing. The main issue was the lack of proper organization. Several activities that were advertised on the website, including games and dancing, did not happen during our stay. These activities were part of what we expected from the package, so it was disappointing to find that they were not organized. We were also uncomfortable with the behavior of some of the drivers. During the camping stay, we noticed that they were drinking and enjoying themselves while they were supposed to be attending to the guests and participating in the tour program. This came across as unprofessional and made us feel that the guests were not being properly looked after. The Assy Plateau itself is beautiful, and we enjoyed the scenery, but unfortunately, the poor organization and staff behavior affected our overall experience. We hope JoinMe Travel takes this feedback seriously and improves the management and professionalism of its tours. Customers pay for an organized experience based on what is advertised, and the actual service should reflect those expectations.
via Tripadvisor
5-Star Tour with a Small Suggestion About Pickup Time
We had an amazing tour with JoinMe Asia—highly recommended! 🫶 Our tour guide, Altynai, was so kind and made sure we had enough time to enjoy every stop without feeling rushed. We visited Assy Plateau and Turgen Waterfall, and the views were absolutely 💯 breathtaking. A big shoutout as well to our driver, Adyl. He drove safely throughout the trip and was very thoughtful, always making sure everyone was okay when getting in and out of the van. One small suggestion for improvement is to clarify the schedule. The tour listing states that the **starting time is 7:30 AM**, but that is actually the **pickup time**. Our van departed at around **8:00 AM** after picking up all the guests. It wasn't an issue for us, but updating the description would help avoid any confusion for future travelers. We also enjoyed complimentary tea and biscuits while at Assy Plateau, which made the experience even more special. I would definitely book with JoinMe Asia again—next time, I'm choosing their 2-day tour! ❤️
via Tripadvisor
Not suggested
1) the fall isnt beautiful, long hike 2) the lake is ok
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $43 to $45
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour cost?
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Prices start at $43 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 Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour take?
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Plan for about 12 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 Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 14 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 Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau 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 Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 12-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau Tour?
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Around 5 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau 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, 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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