From Almaty: Assy Plateau & Kairak Waterfal 2-Day Expedition
Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
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Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Explore the Assy Plateau and Kairak Waterfall on a 2-day expedition from Almaty. Travel in a 4WD vehicle, camp under the stars, and hike through forests and valleys to reach the waterfall.
Highlights
- Explore the Assy Plateau and Kairak Waterfall on a 2-day expedition
- Travel in a 4WD vehicle and camp beneath the open mountain sky
- Hike through spruce forests and river valleys to reach Kairak Waterfall
- Visit Bear Waterfall and the remote Assy-Turgen Observatory
- Enjoy a picnic by the waterfall and take in the stunning views
Description
Day 1: Almaty — Bear Waterfall — Assy Plateau — Mountain Observatory Leave Almaty in the morning and enter the forested Turgen Gorge. Stop at Bear Waterfall, reached by a short trail through a narrow, cool gorge surrounded by cliffs and Tien Shan spruce trees. The paved road soon disappears behind you as you climb toward the immense Assy Plateau, crossing rocky tracks and open alpine landscapes used by nomadic shepherds as summer pastures. Far from cities and villages, the unusual dome of the Assy-Turgen Observatory rises above the plateau. Explore the surrounding area and enjoy wide views across the mountains. In the evening, set up your tent camp in a secluded location, prepare a hot dinner, and watch the night sky without city lights. Day 2: The Hidden Kairak Waterfall — Almaty After an early breakfast, continue through the wild mountain landscape toward the starting point of the Kairak trail. Unlike waterfalls visited by large tourist groups, Kairak is hidden deep within the mountains. Reaching it requires a proper hike through spruce forest, river valleys, and rugged terrain—but the reward is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Almaty region. Enjoy time beside the powerful cascade, have a picnic in nature, and return to your prepared 4WD vehicle.Includes
4WD vehicle transport Tent camping Expedition guide 4wd to Kairak Waterfall Visit to Bear Waterfall Visit to Assy Plateau Visit to Mountain Observatory Meals Sleeping bagsExcludes
Travel insurance Personal expensesImportant Information
- This is an off-road expedition, not suitable for those with mobility issues. Participants should be prepared for high-altitude conditions. Weather can be unpredictable; dress accordingly.
