Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure

If you’re craving a day away from the buzz of Almaty, this SUV day trip to Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau offers a chance to experience Kazakhstan’s untamed natural beauty. With a mix of lush forests, powerful waterfalls, and high-altitude landscapes, this tour promises a blend of adventure, serenity, and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for travelers who love nature, enjoy a bit of off-road driving, and want to see Kazakhstan’s lesser-known gems.

What really stands out are the expert guides, the scenic off-road routes, and the chance to get close to untouched nature. The value for money at just $50 per person is impressive, considering the transport, guidance, and access to protected areas included. One possible drawback? The weather can be unpredictable—so pack accordingly. This tour suits those eager for an authentic Kazakh outdoor experience, especially if you enjoy moderate adventure and beautiful vistas without strenuous hikes.

Key Points

• Authentic natural experience — Visit two top Kazakh spots: Turgen Waterfall and Assy Plateau.
• Expert guidance — Knowledgeable guides enhance the journey with insights into local flora, fauna, and geography.
• Off-road adventure — Traveling in a 4×4 SUV allows access to remote, scenic mountain trails.
• Value for price — At $50, this tour offers a lot: transportation, entrance fees, hot tea, and bottled water.
• Ideal for nature lovers — The tour is suitable for most, but not for those with mobility or health issues.
• Flexible and relaxed pace — Ample time at each site for photos, walking, and soaking in views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Pickup and Transfer

The day begins with a pickup in Almaty, typically arranged with a professional guide from Joinme Asia. The group size is limited to 7 per vehicle, making for a cozy and personalized experience. The early start helps avoid potential crowds and maximizes your time outdoors.

Turgen Gorge & Bear Waterfall

Our first stop is the Turgen Gorge, a lush corridor famous for its pine forests and cascading waterfalls. The highlight here is the Bear Waterfall—a powerful cascade that’s both scenic and soothing. As you walk through the forest, your guide will share fascinating details about local flora and fauna, making the experience more meaningful.

Reviewers like Chewon appreciated the tour’s exotic feel, describing it as “such an exotic tour,” and noted the refreshing spray of the waterfall. The walk is manageable but offers enough variety to enjoy the cool mountain air and the sights of rushing water. You’ll love the sound of the falls and the opportunity to snap photos of nature’s raw beauty.

Assy Plateau

Next, the adventure takes you higher—up to the Assy Plateau, sitting above 2,500 meters altitude. The drive itself is a scenic highlight, with dramatic mountain views, alpine meadows dotted with grazing animals, and winding rivers. It’s a peaceful spot, far from the hustle of city life, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy panoramic vistas.

Once there, you have free time to walk around, take photographs, or simply sit back and soak in the tranquility. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of snow-capped peaks in the distance, adding to the sense of being on top of the world. Reviewers like Sumant praised guide Aya for her attentive management, capturing photos and making sure everyone enjoyed the moment.

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Return to Almaty

After a relaxed afternoon exploring the plateau, you’ll head back to Almaty, arriving early evening. The drive down offers more chances to enjoy the changing landscape and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $50 per person, this experience delivers excellent value, especially considering it covers all transportation, entrance fees, bottled water, and hot mountain tea. The SUV ride is a significant perk—regular vehicles couldn’t reach these remote areas—and the guided commentary enhances the visit with insights into Kazakhstan’s ecosystems.

Many reviewers, like those who mentioned Aya, noted the professionalism and kindness of the guides, which makes the day more enjoyable. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the flexibility at each stop means you can tailor your visit to your interests.

What to Pack and Consider

Given the mountain environment, it’s wise to come prepared with warm clothing, a hat, rain gear, and a change of clothes. Weather can shift quickly, so layering is your friend. Remember your passport or ID for entrance to protected areas, and keep in mind that the tour is not suitable for travelers with back, heart, or mobility issues.

Food isn’t included, but there’s usually the opportunity to buy snacks or enjoy hot tea and water provided by the guides. The tour lasts roughly a full day, so bringing a camera and comfortable shoes is essential.

Authentic Experiences & Authentic Guidance

From the reviews, it’s clear that many travelers value not just the sights but the human element. Guides like Aya are praised for their patience and helpfulness, often taking photos for group members and sharing local stories. These small touches turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable adventure.

The scenery itself is diverse and captivating: pine forests, roaring waterfalls, high-altitude pastures, and distant mountain peaks. Reviewers like Kenza recommend the tour for its “good stops and good views,” confirming that the itinerary hits the right balance of nature and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This SUV day trip offers a fantastic way to see Kazakhstan’s wild and untouched landscapes without the need for strenuous trekking or overnight stays. It’s particularly appealing if you appreciate scenic drives, peaceful highland vistas, and guided insights into local ecosystems. The small group, expert guidance, and comfortable transport make it ideal for travelers who want a relaxed yet adventurous day.

If you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, the moderate price point and flexible itinerary make this a worthwhile addition to your Kazakhstan trip. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a guided experience to navigate remote mountain roads safely while still feeling connected to the environment.

However, if you have mobility challenges or certain health issues, you might want to consider whether the walk and altitude are suitable. Weather unpredictability is worth noting—pack layers and rain gear just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
Transportation in a 4×4 Jeep, a professional guide, eco entrance fees, bottled water, and hot mountain tea are included. Food can be purchased during stops.

How long is the tour?
It’s a full-day experience, beginning with pickup in Almaty and returning early evening.

Is the tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s best for those able to handle moderate walking and the high-altitude environment. It’s not recommended for travelers with back, heart, or mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, warm clothing, rain gear, hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility if travel plans shift.

Is this tour suitable for anyone with health problems?
It’s not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart issues, or mobility limitations.

What kind of scenery will I see?
Expect pine forests, waterfalls, alpine meadows, rivers, grazing animals, and distant mountain peaks.

What’s the group size?
Up to 7 passengers per vehicle, making for a intimate experience.

Do guides speak English?
Yes, guides are available in both Russian and English.

To sum it up, this tour is an excellent pick for anyone wanting a well-rounded, scenic, and authentic Kazakh experience. It combines beautiful landscapes with expert guidance, all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or just seeking a peaceful escape from city life, you’ll find plenty to love here. Just remember to come prepared for changing weather, and you’ll leave with memories of Kazakhstan’s wild side that last long after the trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: