1-Day Tour: Issyk Lake, Trout Farm & Bear Waterfall

Route:
Almaty – Issyk Gorge – Issyk Lake – Trout Farm – Turgen – Bear Waterfall – Almaty
Duration: 1 day
Season: March to November
Tour type: Combined (minivan / 4x4 vehicle)
Focus: Nature, culture, history, gastronomy
Activity level: Light to moderate

Itinerary

08:00 — Departure from Almaty
→ Drive to Issyk (approx. 1.5 hrs)

09:30 — Visit to the Issyk Historical & Archaeological Museum

• Scythian royal burial mounds (6th–4th c. BC)

• “Golden Man” — national symbol of Kazakhstan

• Exhibit on Scythians, Tomyris, and the Great Steppe

10:30 — Drive to Issyk Lake (via Ile-Alatau National Park)

• Alpine lake at 1,760 m altitude

• Story of the 1963 mudflow and lake restoration

11:15 — Walk and photo stop at Issyk Lake
→ Nature walk with guide commentary

13:00 — Lunch

• Option 1: Café “Annushka” (~5000 KZT, cash only)

• Option 2: Trout farm — fresh fish and riverside setting

15:00 — Arrival at Turgen Gorge
15:30 — Short hike to Bear Waterfall (700 m uphill)

• Optional: relax at visitor center (recommended with children)

• 30 m waterfall, forest air, and panoramic views

16:30 — Free time (souvenirs, tea, photography)
17:30 — Departure from the gorge

18:30 — Optional dinner stop in Avat (Café "Abdulkakhar", ~5000 KZT)
19:30 — Return to Almaty

Included in the Price

• Comfortable transportation (minivan or 4x4)

• English- or Russian-speaking professional guide

• All entrance fees:
  – Issyk National Park
  – Bear Waterfall (Turgen)
  – Issyk Archaeological Museum (guided excursion at IAM)

• 1L bottle of drinking water

• Guided hike to Bear Waterfall (1 km one way)

Not Included

• Meals (lunch and dinner)

• Photo & video fees (where applicable)

• Accommodation in Almaty

• Alcoholic beverages & extras

• Personal expenses

• Tips for guide and driver

• Travel insurance, visa support, flights/trains

• Early check-in/late check-out

Payment Terms

• 100% prepayment required

• Cancellation policy according to contract

Tour Price per Person