Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip from Almaty

Turgen Waterfall and the Turgen Gorge

The Turgen Waterfall is set in a forested gorge about seventy kilometres east of Almaty, where the Turgen river tumbles over rock ledges into cold pools. The trail from the trailhead follows the stream through pine and fir trees, and the walk itself is a highlight of any Turgen Waterfall day trip from Almaty. Wear sturdy shoes, since the path can be uneven and slippery after rain.

Many travellers ask how long the hike to the Turgen Waterfall takes; allow a couple of hours for the round trip at a comfortable pace, with time for photos. The best time to visit Turgen is late spring to early autumn, when the water is high and the forest is green. Our guide helps you choose how far to go.

Esik (Issyk) Lake

Esik Lake, also written Issyk Lake, lies at about 1,700 metres in the Ile Alatau mountains, ringed by spruce forest and rocky peaks. The lake was reshaped by a powerful mudflow in 1963 and later rebuilt, and today it is a peaceful spot for walking, photography and a picnic. People often search for Esik Lake tours from Almaty, and this trip combines the lake with the waterfall in one day.

The turquoise water changes colour through the day, and the surrounding hills give good viewpoints. The lake is close to the town of Esik, where a famous Saka burial, the Golden Man, was found in 1969. Ecological entrance fees for the area are included in this tour, so there is nothing to pay at the gate.

Trout farm lunch stop

Between the sights, the group stops at a mountain trout farm, where you can watch the fish pools and eat fresh trout or another local dish. Lunch is not included in this option, so you pay for what you order, and vegetarians can usually find an alternative.

The stop breaks up the day and gives everyone time to rest before the next walk. If you prefer a picnic, bring your own food, as there is space to sit outdoors in good weather. Ask the guide about the local dishes on the menu and whether they can be served quickly, so the group stays on schedule.

Planning the day trip from Almaty

The trip lasts about ten hours and starts at 08:00 from a meeting point in Almaty that we confirm after booking. Hotel pickup is not part of this option. The drive from the city takes roughly one to one and a half hours in each direction, depending on traffic.

Bring a light waterproof jacket, since the weather in the gorge can change quickly, and a small daypack with water. The itinerary can be adjusted by the guide to suit the weather and the group's pace.