Issyk Lake and Turgen Gorge with Trout Farm Fishing

Experience the ultimate combination of natural beauty, light hiking, and outdoor activities on this private day trip from Almaty. This tour takes you through the lush Turgen Gorge to a hidden waterfall, introduces you to the excitement of catching your own lunch at a local trout farm, and concludes at the dramatic, high-altitude Issyk Lake. It is the perfect escape into the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau.

• 09:00 — Meeting and departure

  • We pick you up from your hotel or apartment, get acquainted, and head out of the city. Our route follows the historic Kuldja Tract, where the caravans of the Great Silk Road once traveled. The drive to the mountains takes about an hour and a half, passing by local apple orchards and colorful suburban villages.

• 11:00 — Arrival at Turgen Gorge. Bear Waterfall

  • We enter the picturesque Turgen Gorge—one of the greenest and most water-abundant valleys in the Trans-Ili Alatau. Our first destination is Bear Waterfall, which stands at approximately 30 meters high. A beautiful and straightforward hiking trail leads to the waterfall along a mountain river (about 1.5–2 km each way). The route is easy, without sharp inclines, and is suitable for everyone. For those who prefer not to walk, local UAZ taxi services are available on-site.

• 13:30 — Lunch and fishing at the Trout Farm

  • We drive slightly lower down the gorge to visit a local trout farm. This is a popular destination featuring pristine artesian water where authentic rainbow trout are raised. Here, we arrange an interactive experience: you will be handed fishing rods to catch your own lunch (the fish bite almost instantly, ensuring a thrilling experience). Your catch will immediately be sent to the kitchen and grilled over charcoal using a signature local recipe. We will enjoy lunch outdoors by the water.

• 15:30 — Visit to the high-altitude Issyk Lake

  • We transfer to the neighboring Issyk Gorge to see the famous Issyk Lake, situated at an altitude of 1,760 meters. The lake is surrounded by sheer cliffs and dense forests, and its water changes color from greenish hues to deep turquoise depending on the weather. We will share the remarkable and dramatic history of this site (in 1963, a massive mudflow completely destroyed the natural dam, and the lake was restored only decades later). You will have plenty of time to stroll along the shore, walk up to the scenic rock formation known as the "Kremlin Wall," and take excellent photographs.

• 18:00 — Return to the city

  • We board the vehicle and head back to Almaty. The drive will pass by quickly, and we will deliver you right back to your hotel or apartment doors.