Kazakhstan · Hiking

3-Day Off-Road and Hiking Expedition from Almaty to Assy Plateau

3 Days Round trip from Алматы Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness the lush Turgen Gorge, adorned with pine trees and a rushing mountain river
02 Discover the Assy Plateau, where nomads still live among vast landscapes, yurts, and herds of sheep and horses
03 Marvel at ancient petroglyphs hidden on sun-baked rocks
04 Visit the Assy-Turgen Observatory, perched high above the plateau
05 Traverse the rugged beauty of the Red Rocks and the serpentines of the Toraigyr Ridge
06 Relax by the serene Bartogai Reservoir

Hike through the picturesque Turgen Gorge to reach the Don-Zhailyau Plateau, explore ancient petroglyphs on the Assy Plateau, and camp in a serene mountain gorge under the stars. Trek along ridges with breathtaking views before an off-road journey to the vibrant Red Rocks, where you will set up camp amid striking geological formations. The expedition continues along the winding serpentines of the Toraigyr Ridge to the tranquil Bartogai Reservoir and through the scenic Suggaty Valley before returning to Almaty.

Hike through the picturesque Turgen Gorge to reach the Don-Zhailyau Plateau, explore ancient petroglyphs on the Assy Plateau, and camp in a serene mountain gorge under the stars.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Not included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Turgen Gorge, Don-Zhailyau Plateau, and Assy Pass

Departure from Almaty for a 2.5-hour drive. Arrive at Turgen Gorge for a leisurely 3-hour hike to the Don-Zhailyau Plateau.
Drive through the Assy Pass to the observatory, enjoying panoramic views, and visit ancient petroglyphs hidden on the plateau.
Set up camp in a tranquil mountain gorge.

Total drive time: ~4.5 hours
Hiking duration: 3 hours

Day 02

Ridge Hike and Off-Road Journey to Red Rocks

Begin the day with a ridge hike offering sweeping views of the surrounding plateaus. The hike duration is flexible, from 2 to 5 hours.
Enjoy lunch before a 3-hour off-road drive to the iconic Red Rocks. Set up camp amid the striking geological formations.

Total drive time: ~3 hours
Hiking duration: 2-5 hours

Day 03

Toraigyr Ridge Serpentines and Bartogai Reservoir

Drive along the winding serpentines of the Toraigyr Ridge for 2 hours to reach the scenic Bartogai Reservoir.
Continue the journey through the Suggaty Valley and return to Almaty on a 3.5-hour drive.

Total drive time: ~5.5 hours

Where this trip takes you

Turgen Gorge, Don-Zhailyau Plateau, Red Rocks, Bartogai Reservoir

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Алматы 1 city · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Two nights at campsites on the Assy Plateau
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Mineral water and snacks during transfers
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees for parks, museums, and landmarks listed in the program

What's Not Included

Flight tickets
Insurance
Accommodation in Almaty

What to bring

Headgear: cap, hat, bandana, buff
Long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
Raincoat, windbreaker
Sweater or fleece jacket
Warm jacket: down jacket or ski jacket
Lightweight trekking pants/shorts
Warm pants
Thermal underwear
Trekking socks
Swimsuit/trunks
Comfortable trekking footwear: boots, sneakers
Camp footwear: slippers, Crocs, etc.
Personal medications
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Know before you go

Seasonality: June to September
Accommodation: two nights in tents under starry skies.
This tour is private and can be changed according to your preferences. It can also be extended to 5-6 days by including visits to the desert mountains of Altyn Emel National Park and/or the canyons of Charyn Park.
Trekking: on this tour, there is an opportunity to hike every day, and the duration of each walk is agreed upon with the tourist.

Logistics