KAZAKHSTAN

Assy and Turgen Horseback Tour

Step into the world of the nomads and explore the contrasting landscapes of the Turgen Gorge and Assy Plateau on horseback.

Geo-Tech Overview

This short but immersive journey combines untouched nature, Kazakh traditions, and dramatic mountain scenery in the heart of the Northern Tien Shan. Over two days, you’ll ride across high alpine plateaus (up to 2,800 m), pass through wide valleys where nomadic families still live in yurts, visit the famous Assy Observatory with its dome shaped like an Edelweiss flower, and feel the spray of the powerful Kairak Waterfall. Along the way, expect panoramic views of the Sarytau ridge and distant glaciers, mysterious moss-covered permafrost zones, and a chance to spot wildlife such as deer, wild boar, or even wolf tracks.

June – October
2 days
intermediate
Ile Alatau
1650 — 2800 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Horseback ride through Assy Plateau, one of the largest summer pastures of the Tien Shan.
See the unique Assy-Turgen Observatory (2,700 m), one of the largest high-mountain observatories in the world.
Camp in the wild beauty of Ushbulak Gorge (2,450 m) surrounded by alpine streams and spruce forest.
Cross the Don Zhailau plateau and Oi-Karagai meadows (2,800 m) with sweeping views of Sarytau Ridge and distant glaciers.
Discover the mighty Kairak Waterfall (55 m) hidden in the depths of Turgen Gorge.
Experience nomadic life: yurts, herds grazing on vast plateaus, and authentic wilderness.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Almaty – Batan – Assy Plateau – Ushbulak Gorge

– 07.00 – meeting with the guide in Almaty, transfer to the Batan Village in Turgen Gorge (75 km)
– 08.30 – arrival to the village, meeting the horses and packing
– 09.30 – start of the trek, horseback riding to the Asy Plateau and the Observatory
– 13.00 – stop for the lunch, rest and picnic near the stream
– 14.00 – riding to the camp site in the picturesque Ushbulak Gorge
– 16.00 – setting up the camp
– 17.00 – free time, walk around the neighborhood
– 19.00 – dinner and overnight in the tents

Riding distance: 18 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,550 m / –770 m
Campsite altitude: 2,450 m

Day 2

Ushbulak – Don Zhailau – Kairak Waterfall – Batan – Almaty

– 08.00 – breakfast and packing
– 10.00 – riding to the Oi-Karagai area crossing the Bartagul Gorge and Don-Zhailau Plateau. On the way, you will see panoramic views of the Sarytau Ridge and the glaciers of the Turgen and Chon-Turgen Gorges whitening in the distance
– 13.00 – stop for lunch on the picturesque glade near the river with the view to Oi-Karagai Plateau
– 14:00 – riding to the Kairak waterfall
– 15.00 – arrival at the waterfall, walking to the observation view points
– 15.30 – riding back to the Batan village along the road. Short hiking for crossing the river and getting the main road. Horses will take another way and meet you on the road
– 17.00 – return to the Batan village, transfer to Almaty
– 19.00 – return to Almaty

Riding distance: 20 km
Elevation gain/loss: +550 m / –1,200 m

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

1300 EUR per one person
800 EUR per person for the group of 2
650 EUR per person for the group of 3-4
600 EUR per person for the group of 5-6
550 EUR per person for the group of 7-8
500 EUR per person for the group of 9-10

Accommodation:

Camping in the tents. We recommend to bring your own reliable and light tent for comfortable night staying. Rental is also possible upon request.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

– Light functional trekking long pants or leggings;
– T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve;
– Cap or panama hat for sun and heat protection;
– Neck warmer;
– Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing;
– Membrane or other water and wind resistant light jacket and pants;
– Raincoat poncho;
– Softshell jacket;
– Down vest or jacket;
– Extra set of warm thermal layer for spending nights in the tent;
– Extra warm socks;
– Sandals or rubber slippers;
– Beanie;
– Pair of thin durable leather or other gloves for horseback riding;
– Warm gloves;
– Headlamp;
– Sunglasses;
– Sunscreen with high UVA protection 50+;
– Personal hygiene items;
– Small towel;
– Swimming suit;
– Water container;
– Personal AID kit (pain and flu medication, adhesive tape, individual medications in case of having chronic diseases);
– Sleeping bag with temperature 0 – -5 degrees Celsius in comfort zone;
– Energy, protein, muesli bars, dry fruits, nuts or other preferred snack;
– Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks;
– A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
– Chargers and cords (power bank or compact solar panel).

Food:

– individual snacks (muesli, protein, chocolate of other bars, dry fruits and nuts, special mount nutrition and etc.)
– soft drinks or alcohol

Services included in the package:

1. Return transfer Almaty – Batan – Almaty.
2. English-speaking horseback guide.
3. Horse breeder services & horse rental.
4. National Park entrance fees.
5. All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
6. Camping equipment (2-pax tent, sleeping pad).
7. Horse-riding safety equipment: helmet and gaiters.
8. Drinking water.