Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
As a morning warm-up in the fresh air, you will have a short hike deep into the Turgen mountain gorge, where the picturesque Bear waterfall is located. You will walk along a mountain trail enjoying stunning mountain views, and at the end you will enjoy the coolness of the glacial water of this waterfall.
After lunch you will head to the Lake Issyk located in Issyk gorge of Ili-Alatau mountains 70 km from Almaty at an altitude of 1756 m above sea level. The color of the water in this lake varies from turquoise to dark blue depending on the time of year. You will enjoy nature and the scenic panorama of the Ili-Alatau mountains with magnificent lake, take stunning memorable pictures and be filled with positive emotions.
This tour is designed so that you can enjoy the views at the best time of the day with the best lighting conditions. Our tour guide will show you the best photo spots and tell you interesting information about the sites.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Important note: Children under 3 y.o. are not allowed on the tour
Not recommended for travelers who can not withstand hikes
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
National park admission
Comfortable minibus with A/C
Bottled water
Lunch (provided at a local restaurant on a la carte basis)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Lake Issyk
After lunch you will head to the Lake Issyk located in Issyk gorge of Ili-Alatau mountains 70 km from Almaty at an altitude of 1756 m above sea level. The color of the water in this lake varies from turquoise to dark blue depending on the time of year. You will enjoy nature and the scenic panorama of the Ili-Alatau mountains with magnificent lake, take stunning memorable pictures and be filled with positive emotions.
Ile-Alatau National Park
This tour is designed so that you can enjoy the views at the best time of the day with the best lighting conditions. Our tour guide will show you the best photo spots and tell you interesting information about the sites.
Options
Group tour (shared basis)
Small-group: an uncrowded small group of up to 15 tourists
Comfortable minibus
Pickup included
Private tour option
Individual tour: only you participate, without other people.
Vehicle type: 2-5 pax - SUV/minivan;
6-7 pax - Toyota Hiace;
8-15 pax - Mercedes Sprinter.
Pick-up/drop-off: any custom location in Almaty city.
Pickup included
Reviews
49 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice day out
Christine M,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
4.00I did 3 different day tours with 3 different companies and this one was probably the more professional one. Walk to the waterfall isn’t too long but it could be difficult for people who do not have a certain fitness level or the elderly as it can be slippery(loose gravel) in some places. The walk to the lake is very easy and the lake is lovely. Guide was friendly and offered some information. Bus clean and comfortable. A nice day out of the city.
Great tour with some nice views
Hassan A,
Jul 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great Tour would definitely recommend. Well knowledgable tour guide and friendly. The mini hike up to the waterfall was easy with some breathtaking views , although it was busy. The lake was also nice.
Lovely day in nature with a wonderful guide.
Ken Q,
May 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Very nice tour. Beautiful scenery! Love our tour guide Mutha. She was very engaging and flexible with everyone in the group. Picked the perfect places to stops for breaks and to eats. Delicious clean, and reasonable.
An awesome Issyk Lake experience
OmkarVilas S,
Oct 10, 2024
- Viator
5.00The tour experience was one of the best that I had in Almaty. I would like to express my gratitude to Shakh Zhakhan and Medina for organising this entire tour. The pickup and drop was very comfortable. The lunch was amazing and the games we played as teams were the cherry on top of the cake. Optimal time was provided to all the group members and Shakh and Medina ensured that it’s an amazing experience for all. This is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had with any other tours. Thanks for making this a memorable one for me.
A Great trip to the lake
Don M,
Sep 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00Medina was a wonderful tour guide. She was fun and informative and brought all the members of the tour together. We all enjoyed our time on the trip.
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Operated by Kazakhstan Guided Tours