Top attractions of Almaty region -
Jeep tour and excursion to Asy plateau through Turgen gorge -
Asy is a high-mountain plateau, a beautiful place in the mountains of Zailiyskiy Alatau, a place where nomads live in summer and graze their herds, cows, horses, goats and sheep. The plateau is one of the main attractions of Almaty region, located at an altitude of 2100 meters to 3200 meters above sea level. A mountain road leads to the plateau, which can only be driven by 4x4 all-terrain vehicles. Traveling to the plateau, you will pass Turgen gorge, Medvezhiy waterfall, Batan village. Upon arrival at the plateau, you can visit the Turgen high-mountain observatory, designed to observe outer space. The Asy River flows along the plateau, which is a local natural landmark. Also, if you go along the plateau to the east, you can visit the Zhaman-Uy mountain tract, where the Zhaman-Uy rock paintings are located. Moving further, you will reach the Bartogay reservoir, which will take you at least two days.
The Asy Plateau is one of the main tourist destinations from Almaty. You can visit the plateau in one day on a one-day excursion or take a longer trip by following the mountain road visiting the attractions described above. You can set up a campsite on the plateau and stay overnight; at night you can watch the starry sky from the observatory if you agree with the local stargazer (observatory caretaker).
How to get there, visit -
Asy Plateau is located 100 kilometers from Almaty on the territory of the Ile-Alatau Nature Park and Reserve, you can get to the plateau through the village of Turgen and the Turgen mountain gorge, Enbekshikazakh district, Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15′N 77°59′E
Information -
Asy Plateau is located in a mountain valley surrounded by beautiful mountains. The length of the plateau is 40 kilometers, the width varies from 4 to 7 kilometers. To get to the plateau, do not forget to register with the administration of the village of Turgen. Also on the way to the plateau you will pass an environmental post, where you will need to pay for travel (1 person 500 tenge). The observatory located on the plateau was built in 1975, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the observatory ceased to operate. It is best to visit the Asy plateau in the summer and on weekdays because it can be quite crowded on weekends. In winter, it is not possible to get to the plateau because the road is covered with snow. You can also get to the plateau in late spring, but there may still be snow here, extreme travel enthusiasts come here at this time to take photos of the Asy plateau covered with snow. To do this, they use jeeps with super high cross-country ability and high ground clearance prepared for driving on snow. You can also visit the plateau in the fall, but be prepared for changeable weather and rain, the weather in the mountains changes very quickly, in the morning, maybe not a single cloud in the sky, but by lunchtime the sky may be covered with clouds and rain may begin. Therefore, when traveling to the Asy plateau, always watch the weather, choose sunny cloudless days, and of course it is better to do this in the summer and not take unnecessary risks.
Safety -
While spending time on the Asy plateau, observe safety precautions: do not go close to the cliffs, do not deviate from the intended route, do not walk alone and be extremely careful and cautious. Use the services of mountain guides who know the area well, you can also use the services of travel agencies, they provide transportation, mountain guides, the necessary equipment tents, sleeping bags, field kitchens, etc. Also, if you are traveling with children, always keep an eye on them so that the children are always in sight, do not allow children to walk alone and go far from the place of your camp. You cannot light a fire on the plateau, especially in dry periods, so as not to start a fire, strong winds can blow on the plateau, which can carry sparks and flames. Keep your camp site clean and tidy, all household garbage after your vacation must be taken with you and disposed of in specially designated places. PROTECT NATURE.
Sights of the Turgen Gorge:
Turgen Gorge
Turgen River
Trout Farm
Medvezhiy Waterfall
Kairaksky Waterfall
Chin-Turgen Gorge
Chin-Turgen Moss Spruce Forests
Assy-Turgen Observatory
Asy River
Asy plateau in Almaty region Ile-Alatau nature park and reserve
Photogallery:
