A 3-day jeep tour to the Asy (Assy) Plateau from Almaty

Almaty – Issyk – Turgen Gorge – Batan Forestry – Shenturgen River – Assy Plateau – Assy Pass (2,510 meters above sea level) – Assy (Turgen Observatory) – Assy Farm – Zhaman-Uy tract (clay remnants near the Assy River) (149 km).

We leave Almaty along the Kuldzhinskaya Highway and travel along it to the village of Avat, after which we turn right and, after six kilometers, reach the Issyk burial mounds. Upon reaching the burial mounds, we'll visit the Golden Man Museum, the excavations of the large Issyk burial mound, and a gallery containing more than ten burial mounds where the Golden Man was found.

We'll then head to the Turgen Gorge, passing the town of Issyk. In the Turgen Gorge, we'll pass an eco-post and continue along the blue mountain river of the same name, the Turgen. Along the way, we'll enjoy beautiful landscapes with green meadows and beautiful mountain slopes. Leaving the Turgen Gorge, we'll reach the beginning of the Assy Plateau. We'll stroll to a cliff, which offers a picturesque view of the Turgen Gorge from the other side.

Next, we'll ascend to the Assy Pass, 2,510 meters above sea level. After reaching the pass, we stroll along it, taking photos of the beautiful panorama. Below us lies the Assy Valley, flanked by the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains.

Then, we head southwest to the observatory on the Assy Plateau, popularly known as Chupa-Chups due to its resemblance to a mountain. The observatory offers picturesque views of the Assy Plateau, as well as the Trans-Ili Alatau ridges to the south. We stroll around the observatory grounds and take photos.

After the observatory, we drive to the Assy farm, located 21 kilometers away. On the way to the farm, we'll see nomads who have pitched their yurts on the riverbank. We'll be surrounded by panoramic views of the dzhailau (cattle pastures), the dwellings of the shepherds themselves, and grazing herds. Having reached the cliff above the Assy River, we stop to stroll and take photos.

After finishing our walk, we head to the Zhaman-Uy tract (clay remnants). After 19 kilometers along the right bank of the river, we reach the tract containing the clay remnants of the Assy River. We set up camp, have dinner, and rest.

Zhaman-Uy tract – Alabayta Mountains – Bartogay Reservoir – Kokpek village – Charyn Canyon – Zamkov Glade – Kokpek village – Kokpek Gorge – Baiseit village – Chilik village – Almaty city (285 km).

After breakfast, we walk to the clay remnants of the Assy River, take photos, and then drive to the Bartogay Reservoir. Our route will take us through beautiful and interesting landscapes, the soil being mostly red. Our path will gradually ascend to a pass where small Saka burial mounds are located.

We stop, walk to the burial mounds, and take photos. Along the way, we'll stop at a spring of artesian water, after which we'll descend from the pass to the Bartogay Reservoir.

After driving 25 kilometers from our overnight stop, we reach the Bartogay Reservoir, which is fed by the Chilik River and used by locals for agriculture. Upon reaching the bridge, we stop to admire the picturesque view of the reservoir and take photos.

Next, we'll drive to the Charyn Canyon, located 55 kilometers from the Bartogay Reservoir. Upon reaching the canyon, we'll descend and stroll to the Charyn River of the same name, and also visit the Valley of Castles. Our roundtrip walk is a total of six kilometers. We'll take photos, admire the bizarre formations, and return to the vehicles. Next, we'll head to the observation deck, which offers a picturesque view of the Charyn Canyon.

After visiting the canyon, we return to Almaty. The journey is 200 kilometers long.

1. Optionally, you can visit the rock paintings on the left bank of the Assy River.
2. For an additional fee, you can descend into the Charyn Canyon by car.
3. For an additional fee, you can visit the Berkutchi Museum in the village of Nura.