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View all Almaty toursFrom Almaty: 3-Day Tien Shan Mountains 4WD Expedition
3-day trip from Almaty visiting Climb to Assy Plateau, Assy-Turgen Observatory and Cross Kyzylauz Pass. Operated by TurboKom Travel.
Highlights
- Embark on a 3-day expedition through the Tien Shan Mountains from Almaty
From Almaty: 3-Day Tien Shan Mountains 4WD Expedition: Key Facts
| Price | From $1755 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 1 available option
From Almaty: 3-Day Tien Shan Mountains 4WD Expedition
Full description
A 3-day trip out of Almaty taking in Climb to Assy Plateau, Assy-Turgen Observatory, Cross Kyzylauz Pass and Journey through Zhinishke Canyon. There are 19 stops in all.
The running order is Climb to Assy Plateau, then Assy-Turgen Observatory, then Cross Kyzylauz Pass, then Journey through Zhinishke Canyon, then Camp on Taban-Karagai Plateau, and on from there.
The price covers 3-day guided expedition, 4WD vehicle transport, Camping equipment and Meals. It does not cover travel insurance and Personal expenses, so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $1976 together rather than $1755 each, because this is priced per party and not per head.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Departure from Almaty
Meet your personal expedition guide and leave Almaty in a specially prepared 4WD. Travel toward Turgen Gorge as the city gradually gives way to foothills, mountain rivers and the forested landscapes of the northern Tien Shan.
Climb to Assy Plateau
Leave the paved road behind and climb onto the vast Assy Plateau. Travel across alpine meadows and traditional summer pastures, surrounded by open skies, distant peaks and landscapes that feel far removed from the modern world.
Assy-Turgen Observatory
Visit the remote mountain observatory standing alone above the plateau. Explore the surrounding area and enjoy panoramic views across the highlands before continuing deeper into the wilderness.
Cross Kyzylauz Pass
The real expedition begins as the 4WD follows a rugged mountain track toward Kyzylauz Pass. Experience changing landscapes, rocky terrain and sweeping views rarely seen on conventional tours.
Journey through Zhinishke Canyon
Descend into dramatic Zhinishke Canyon, following a remote track between steep slopes and weathered rock formations. This wild section reveals a quieter and more mysterious side of the Tien Shan.
Camp on Taban-Karagai Plateau
Reach the isolated Taban-Karagai Plateau and set up camp in the mountains. Enjoy a hot dinner, fresh alpine air and an evening beneath a star-filled sky, far from cities, crowds and artificial light. Overnight: tent camp on Taban-Karagai Plateau.
Morning on Taban-Karagai Plateau
Wake up surrounded by the silence of the highlands and enjoy breakfast at the campsite. After packing the camp, begin a new day of exploration through one of the most remote areas of the northern Tien Shan.
Upper Chilik River Journey
Travel by specially prepared 4WD toward the upper reaches of the Chilik River. Follow rugged mountain tracks through open pastures, river valleys and untouched landscapes rarely visited by conventional tour groups.
Climb to 3,000 Metres
Climb to approximately 3,000 metres above sea level, where the air becomes cooler and immense high-altitude panoramas open in every direction. Stop for photographs among distant peaks, alpine meadows and deep valleys.
Explore Taskala Stone City
Discover Taskala, the mysterious Stone City. Created entirely by wind, water and time, its natural rock formations resemble ancient walls, towers and the ruins of a forgotten settlement hidden in the mountains.
Off-Road Route through Aktas
Continue across the remote Aktas area, following an adventurous track through pale rock formations and open mountain terrain. Every turn reveals a new perspective of this rarely explored landscape.
Panorama beneath Mount Aktas
Reach the most unforgettable viewpoint of the expedition near Mount Aktas. Far below, the magnificent Tauchelek River Valley opens in its full scale—a winding river, green slopes, deep ravines and endless mountain ridges fading into the horizon. It is the kind of view that makes everyone fall silent.
Descent to Saty Village
Leave the highlands behind and descend toward Saty village as the landscape gradually changes from open plateaus to forested mountain valleys and rural settlements.
Local Dinner and Guesthouse
Arrive at a welcoming guesthouse in Saty, enjoy a homemade dinner and relax in comfortable rooms. Experience traditional local hospitality after an unforgettable day in the mountains.
Breakfast in Saty Village
Begin the final day with a homemade breakfast at the guesthouse. After two days of crossing remote mountain terrain, set out to discover the legendary lakes of the northern Tien Shan.
Explore Kolsai Lake
Visit beautiful Lower Kolsai Lake, surrounded by steep forested slopes and mountain peaks. Walk along the shoreline, breathe the fresh spruce-scented air and enjoy the peaceful reflections on the deep blue water.
Lunch in Saty Village**
Return to Saty for a freshly prepared local lunch. Relax at the guesthouse and experience traditional Kazakh hospitality before continuing to the final natural wonder of the expedition.
4WD Journey to Kaindy Lake
Travel by prepared 4WD along a rugged mountain road toward Kaindy Lake. The route crosses rocky tracks and shallow streams, adding one final off-road adventure to the expedition.
Kaindy Sunken Forest
Walk to the turquoise waters of Kaindy, where the trunks of submerged spruce trees rise from the lake like the masts of a sunken ship. Explore this mysterious landscape and capture unforgettable photographs.
Return Journey to Almaty
Leave the mountains behind and begin the return drive to Almaty. Watch the landscapes change from alpine forests and valleys to open steppe, with arrival in the city expected in the evening.
Includes
- 3-day guided expedition
- 4WD vehicle transport
- Camping equipment
- Meals
- Guesthouse accommodation
- Sleeping bags
- Tent
- Chairs&table
Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts