2-day Horseback Tour "Nomadic Trails Of Asy And Turgen"
About this tour
Step into the world of the nomads and explore the contrasting landscapes of the Turgen Gorge and Assy Plateau on horseback. 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.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Horseback ride through Assy Plateau, one of the largest summer pastures of the Tien Shan.
- Visit 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.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan to Batan, Kazakhstan
Day 1. Almaty – Batan – Asy – Ushbulak - 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. Distance: 18 km. Elevation: +1550 meters/-770 meters. Campsite altitude: 2450 meters.
Day 2: Batan, Kazakhstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Day 2. Ushbulak – Don Zhailau – Oi-Karagai – Kairak Waterfall – Batan. - 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. Distance: 20 km. Elevation: +550 meters /-1200 meters.
What's included
1. Transfer Almaty - Batan - Almaty. 2. English-speaking guide. 3. Horse breeder services. 4. Environmental fees. 5. Meals: lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast and lunch on Day 2. 6. Horses rental. 7. Camping equipment: shared tent, sleeping pad.
1. Personal and other expenses not specified in the program. 2. Insurance policy. 3. Food for snacks.
Languages spoken
What to know
Required clothing and equipment: – Light functional trekking long pants or leggings; – T-shirt or light shirt with long sleeve; - Thermal base layer; – Cap or panama hat; – Neck gaiter; – Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing; – Membrane or other water and wind resistant jacket; – Raincoat poncho; – Hiking or horse-riding gaiters; – Warm fleece or polartec jacket; – Light down vest or jacket; – Two pairs of socks; – Beanie; – Two pairs of gloves (thin and warm, according to the season); - Head-mounted or other compact flashlight; – Water container (1 liter); – Thermos (0,5 – 1 liter); – Sunglasses; – Sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection; – Personal AID kit (cold and individual diseases medicines, painkillers, adhesive tape); - Food for snacks; - Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks; – Personal hygiene items; – Small towel; - Swimming wear; - A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters; - Sleeping bag with temperature 0 – -5 degrees Celsius in comfort zone; - Isothermal foil survival blanket; - Matches or a lighter in waterproof package; - Chargers and cords (power bank or compact solar panel). All the gear will be packed in the waterproof bags and put into the saddlebags. Maximum weight for one person is 60 liters. Small items, snacks and clothing you need during the riding you can carry in a small backpack.
Route & locations
Almaty, Kazakhstan to Batan, Kazakhstan