Turgen Gorge and Issyk Lake

Valleys Inside The Ili Alatau National Park Near Almaty. Issyk Lake Was Formed By A Mudslide Dam In 1963 And Rebuilt; The Esik Region Is Also Where The Saka Golden Man Was Found In 1969. Turgen Has The Bear Falls Cascade And Turgen Asy Hot Springs. · Esik, Almaty Region

Turgen Gorge and Issyk Lake are two separate valleys on the northern slope of the Ili Alatau, east of Almaty, inside the Ili-Alatau National Park. Issyk Lake sits in the valley above the town of Esik. A mudslide dam formed the lake in 1963, and the same flood destroyed it a few years later; the lake was rebuilt, and today it is a small, calm mountain lake with a managed visitor area. In Esik itself, a museum holds a replica of the Golden Man, the Saka warrior found in a burial mound in 1969, with the original kept in Astana. Turgen Gorge, a different valley a little further east, has the Bear Falls cascades, forest walks and the Turgen Asy hot springs. Both are popular day trips from Almaty and are crowded at weekends. Mudflows are a real risk in heavy rain, and access can close. Bears are rare. Check road and park rules before you go, and bring layers, cash and your own water for the day.

Two northern-slope valleys of the Ili Alatau 50 to 70 km east of Almaty: Issyk with its dammed mountain lake above the town of Esik and Turgen Gorge with its waterfalls and hot springs, Esik, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan

The valleys have no fixed hours, but the national park gates and ticket points are normally staffed in daylight, roughly morning to early evening. Paths, springs and cafes are busiest in summer, and some close in cold months. The Esik museum has limited opening times and may close on one weekday. Roads can be shut after heavy rain, mudflow warnings or snow. Confirm gate times, fees and the state of the road on the day.

Turgen Gorge and Issyk Lake on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos