In the Footsteps of Shokan Valikhanov
Cross Turgen Gorge, the Assy Plateau, and Tsarskoye Valley on a three-day wilderness trek inspired by the route of Kazakhstan's legendary explorer, Shokan Valikhanov.
Turgen gorge - bear waterfall - assy plateau - tsarskoye valley - kairak waterfall - batan
Signature Hiking Expedition
Itinerary Highlights
- Follow in the footsteps of Shokan Valikhanov — the legendary Kazakh explorer who recorded the name of Assy Plateau in his 1856 expedition diaries, the very place where we spend the night.
- Hike along an ancient nomadic trail through Turgen Gorge, ascending from Bear Waterfall into the highlands of Semirechye.
- Camp on Assy Plateau (~2,500 m) near a high-altitude observatory, where clear nights reveal a sky untouched by city lights and filled with shooting stars.
- Experience sunset at Tsarskoye Valley — the visual and emotional highlight of the journey.
- Travel light: our support team transports the heavy equipment, camp, and kitchen by 4x4 vehicles, allowing you to focus fully on the trail.
- End the adventure with a traditional sauna experience after three days in the mountains.
A Trail Older Than Any Map
Most tourists see these mountains from a distance — from city viewpoints or through a car window. This journey takes you deeper inside: three days on foot through the gorges, mountain passes, and high-altitude plateaus of Semirechye, traveling from waterfall to waterfall along trails that have been used by nomadic people for centuries.
In 1856, these landscapes were documented in the journals of Shokan Valikhanov — a Kazakh scholar, explorer, and one of Central Asia’s great travelers. He recorded the name “Assy Zhailau,” referring to the summer pasture on the very plateau where we spend the night, and noted that Assy and Turgen begin on opposite sides of the same mountain ridge. Our route connects these two worlds: starting in Turgen Gorge, we cross the mountains toward Assy Plateau, following the very landscapes he mapped more than 150 years ago.
The trek is led by a team of local guides and accompanied by a dedicated mobile photographer. Professional photos and drone footage are included for all participants. Meanwhile, our support team takes care of the logistics — transporting heavy equipment, setting up camp, and preparing meals — so you can simply enjoy the trail with a light backpack.
Most tourists see these mountains from a distance — from city viewpoints or through a car window. This journey takes you deeper inside: three days on foot through the gorges, mountain passes, and high-altitude plateaus of Semirechye, traveling from waterfall to waterfall along trails that have been used by nomadic people for centuries.
In 1856, these landscapes were documented in the journals of Shokan Valikhanov — a Kazakh scholar, explorer, and one of Central Asia’s great travelers. He recorded the name “Assy Zhailau,” referring to the summer pasture on the very plateau where we spend the night, and noted that Assy and Turgen begin on opposite sides of the same mountain ridge. Our route connects these two worlds: starting in Turgen Gorge, we cross the mountains toward Assy Plateau, following the very landscapes he mapped more than 150 years ago.
The trek is led by a team of local guides and accompanied by a dedicated mobile photographer. Professional photos and drone footage are included for all participants. Meanwhile, our support team takes care of the logistics — transporting heavy equipment, setting up camp, and preparing meals — so you can simply enjoy the trail with a light backpack.
Itinerary
day 0
day 0
Arrival at Base Camp
The group gathers at a guesthouse in Tau-Turgen village, where the rhythm of the city is left behind. We share a welcome dinner, get to know each other, review the route and equipment, and have an early night.
The first evening is about slowing down, settling in, and preparing for the adventure ahead — tomorrow, we start early.
The first evening is about slowing down, settling in, and preparing for the adventure ahead — tomorrow, we start early.
day 1
day 1
From Waterfall to the Highlands
An early start takes us to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, where the trail begins. Today is the longest hiking day of the route, following an old mountain path once used by nomadic communities and still traveled by local shepherds today.
The trail leads through mountain passes, dramatic rock formations, and high-altitude pastures. We stop at the “Turtle” rock formation for rest and photography, followed by a picnic lunch near the Karagayly River.
By evening, we reach Assy Plateau, where our tented camp is already waiting along with a warm dinner. It is no coincidence that one of Kazakhstan’s high-altitude observatories was built here: far from city lights, Assy offers an incredible night sky, and on clear evenings meteor showers can be seen above the plateau.
~24 km · Overnight: Camp on Assy Plateau
The trail leads through mountain passes, dramatic rock formations, and high-altitude pastures. We stop at the “Turtle” rock formation for rest and photography, followed by a picnic lunch near the Karagayly River.
By evening, we reach Assy Plateau, where our tented camp is already waiting along with a warm dinner. It is no coincidence that one of Kazakhstan’s high-altitude observatories was built here: far from city lights, Assy offers an incredible night sky, and on clear evenings meteor showers can be seen above the plateau.
~24 km · Overnight: Camp on Assy Plateau
day 2
day 2
The Highlight of the Journey
After breakfast, we continue across the vast open landscapes of the highlands toward Tsarskoye Valley.
Today’s route is shorter and more relaxed, leaving more time to take in the scenery. Tsarskoye is the visual and emotional highlight of the entire journey — a place to slow down, watch the sunset, capture aerial footage with a drone, and simply enjoy the silence of the mountains.
~15 km · Overnight: Camp in Tsarskoye Valley
Today’s route is shorter and more relaxed, leaving more time to take in the scenery. Tsarskoye is the visual and emotional highlight of the entire journey — a place to slow down, watch the sunset, capture aerial footage with a drone, and simply enjoy the silence of the mountains.
~15 km · Overnight: Camp in Tsarskoye Valley
day 3
day 3
Down to the Waterfall — and Back to the City
After an early breakfast, we begin our descent through mountain valleys toward Kairak Waterfall, where we stop to rest and take photos.
From there, we continue to Batan, where our transport will meet the group. By lunchtime, we return to the base in Tau-Turgen for a meal, a sauna, and some well-deserved rest before heading back to Almaty in the evening.
~15 km · End of the route
From there, we continue to Batan, where our transport will meet the group. By lunchtime, we return to the base in Tau-Turgen for a meal, a sauna, and some well-deserved rest before heading back to Almaty in the evening.
~15 km · End of the route
Nurlan prefers small groups where everyone can move at a comfortable pace, connect with each other, and feel confident throughout the journey.
Alongside guiding, Nurlan works in film — and he sees every route as a story to be experienced together, not simply a trail to be completed.
For him, the best hikes are the ones where, after reaching the finish line, people already want to return to the mountains — and come back with the same team.
Alongside guiding, Nurlan works in film — and he sees every route as a story to be experienced together, not simply a trail to be completed.
For him, the best hikes are the ones where, after reaching the finish line, people already want to return to the mountains — and come back with the same team.
Nurlan is a trekking guide and expedition organizer who creates hiking experiences across Kazakhstan and abroad, including routes along Turkey’s famous Lycian Way.
His approach is built around thoughtful logistics, safety, and creating a calm, friendly atmosphere within the group. He leads tours in both Russian and English.
His approach is built around thoughtful logistics, safety, and creating a calm, friendly atmosphere within the group. He leads tours in both Russian and English.
Nurlan Shaimardan
Meet the Guide
- Price per person from
$800
Minimum Group size: 6 person
A private horse can be arranged upon request for an additional fee. - Included
- Transfer from Almaty and back
- Accommodation: 1 night at a guesthouse in Tau-Turgen + 2 nights in a tented mountain camp (tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag provided)
- Full board throughout the journey, including hot dinners cooked in a traditional kazan and local cuisine
- Professional hiking guides throughout the entire route
- Transportation of equipment, camp, and kitchen by 4x4 vehicles — you hike with only a light backpack
- Sauna experience after the trek
- Professional photo and video coverage of the journey, including drone footage, shared with all participants
- Not included
- Personal trekking equipment
- Travel insurance (available upon request)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Group tours
TBA
Private tours
May — october
Submit your request
and embark on this
unique journey
and embark on this
unique journey