InfoHub Logo

Embark on an unforgettable weekend adventure with a suggested driving route designed to showcase the stunning natural beauty surrounding Almaty. This journey takes you from the picturesque Charyn Canyon, through the expansive Assi Plateau, and past the Bartogay Reservoir, offering a diverse range of landscapes without requiring extreme off-road capabilities.

The Journey Begins: Almaty to the Assi Plateau

This mountain road trip from Almaty to Charyn Canyon promises a unique experience. Covering approximately 200 kilometers, the drive can take between 8 to 10 hours. It's essential to prepare by stocking up on fuel, water, and food supplies before setting off.

The initial part of the route follows the Kulzha highway, passing through settlements before turning towards Issyk. The path then continues towards the Charyn Canyon. While the Turgene Gorge, known for its waterfalls and tourist activity, is a common stop, the main route veers higher into the mountains.

After about 20 kilometers, the paved road ends, giving way to a dirt track ascending into the mountains. This section presents challenges for vehicles with low ground clearance (150 mm or less) due to numerous potholes and rocks. It's advisable to carry tools like a tow rope and a shovel.

Following several challenging stretches, the road opens up to the Assi Plateau after roughly half an hour. This is one of the most beautiful high-altitude plains, located about 100 kilometers from Almaty.

Assi Plateau: Cosmic Views and Summer Pastures

The plateau is characterized by lush green slopes, clear skies, and a profound sense of open space. In the distance, beyond the hills, the unfinished dome of a structure known locally as "Chupa-Chups" is visible. A smooth dirt road provides access to this site within minutes.

This area offers a perfect spot for relaxation, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and taking in the panoramic views. The Assi-Turgene Observatory, situated at an altitude of 2750 meters, is dedicated to space research. Its clean air and low atmospheric turbulence make it ideal for astronomical observations.

Continuing across the plateau, the route winds through horse pastures and along a mountain river. You'll encounter various livestock, including cows, horses, sheep, and goats, adding to the feeling of stepping back in time.

A meteorological station marks the center of the plateau. Opposite it, across the river, stands the plateau's sole shop. From here, the road descends towards the Bartogay Reservoir. This descent is considerably more demanding than the ascent, with the road condition deteriorating significantly.

Descent to Bartogay and the Final Stretch

After another two hours, the descent towards the Bartogay Reservoir begins. This segment is tougher than the climb, featuring landslides, gullies, and potholes that make the journey arduous. However, the view from the final pass erases the memory of the difficult terrain. Below lies a flat valley, the reservoir beyond, and mountains encircling the scene.

From the Bartogay Reservoir to Charyn Canyon, the distance is approximately 30 kilometers. Much of this final stretch is paved. It's best to complete this section during daylight, as the road can have deep potholes.

Exploring the Canyons

A ten-kilometer paved road leads to the entrance of Charyn Canyon. From here, you can access the national park, the tourist center, and the canyon itself. As evening approaches, the canyon transforms into an enigmatic world.

Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan's most renowned natural landmarks, with heights ranging from 150 to 300 meters. If you decide to stay overnight or find yourself delayed on the road, be sure to look up at the night sky. The stars and the brilliant Milky Way offer a spectacle rarely seen in urban environments.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.