The Asy Plateau is one of the most impressive places for traveling in the mountains of Kazakhstan. It is an ideal destination for lovers of camping, trekking and ethno-tourism. Located just 100 km from Almaty, the plateau attracts travelers every year who want to touch the real nomadic culture.

Where is the Asa Plateau located?

This high-mountain plateau lies at an altitude of 2,100 to 2,800 meters above sea level, in the area of the Turgen Gorge. You can get there by the Kuldzha highway through the village of Turgen. After entering the gorge, the road becomes unpaved and leads to the Asy Pass.

Asy Pass coordinates: 43.24057, 77.87993

How to get to the Asy plateau: you need a four-wheel drive off-road vehicle.

What to do on the Asa Plateau?

The Asa Plateau is a great place to:

  • trekking in the mountains of Kazakhstan
  • mountain biking
  • camping in Almaty region
  • participation in ethno-festivals, such as “Zhailau-toy”.
  • stargazing near the Assy-Turgen Observatory

Nature and culture

The plateau of Asa awaits you:

  • majestic landscapes: alpine meadows, clear rivers, herds of horses and sheep
  • rock paintings, Saka burial mounds and stone dolmens
  • Turgen Observatory — one of the largest astronomical sites in Kazakhstan
  • the living legacy of nomadic life: yurts, shepherds and koumiss

Climate and seasonality

Access is open from May to September. Summer is cool: +12…+18°C during the day and about +5°C at night. It is windy and sudden weather changes are possible.

Where to stay?

  • Tent camping at the foot of the gorge
  • Camping right on the Gilead
  • Seasonal yurt campsites

What to bring?

  • Warm clothes and a sleeping bag
  • A tent and a burner
  • Solar panel
  • GPS navigator or offline maps
  • Camera and binoculars — the views are amazing

Why it’s worth going?

It’s one of the few places that combines:

  • mountains and jailau
  • nomadic culture and archaeology
  • astronomy and wildlife

If you are looking for a wild place for camping in Kazakhstan, want to hike in the mountains of Almaty region or just enjoy the starry sky — the Asy plateau is definitely worth visiting.