Asy Plateau

Location: The Asy (Assy) plateau is located at the end of the Turgen Gorge, 200 kilometers from Almaty. It is better to travel there as part of a tour group.

What’s interesting about it?

This unique place has been used as a summer pasture for centuries, and trade caravans passed Asy on their way from China to Europe. The Asy Plateau is a majestic intermountain valley with subalpine meadows located at an altitude of 2,200-2,600 meters above sea level.

What to see?

You can admire the rich nature and herds of horses grazing in this beautiful place. The Asy-Turgen Astronomical Observatory is located at the beginning of the plateau and has one of the largest telescopes in the world. If you move further, you will reach the Red Rocks, a sedimentary rock outcropping in the shape of pointed peaks and intricate sculptures. Petroglyphs from the Bronze and Early Iron Ages can also be found on the rocks.

On the way to the Asy plateau, there is the Turgen Gorge and a lot of landmarks. Also, from the Asy plateau, you can get to the Bartogai reservoir on the Chilik River.

When is the best time to visit?

The plateau is most beautiful in spring and summer. The weather is quite harsh in winter, but tours, including balloon rides, are organized by tour agencies.