TURGEN GORGE – ASSY PLATEAU – OBSERVATORY

Plateau is a large intermountain valley located in the northern part of the Tien Shan. It is more than 20 kilometers long and about 15 kilometers wide. On the southern slope, you can see the majestic Tien Shan fir-trees. Here used to be hunting grounds. Assy Plateau is a huge Zhajljau pasture. In summer, the locals bring here huge herds of livestock (horses, rams, cows, goats) for pasture. These herds can reach up to thousands of heads. During this time, you can see the real shepherd’s yurts with your own eyes. The area of natural boundaries Zhamanuy is surrounded by cliffs of a sophisticated shape. Their structure resembles canyons located near the Charyn River. Clay soil predominates, including small stones and sand. You can spend many hours wandering here, admiring unusual creations of the nature and taking unique photos.

The southern ridge is about two kilometers long. And tourists will notice its uncommon landscape at once, since it differs greatly from the traditional highland appearance.

Beyond the Zhamanuy Valley, the road goes up to a new pass, surrounded by gentle hills. If you look in the northern direction, you will see a ridge called Bokai. It is up to 3,100 meters high. The area has tiny streams with clear drinking water. Serpentine roads are not tiring here. On the contrary, you can loop and enjoy amazing landscapes at the same time.

To reach the vastness of Assy Plateau, you should overcome an easy pass and cross a small river. The path across the plateau is not a difficult one. Of course, you can face ravines on your way, but there won’t be any complicated obstacles. By the way, in this area archaeologists have found traces of ancient humans. Experts believe thay he lived here 50 centuries ago. And archaeologists often come to the plateau to continue research. The experts are especially interested in grave mounds and stone women, which were built 1-2 thousand years BC.

Rising the slope, you will see the observatory at an altitude of 2,665 meters. At first glance, it may seem that the building is abandoned. However, the observatory is still functioning to the present day. Scientists systematically climb here to carry out research.

Turgen Clove and Assy plateau have their own history. Before, one of the caravan routes used to pass here, connecting India and China with the Old-World countries.

It is best to come here from April to November. In late spring, summer and early autumn, it is advisable to take a sun screen. And in May and June, you should also take care of anti-ticks’ protection. Always be sure to carry warm clothes – in the highlands it’s cold in the evening. In winter, the road is covered with a thick layer of snow. The road becomes impassable for common transport.

On the plateau, you can take car, hiking and cycling trips. And don’t forget that this is the place where you can take the most fantastic photos! And from the watershed ridge, which is 3454 meters high above sea level, you can observe magnificent all-round landscapes, which you must take photos of.