The Golden Man, Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfalls: A Day Trip into Kazakhstan's History and Mountains
East of Almaty, a single day can take you from a 2,000-year-old golden warrior to an alpine lake and a forest of waterfalls. This trip combines the Golden Man burial site near Esik, the turquoise Esik Lake, and the Turgen Waterfalls — history and mountains in one relaxed day. Here's what to expect.
Who is the Golden Man?
The Golden Man (Altyn Adam) is Kazakhstan's most famous archaeological treasure — the burial of a young Saka (Scythian) warrior found in a mound near the town of Esik, about 50 km east of Almaty. Dating to roughly the 4th–3rd century BC, the warrior was buried in a costume of more than 4,000 gold pieces. Since independence, the Golden Man has become a national symbol — you'll even see the figure crowning the Independence Monument on Almaty's main square.
The Esik burial mounds
The discovery came from the Esik kurgans — a field of ancient burial mounds on the edge of Esik. You can walk among the kurgans, and a museum near the site displays finds from the excavations and a reconstruction of the warrior's dazzling golden costume. It's a rare chance to stand where one of Central Asia's great archaeological finds came out of the ground.
Esik Lake
A drive up into the mountains brings you to Esik Lake, an alpine lake at around 1,760 m in a steep green gorge. The lake has a dramatic story: in 1963 a mudflow roared down the valley and largely emptied it, and the lake you see today has slowly recovered. It's a peaceful, photogenic spot to walk and take in the mountain air.
Turgen Gorge and its waterfalls
The day's third stop is the Turgen Gorge, part of the Ile-Alatau National Park and famous for its waterfalls — the best known is the Bear (Medvezhiy) waterfall, which drops around 30 m through the forest. A short walk up the trail brings you to the falls. The gorge is also known for hot springs and trout farms, and it's beautifully cool and green in summer.
How to get there from Almaty
All three sights lie east of Almaty, off the same road, which is why they pair so well into a single trip. There's no convenient public transport linking them, so a private tour is by far the easiest way to see all three without a long, complicated day of planning and driving.
When to go
The best months are April to November. Late summer and autumn are especially lovely, when the Turgen forest turns gold and the crowds thin out. In winter, mountain access can be limited.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — there's easy walking at the lake and up to the waterfall.
- A warm layer — it's cooler up in the gorges than in the city.
- Water, snacks and sun protection.
- Curiosity — the Golden Man story is far richer with a guide to tell it.
See it with us
We run a private full-day tour from Almaty covering the Golden Man burial site, Esik Lake and the Turgen Waterfalls. It's $150 per vehicle for up to 4 people (not per person) and includes private transport, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
See the Golden Man + Esik & Turgen tour or message us on WhatsApp — we usually reply within about 15 minutes.
Quick questions
Who was the Golden Man of Kazakhstan? A Saka (Scythian) warrior buried over 2,000 years ago in a costume of more than 4,000 gold pieces, found in a burial mound near Esik, east of Almaty.
Where is the Golden Man now? The find is displayed in Kazakh museums; a museum near the Esik burial site shows excavation finds and a reconstruction of the golden costume.
How far is the trip from Almaty? The sights lie east of the city, roughly 50–90 km out; the full loop is a comfortable 6–8 hour day.
Is the Golden Man tour suitable for families? Yes — it's an easy day with light walking, mixing history and gentle nature, good for all ages.