Asy-Turgen Observatory — Attraction in Almaty Region

Just wow. We went overlanding throughout the plateau last weekend. Incredible scenery and breathtaking views. If you like astrophotography, bring your gear. Bring all of it, regardless of the weight! You'll need a decent 4x4 or "prepared" car to get here, although saying that, we saw a couple of heroes in a VW golf and an old mercedez. The trail is pretty brutal for normal cars though.

The location where the observatory is has some of the best views, but be prepared. The area is littered with trash unfortunately, which is pretty heartbreaking to see. It's also super windy, so be sure to dress accordingly for the night time. Even in summer, i'd say it's touching on freezing or below. We'll be...

observatory is located on the Assy-Turgen plateau, 2750 meters above sea level, 85 km East from Almaty. It was build by Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute, and observations began to be performed since 1981. By 1991, two telescope towers and hotel facilities were raised, and a 1-meter telescope was launched. By 1990 it was planned to set up a 1.5-meter AZT-20 reflector telescope. The dome and the building were constructed, but since the beginning of 1990s the construction was suspended due to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. In 2015 yr. the process of building was continued. In October 2016 yr. there was first observation via telescope AZT-20. Since 2017 yr. at the regular...

If you are travelling in Kazakhstan, spare a day, or better two to travel trough Assy Plato. There are two ways you can enter the Plato , so you don’t have to return the same way. Very different landscapes depending on the time of the year. But must see if you want to fern how nomads we’re living centuries ago. Locals bring their stock for the summer grazing from around May to end of September, so you will see hundreds of horses,...