Esik

Esik (also spelled Issyk) is a town in Almaty Region, located 60 km east of Almaty at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. It is famous for the Issyk Golden Man, a Scythian-era burial discovery that has become one of Kazakhstan's national symbols. The surrounding Issyk Gorge offers spectacular mountain scenery.

By Plane

Almaty International Airport (ALA) is 70 km away. Taxi to Esik takes about 1.5 hours.

By Train

No railway station. Road is the only practical option.

By Car / Road

From Almaty, take the A-351 highway east toward Esik. Regular marshrutkas depart from the Eastern Bus Station in Almaty.

The town is walkable. Taxis are available for trips to the gorge.

• Issyk State Historical and Cultural Museum — houses the famous Golden Man burial artifacts

• Golden Man monument — statue commemorating the Scythian discovery

• Issyk Kurgan — excavation site of the Scythian burial mound

• Hiking in Issyk Gorge — scenic trails through pine forests and mountain meadows

• Horseback riding — guided tours into the Tian Shan foothills

• Photography — stunning mountain and valley views

• Cafe Asyl — budget Kazakh meals
• Issyk Restaurant — mid-range with views of the mountains

• Tea houses (chaikhanas) — traditional tea, available throughout town

• Budget: Guesthouses from 6,000 KZT
• Mid-range: Issyk Hotel — 12,000-18,000 KZT
• Upscale: Mountain lodges in the gorge — 25,000-40,000 KZT

• Local market — traditional Kazakh crafts and textiles
• Museum gift shop — replica Golden Man souvenirs

• Almaty (60 km) — cultural capital
• Talgar (30 km) — gateway to Talgar Peak
• Kolsai Lakes National Park (250 km) — alpine lake trekking