tour to big almaty lake

How to Visit Big Almaty Lake in Just 500 INR from Almaty City

If I were to choose one place as my favorite then that would have to be the Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan. Even before we got our Kazakhstan visas , I was looking forward to this trip.

We had no clue what all the amazing places existed in Central Asia. But once we typed Kazakhstan in Google and saw pictures of gorgeous blue colored lakes coming up, we knew. We had to visit this place even if it left us broke.

But one thing which I really loved about the Big Almaty Lake is that it didn’t disappoint us. When you are traveling, you often come across amazing photographs of a location but the places aren’t that beautiful in real life.

However, this is not true for the Big Almaty Lake. It is as mesmerizing and gorgeous in real life as it is in the pictures. And as someone said to us a while ago ‘If you haven’t seen Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan, then you haven’t seen anything in Kazakhstan’.

So, we visited Big Almaty Lake twice because the lake was frozen the first time during our visit. But honestly, each visit left us more in love with this place.

In this post, we have jotted down all the ways that you can reach this lake from Almaty along with some other important information.

Big Almaty Lake

A part of the Tien Shan mountains, Big Almaty Lake is one of the most important and popular lakes to visit in Kazakhstan. Situated at a distance of 30 km from Almaty City center, it can easily be done as a day or a half-day trip from the city.

One of the most scenic places to visit, this lake is a good place for a drive. An important thing to note about this lake is that it is the major source of drinking water for the Almaty region. As a result, swimming or walking near the lake is prohibited.

The lake was formed due to multiple earthquakes and it is situated at an altitude of 2511 m. There are three major peaks surrounding the lake: Sovetov, Ozyorny, and Turist. And the entire landscape can be witnessed easily from the northern side of the Almaty River dam.

This lake is made up of the glacial water. So, the water level is at a minimum in February and at a maximum in August. With 1.6 km length and 1 km width, it is not the biggest lake in Kazakhstan. But it is definitely one of the most beautiful ones and the lake changes its color between turquoise blue and light-green, throughout the year.

The maximum depth of this lake is 40 m and since it is located at a high altitude, the temperature here stays cool throughout the year.

How to Reach Big Almaty Lake

If you are planning to stay a couple of days in Almaty, then you can easily plan a day trip from here to this lake.

And the best part is that there are so many options available from the city to reach here.

Finding a Big Almaty Lake Tour

If you aren’t on a tight budget but have limited time then a tour could be the best option for you. You will find both group and private tours for this place to choose from. These tours will usually include other sights as well including a hike to the Big Almaty Peak.

You can either find a tour online or you can head to a Tourist Information Center in the Almaty City. The center will update you about any upcoming tour to Big Almaty Lake and will also book a seat for you. You can expect to pay around 5000 KZT for a group tour. As for the private tour, the prices vary between 75 to 250 USD.

Note: You can also look for some events on Couchsurfing for the Big Almaty Lake. You would just need to share the taxi costs in it with other travelers.

Taking a Bus

For budget travelers, there is also the option of taking a bus and then taking a taxi or hitchhiking the remaining way. For taking the bus to the gate, you will need to reach First President’s Park first. This park is at the corner of Al-Farabi and Navoi street and can be easily found on Maps.me or 2gis apps.

Once you have reached the park, you need to wait at the bus stop next to the park gate. It will be on the road to Almarasan so you can search for it on the maps. From here, you need to take Bus Number 28 which will take you up this street.

This bus will take you to the last bus point which is just after the entry to the park. It is around 10-12 km before the Big Almaty Lake. The cost of the bus is just 150 KZT for one side or 80 KZT if you have the Onay Travel Card.

From the last bus point, you can get a taxi for 5000 KZT to the lake or 8000 KZT for the return trip, including 1-hour wait. But if you are patient then you can also hitchhike to the lake.

Ordering a Taxi/Cab

Another popular and convenient way to reach Big Almaty Lake is by using a taxi or cab services. A taxi from Almaty city will cost you around 15000 KZT for the taxi. This will include the to and fro journey and will also include a wait time of 1-1.5 hours.

If you are a group of people, this could be a really good option. The taxi will pick you up from your hostel/hotel and will drop you off there as well. For this, you can choose to find a taxi on your own or you can contact the Tourist Information Center in Almaty to get a taxi for you.

Yandex Taxi

Another option is to book a Yandex Taxi which will pick you up and drop you at the desired location. Usually, a Yandex Taxi will cost you around 13000 – 15000 KZT for the return journey.

This won’t include the wait time so you will have to pay extra for that.

Renting a Car

For people who have an International driving license, renting a car is a great way to reach the lake too. You can rent a car for a day and can head to Big Almaty Lake, Kok Tobe, Central Park, and other places in the city as well.

The cost of a rental car in Almaty city is around 20,000 KZT for a day. There are many car rental websites for Almaty that you can check out to rent a car here. If you are taking a rental, then you will also need to pay 200 Tenge per person at the entrance gate.

Cycling to Big Almaty Lake

If you are an adventurer and a cyclist then cycling to Big Almaty Lake could be an option too. One of the best things about Almaty City is that they have provided rental bicycles on the streets for you to use. So, you can rent a cycle for a day or a couple of hours and enjoy exploring this city.

If you have good stamina and have cycled in the mountains before then you can cycle to the lake too. It will take you around 2 hours to reach the lake and then 1 hour to return back to the city.

The return is actually more fun as you get to enjoy the cool, fresh air without having to pedal too much. The cost of renting a bicycle depends on the duration but won’t cost you more than 500 KZT for 3 hours use. You can also rent the bike for the entire day for 3500 KZT.

Hitchhiking to the Big Almaty Lake

Finally, if you believe in saving money and meeting new people on your trips then hitchhiking is definitely a good option to consider. Hitchhiking is actually quite common in Kazakhstan but you need to have a lot of patience and time at hand.

You can start by asking a lift to the First President’s Park in Almaty City. And once you reach the park, you can try to stop cars and ask them a lift to the Big Almaty Lake or the last bus point. It might take some time but you will find a few lovely souls who would be willing to help you out. And you will also end up making a new friend in this process.

Best Season to Visit Big Almaty Lake

As I mentioned above, the lake changes its color depending on the season. So, you might witness a milky blue lake in the springtime and a light green shade in the autumn time.

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in Big Almaty Lake in each season.

Winter Season (December – March)

If you don’t mind the snow and the frozen lake then you could visit Big Almaty Lake in winters. But honestly, this is not the best time to visit Big Almaty Lake as you cannot see the colors of the lake.

Also, the temperature tends to be much colder at this time. And you will also not be able to hike to the Big Almaty peak. There are also chances that the road to the lake will be covered in snow.

So, overall, winter is definitely not the best time to visit Big Almaty Lake.

Spring Season (April – May)

Although the lake stays frozen in April, it unfreezes in the first week of May. This is the best time to visit the lake as you can actually see the lake unfreezing. Also, the bluish-green color of the lake is visible under the ice in April.

However, you will be hard-pressed to find a sunny day in April as it tends to rain a lot.But if you do, you won’t be troubled by locals or tourists as almost no one visits the lake in April.

If you truly want to enjoy the colors and the weather near the Big Almaty Lake then May is the best time to visit. The weather is sunny and pleasant and the lake is a gorgeous bluish-green color. So, you will definitely enjoy a day beside this beauty.

Summer Season (June – August)

Although summers are a good time to visit Big Almaty Lake as the lake has completely unfrozen by now. But it is also the busiest season to visit the lake. You will find people from all over Kazakhstan coming to relax and enjoy this beautiful place. And there will be a lot of foreign tourists at this time as well.

Plus, the locals from the Almaty city will be driving here every day for a quick getaway from the heat. So, make sure you visit in summers only if you don’t mind the tourist influx.

Autumn Season (September – November)

Autumn season is definitely the best time to visit Big Almaty Lake. During this season, the lake water turns into a shade of turquoise blue which looks completely magical. Also, the glacier melts by this time so the lake has more water and the scenery looks quite hypnotizing.

The autumn colors of the nearby trees give off a beautiful and surreal look to this lake. And you will get completely lost in the beauty of this lake and the landscape.

Best Time to Visit Big Almaty Lake

Now, I have talked about the best season for visiting Big Almaty Lake. But apart from that, you also need to visit the lake at the right time during the day to enjoy it the most.

If you want to experience the lake without any crowds then morning is a good time to visit. You can reach here around 8-9 a.m. and enjoy some quiet, peaceful time beside the lake.

You will also have more time to explore the area surrounding the lake. Plus, you can make a trip to the Big Almaty Peak and the abandoned Astronomical observatory as well.

Personally, I feel that the evening is the best time to visit Big Almaty Lake. This is because the sun is not in front of the lake and the mountains so you can sit down and gaze upon the lake as long as you want.

Also, this is a good time for clicking photographs. The sun rays will perfectly light up the subject and the lake for you. Trust me, during the evening, the lake looks completely magical as the sunlight reflects off its surface.

If you want to enjoy a nice picnic near the lake then the afternoon is a good time to visit. There are fewer people here in the afternoon as well. And honestly, you will love the feeling of the warm sun along with the cool mountain breeze.

Note: Avoid a trip to the Big Almaty Lake during the weekends. This is because all the locals come here during the weekends for a short picnic and it can become quite busy. 

Things to Do Around Big Almaty Lake

Here are a few things that you can do here to pass a couple of hours. 

Click Amazing Photographs

Big Almaty Lake is a paradise for photographers and Instagrammers. A blue colored lake with majestic snow-covered mountains as your backdrop, this place is perfect for taking kickass pictures.

So, if you are a landscape or a portrait photographer, you will have a lot of fun framing creative shots around this lake. Do make the most of this opportunity and take some memorable photographs. 

Hike to the Big Almaty Peak

Another popular thing to do on a day trip to the Big Almaty Lake is to hike to the Big Almaty Peak. This is a 4-hour hike from Big Almaty Lake. The peak is at a height of around 3500 m and the hike is not for beginner trekkers.

On the way, you will also cross the Astronomical Observatory where you can stop for a few minutes. The last few meters to the peak are steep but once you reach, you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the Big Almaty Lake. So, do go on this hike if you have time and stamina for the same. 

Relax Beside the Lake and Enjoy the View

Obviously, one of the best things to do here is to simply sit down and take in the view. You can choose to stroll around the lake and admire it from different angles. Or you can simply get a book and picnic set-up to enjoy a few hours of sunshine beside the lake.

But make sure that you aren’t too close to the lake border as it is not allowed. There are border guards patrolling the area so, be careful. 

Go to the Astronomical Observatory

Finally, if you aren’t interested in the hike, you can still make your way to the Astronomical observatory here. The Tien Shan observatory is just 3 km from the lake and can be reached in 10 minutes in a vehicle or in an hour by hiking.

Here, you will see 2 parts of the observatory with limited military guards and staff. If the guards are amiable, you might get a chance to take a tour of the observatory. If not, you will have to be satisfied by looking at it from the outside.

Earlier, it was possible to spend a night here and watch the stars but not anymore. The second observatory is empty due to the earthquake damage. However, it still works as a weather station for the region.

What to Wear for Big Almaty Lake

It is very cold at Big Almaty Lake and I know this because I visited twice here. Once when the lake was frozen and once when it wasn’t.

Although you won’t feel too cold if it is a sunny day and if you are visiting during the daytime. But it is always a good idea to carry warm clothing, just in case.

For Photography

If you are a photography enthusiast or an Instagrammer, then I am sure you would like to take great photographs here as well. In that case, make sure that you wear bright colors near the lake.

Since the lake gives off a turquoise blue or bluish green color, wearing shades of red, yellow, or black is a good idea.

Avoid wearing blue or green as you will get camouflaged with the surrounding. And do not wear white if you are likely to be witnessing a frozen Big Almaty Lake.

For girls, dresses and skirts will work well as you can be really creative with your poses. But make sure you carry a warm overcoat and leggings with you to wear if you feel cold in the mountains.

For Casual Visit

If you are visiting just for a picnic or hiking or just reading a book near the lake then you don’t have to worry about the colors. Just make sure you warm 2-3 layers of clothes that you can easily shed if you feel hot.

Also, if you are planning to hike here then do wear good trekking boots. And get a warm blanket or bed sheet with you to cover the ground for a picnic and lying down. 

Things to Take With You on a Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

When you are planning a day trip to the lake, make sure you carry these essential items with you. I have also provided a shop link for a few items for you to purchase if you don’t already own it.

• Passport – One of the most important things to carry with you is your passport. Often times, the border patrol guards will ask to see your passport and not having it can cause big problems for you.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Another important thing to carry with you is a reusable water bottle filled with water. There is no food or water provision at the lake so you need to carry your own water. Avoid buying water bottles to reduce plastic wastage.Instead, you can purchase a sports water bottle to carry with you. Check out the prices of reusable bottles here .
• Daypack – Make sure that you carry a small daypack with you to carry your essentials. This will hold your passport, wallets, water bottles, snacks, jacket, etc. Click here to see the Quechua daypack that I use .
• Good Hiking Boots – It goes without saying but if you are planning to hike to the lake or the Big Almaty peak, then you need a good pair of hiking boots. Click here to see a good pair of Quechua hiking boots .
• Snacks –  Don’t forget to bring some food along with you. As I mentioned earlier, there is no food provision around Big Almaty Lake. So, you need to carry your own lunch and snacks if you don’t want to stay hungry.

Where to Stay in Almaty

The best thing about Almaty is that since it is a major Kazakhstan hub, there are many accommodation options available here. And you can find something in all kinds of budget. 

Low-Priced Accommodation

If you are looking for a decent but cheap hostel in Almaty then NordPeak hostel is a good option. They have separate dorms for girls and guys and offer several amazing facilities. You have a washing machine and iron to wash and iron your clothes.

And they also give you a locker to keep your valuables. You can also use their kitchen to prepare your own food and can use the free WiFi here.

Mid-Priced Accommodation

For people looking for a decent and mid-ranged option, Interhouse Almaty is a great choice. They offer both dorms and private rooms and also offer continental breakfast every day. 

The best part is that this place is perfect for both solo and family travelers.

High-Priced Accommodation

If you want a good stay and money is not an issue, then Renion Park Hotel is the best place to check out. They offer a range of rooms to the guests. So, you can find Single Rooms, Twin Rooms, Suites, and so on.

This hotel also offers facilities like a spa, fitness center, terrace, and so on. So, it feels like your own personal apartment. It is just a 10-minute walk from Panfilov Street so you are in the middle of the party spots. And all the rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, fridge, desk, electric teapots, and so on.

If comfort is what you want then this is the place for you.

Summary 

I truly believe that if you want to see the true beauty of Central Asia or Kazakhstan for that matter, then a trip to Big Almaty Lake is a must. Truly, it is one of the most gorgeous lakes I have ever visited.

A visit to this lake will make you feel like you have been transported into a fairyland. And it will truly make it hard for you to leave Kazakhstan the way it did for me.

I hope this guide helps you plan a day trip to this absolute marvel. Do let us know in the comments if you liked our post or have any questions for us on visiting this lake.

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Very nice and helpful write-up…

Thank you Vaibhav 🙂

Hi Rachita, Very nice write up, I and my wife are planning to travel to Almaty from November 10th. Wanted to check if the lake would be frozen or not so green by then, Not a fan of snow and frozen lake. Wanted to confirm. Thanks , Keep travelling and writing…

So sorry I missed on the comment. The lake freezes from October end to March end so I wouldn’t suggest planning a trip then. For greenery, April onwards is best.

Well written. I hope it will help for my coming Kazakhstan trip

Hope so too 🙂

Such an amazing and detailed guide . Could you tell that taxi will take us near the lake so we avoid the 12km walking trail ? Thanks

Currently, they aren’t taking you to the lake. You will have to hike for the last 10km sadly.

Big Almaty Lake (BAL)

During the tour you will:

• Drive up the hill to a height of 2510m along a serpentine road in the mountains, the slopes of which are decorated with Tianshan fir trees.
• Hear many stories from our guide about our city and its surroundings.
• See a very long pipe that stretches through the mountains, supplies the city with water and which was built many years ago by the Japanese.
• Admire the snowy peaks, whose height reaches more than 4000 meters.
• Take amazing photos in memory of this fabulously beautiful place

Price for the Almaty lake tour

The price includes: pick up and drop off hotel your hotel, entrance tickets, driver-guide.

We became friends!

We had an amazing four-day adventure, made all the more enjoyable by Gulzat's personality. Through discussion, we arrived at the perfect bespoke four-day road trip. We did everything that we wanted to do and it was fantastic that we could return to the Charyn Canyon to take photographs in better light....

• Reka Hungary ★★★★★ See you in Budapest! We spent teo days with her! She was so nice and plesent and helpful. I always felt safe. She was helpful! We spoke so much about our familiy and culture, we learned a lot from Kazakhstan! Thank you for the unfogetable experience! I recommend her to anyone! It was amazing how she can speak on three language...
• Nao Japan ★★★★★ We spent a great day! I had a great experience with my guide, Gulzat. She is very polite, kind and caring person. She replied me very quick any time. I came to Almaty from Japan alone. I was a little bit nervous before but I was very relieved by her support. She invited me to a nice riverside lunch on the way to Big Almaty Lake. I had an amazing afternoon. The lake was beautiful ....

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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Big Almaty Lake

Surrounded by mountains and giant Tien Shan firs, Big Almaty Lake is a scenic place. It’s worth a drive, and it looks like in the pictures. You can definitely enjoy the atmosphere up here, as long as you remember a few basic pointers left out of most travel guides.

The Sunkar Falconry Center has an entertaining summer show with eagles and other birds of prey every day at 5 pm (except Monday), which serves as the perfect stop-over on your way back from the lake.

Sometimes, the lake is free to visit, at other times, access is restricted and entrance fees are raised. Please let us know your BAL experience on the forum to keep everyone up to date.

For now, Big Almaty Lake is free to visit and easy to access.

Table of Contents

Avoid weekends at all cost. The proximity of Big Almaty Lake to the city and the perfectly maintained road towards the lake mean it has become a very popular place for locals to pick-nick and show off their cars. Summers are busiest. The best time to visit are May – June, when the road is clear but the lake is still a frozen beauty and the mountain freshness is incomparable, and September – October, when glacier melts turn the water a dazzling turquoise.

What not to do

Border guards take their job seriously here. You cannot approach the lake, only see it from the road. You cannot camp near the lake. In any case, take your passport with you, as a passport check is possible.

Should I hike here?

Hiking up to the lake is pretty boring, as you are following the road for the longest time, and the scenery is average. It’s also really far away, to make it back in 1 day is tough (you cannot camp at the top). We don’t advise it.

From the lake, there are some great hikes to be made to different peaks and glaciers. You might need several permits for these, which can be obtained at the Migration Police (OVIR). We have no experience getting the permits. There are other wonderful hikes to be made in the Ili-Alatau near Almaty without permits. See hiking around Almaty for suggestions and directions, or contact Asya and Alexey to talk about a guided hike.

Big Almaty Peak hike

The walk up to Big Almaty Peak is what we used to call a simple half-day hike. No permits needed. However, in light of the  death  of a tourist we now include a warning about the descent.

Although the hike is quite simple, attempting to descend the Ayusai gorge is an easy mistake for an inexperienced hiker to make, and it’s already cost two lives and necessitated several rescues.

From the observatory, follow the mountain trail on your right hand side to the north that leads to the peak ( gpx trail ). You can camp nearby or continue in a westerly direction. As long as you do not get too close to the border with Kyrgyzstan.

Please make sure to return by the same path. DO NOT attempt to descend the (Ayusai) Gorge which leads back to the city. This gorge becomes steep, with several waterfalls, and two hikers have died in the last years after making this mistake.

If you do want to get to the lake under your own steam, cycling is an option if you are fit ( 1400 m elevation over 16 km ). It’s a beautiful ride up, the tarmac is perfect, and it’s 30 km downhill if you make it to the top.

Astronomical observatory

The astronomical observatory on Big Almaty Lake is a place of scientific inquiry, and as funding has increased over the years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, old projects have been resumed. This means you can no longer sleep or watch the stars at the observatory, but it should be possible to visit if the guards are not in a bad mood.

A smaller, but very charming, observatory is the Kamenskoe Plato Observatory closer to the city ( Gmaps ). Their telescopes are antiques and more for show-and-tell, but the place is full of history (the invention of astrobotany by Gavriil Tikhov, to name but one thing) and it’s a quirky Almaty destination that’s rarely visited by tourists. If you’re interested, we can inquire about the possibility of them providing a tour.

Almaty’s third observatory is 100 km east, on the Assy Plateau ( Gmaps ). Find out more about the observatories’ work on their website .

Getting there

On the corner of Al-Farabi and Navoi streets, next to the President’s Park is the bus stop ( Gmaps ) for bus 28 that drives every 30 minutes all the way up Dulati street (also called Almarasan). Last stop is just beyond the entrance to the park. Taxis ply the same routes, expect to pay around 5-10 times more per seat. If you drive yourself, you will need to pay a 200 tenge entry fee per person at the entrance to the park.

From the entrance to the park, you will need to hitch a ride if you want to get up to the lake. Not so easy if you are going outside of the peak times. A taxi up to the lake will be upwards of 2000 tenge.

Alternatively, you can join a day tour which takes in a few other sights and allows some hiking around the area.

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Almaty city & Big Almaty Lake tour with local cuisine and wine tasting

Description

TOURIST PLACES you'll visit:

• Big Almaty Lake
• Ile-Alatau National Park
• Restaurant of Kazakh national cuisine
• Local wine tasting
• Arbat pedestrian street
• Almaty Subway
• Ascension Cathedral
• Green Bazaar
• Almaty Chocolate factory brand shop

The key feature of Almaty is that the city is located near high mountains. On this tour you will visit one of the most scenic natural site of Almaty region - the Big Almaty Lake. The turquoise surface of the Big Almaty Lake shines among the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains at an altitude of 2500 m above the sea level. As a result of the earthquake, the mountains formed a gorgeous lake, the beauty of which will forever remain in your heart and which has long been one of the symbols of Almaty. Y ou will enjoy nature and the scenic panorama of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains with gorgeous lake, take stunning memorable pictures and be filled with positive emotions.

Also, as part of the city tour, you will have the opportunity:

• to taste Kazakh national dishes and local wines;
• to buy mountain honey and taste a horse milk at the Green Bazaar;
• to walk along the pedestrian street and feel the vibe of the city;
• to get a lot of interesting information from the guide to know the city better.

Welcome to Almaty and have an exciting tour!

Tour area on the map

09:00 - 09:30  Pick-up and departure from Almaty

09:30 - 11:00 Ride to the Lake

11:00 - 12:00 Big Almaty Lake , enjoying the scenery, photo

12:00 Way back to Almaty

13:30 – 14:30 Lunch and tasting of Kazakh national cuisine (min. 2 dishes)

14:30 - 18:00 

• Drive through the old city center
• Tasting of local wines
• Walking along the Arbat pedestrian street
• Visiting of the Almaty Subway
• 28 Panfilov’s Guardsmen park: excursion to the Ascension Cathedral
• Green Bazaar : tasting and buying various products

18:00 - 18:30 Hotel drop-off

⚠️ [Visits to any of the tour sites may be canceled and their order changed in case of adverse weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control]

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2020

PHOTOS OF OUR TOURISTS

REVIEWS OF OUR TOURISTS

Options & prices.

⚠️ [If you are more people, contact us and we will make an individual calculation for you]

IMPORTANT INFO

REQUIRED FITNESS LEVEL: Low

WE RECOMMEND TO TAKE WITH YOU: cap, rain jacket, sunblock, sport shoes, headscarf for women to visit the Cathedral.

• Not recommended for pregnant women; • Not recommended for travelers with high/low blood pressure.

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2023

Small groups of 5-15 tourists

Perfect for couples and solo travelers

Enjoying the trip, having fun and meeting new people

Budget savings and more travel

GROUP TOUR JOINING

[Here you can book your place on a group tour by yourself specifying the number of people and selecting an available tour date]

⚠️ [To accept online payment from your bank card, we use PayPal as a payment gateway, so you can securely pay with any international debit/credit card. No need to have or create a PayPal account]

PRIVATE TOUR BOOKING

[Here you can submit a request to book a private tour. We will try to respond to you within 24 hours]

BOOKING TERMS

Prepayment (30% of the tour cost for the Private tours, 20% for the Group tours) is required to confirm your booking. The remaining amount must be paid at the start of the tour. To accept online payments from bank cards, we use PayPal as a payment gateway, so you can securely pay with any international debit/credit card. No need to have or create a PayPal account.

CANCELLATION POLICY

PRIVATE TOURS

• Customer can change the details or cancel the booking no later than 72 hours before the start of the tour with the possibility of a 70-90% refund of the tour cost. After this time, no refunds will be made.

FIXED-DATE GROUP TOURS

• Customer can change the details or cancel the booking no later than (24 hours - for day tours; 72 hours - for multi-day tours) before the start of the tour with a full refund of the tour cost. After this time, no refunds will be made.
• A minimum number of tourists and suitable weather are required. If these criteria are not met, the tour will be canceled no later than 48 hours before the start and you will be offered a different date/tour or a full refund.

Any tour/booking can be canceled in case of force majeure with a full refund.

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• Big Almaty Lake Tour
• Charyn canyon tour
• Kolsai lake tour
• Issyk lake tour
• Almaty inside
• Almaty outside
• Kazakh cuisine
• KZ visa for all
• KZ visa for Pakistanis
• KZ visa for Bangladeshis
• KZ visa for Indians

• You will enjoy the fascinating views of Big Almaty Mountain Lake with professional guide, and experienced driver
• Picnic in nature
• All admission fees and tickets
• Environmental fees
• Take pictures of Almaty Big Lake
• We will travel on a comfortable vehicle

Asia Guides

Big almaty lake | the complete guide of how to get there.

After spending time getting lost in Uzbekistan’s mesmerizing mosaic designs, we were finally ready to get our nature fix. Upon arriving in Kazakhstan’s former capital, Almaty, we put a visit to Big Almaty Lake firmly on our to-do list. But getting there seemed like a bit of a problem. With tours to Big Almaty Lake only leaving on the weekends, how could we possibly visit during the week? Here’s the complete guide on how to get to Big Almaty Lake without a tour!

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Figuring out a route to Big Almaty Lake

After getting to grips with the essential information about Almaty , we did some quick research on how to get to Big Almaty Lake. However, we were a little disappointed at the thought of possibly having to do a tour and overpay for the 30 km journey just outside of the city. Luckily, after digging further and having a chat with our Couchsurfing host, we decided to use a combination of buses, mini-vans and hitchhiking – and it couldn’t have been simpler! Similar to our hitchhiking experience at the Genghis Khan Statue in Mongolia , hitchhiking to Big Almaty Lake was super straightforward.

Take bus 28 out of Almaty City

The first task was to get to the outskirts of Almaty City. The best way to do this is to take the number 28 bus from President’s Park. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and the bus costs 150 Tenge, or 80 Tenge if you have a Unified Transport bus card.

Hitchhike or take a mini-van from Kokshoky Village to Big Almaty Lake

You will need to get off the bus at the last stop, in a village called Kokshoky. When you get off the bus there will be a few mini-vans and taxis that will offer to take you to the lake. The tourist rate in a mini-van is 2,000 Tenge ($5.15) per person.  We both looked at each other and debated if to pay the price and get to Big Almaty Lake quicker. However, with a little hesitation, we decided to try the good old sticking out the thumb tactic.

Hitchhiking to Big Almaty Lake

We walked 1 km up the road and found a nice spot to hitch our first 18 km ride in Kazakhstan. Quite a few cars passed by and did not attempt to stop; only a taxi driver who wanted to charge us 3,000 Tenge.

After around 10 minutes, another mini-van pulled over and offered to take us both for 2,000 Tenge. After a few whispers to each other, Jake whipped out a 1,000 Tenge note and asked the driver if he could take us both for 1,000. The driver gave us a look of hesitation for just a split second before waving us in.

The roads on the way up are winding and steep. As we hung our heads out of the window and took in the towering pine trees, we couldn’t help but feel glad that we weren’t the two backpackers, we had just passed, hiking the full 18 km. YAY, the last leg to Big Almaty Lake was a success!

Arriving at Big Almaty Lake & entrance costs

Upon arriving at Big Almaty Lake, we were blown away by the beauty of the lake and the surrounding area. Trees tower over the lake for miles; which made the lake seem much smaller. The colour of the lake is a stunning light blue, and you could sit for hours just taking in the beauty. Much like the rest of the scenery in Central Asia , Big Almaty Lake did not disappoint. The best bit…the lake is completely FREE to roam around.

We spent about 2 hours at the lake; hiking down a steep hill, climbing on rocks for better views, taking photos and eating our packed lunch of chicken, pepper, and potatoes, that we had cooked the night before.

Heading back to Almaty City from Big Almaty Lake

Heading back from the lake seemed a little more difficult. By the time we had hiked back uphill and taken a 10-minute rest, more and more people had arrived waving around their selfie sticks. There were a few cars and two mini-buses parked up, but not one of them showed any signs of moving. So, we decided to start walking back down and sticking out our thumbs each time a car passed by.

We walked for about 20 minutes before a young guy picked us up. He drove us about 10 km before dropping us off at a viewpoint and picking up his mates. 3 cars later we were back in Almaty City; just 200 meters from where we started our journey. What we anticipated to be a very long, tiring, and potentially expensive day to the lake turned out to be easy peasy, and we only spent 660 Tenge ($1.70) each on transport.

Enjoy hitchhiking? Consider hitchhiking through Japan to save on travel costs !

A quick summary of how to get to Big Almaty Lake

Make your way from your accommodation to President’s Park.

Take bus 28 to Kokshoky Village: 150 Tenge without IC card or 80 Tenge with IC card.

Hitchhike/ take a mini-van to the big Almaty lake: Free – 1000-2000 Tenge.

Relax and eat lunch at the lake: FREE.

Hitchhike back to Kokshoky Village.

Take a bus back to your hostel or next stop in Almaty City: 80/ 150 Tenge

Note: If you’re not comfortable with navigating your way there, then we suggest you book a tour. Unfortunately, cheap tours only leave at the weekends.

Where to stay in Almaty

Feeling luxurious:  Renion Park Hotel  – Modern style rooms that are well equipped with everything you need; sofa, TV, slippers, hairdryer and more! The hotel also has an indoor swimming pool for you to relax at the end of the day.

Budget private room:  Interhouse Almaty – Has cosy home-style rooms and breakfast is served each day. Perfect for those on a budget, who like to spend time by themselves.

Dorm life:  Almaty Central Hostel – Perfect for meeting other travellers! Highly rated and has a well-equipped kitchen for those who like to cook.

For more prices and deals on properties in Almaty, CLICK HERE.

Essential resources for travelling in Kazakhstan

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

Have more time in Kazakhstan? Check out our backpacking Kazakhstan itinerary.

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10 thoughts on “ Big Almaty Lake | The Complete Guide of How to Get There ”

Excellent article – thank you! We’ll be heading to Almaty on Monday and will be heading out to the lake armed with your information and tips to get there as frugally as possible 😁 I love your tips, and hope we have as much as you with hitchhiking! 😃

Thanks a lot guys! Enjoy Almaty lake, it is a beautiful place. Good luck with the hitchhiking too, I am sure you will be just as lucky 🙂

I can’t wait to go to Kazakhstan! This looks like a great day out with the hike and beautiful weather. Look forward to more of your stories from that part of the world. Keep exploring, keep sharing 🙂

Thanks a lot Anna. Unfortunately, Kazakhstan was our last stop in Central Asia. We are no win Europe 🙂 yay! But we totally recommend a Central Asia trip to anyone.

These are some stunning landscapes. It looks so lush and untouched. Would love to go here someday

Hope you get to visit 🙂 do you have any plans?

It’s strange that i had not heard about Almaty lake earlier. It looks so stunning and pristine. Gorgeous photos 🙂

Thank you 🙂 it i a beautiful lake.

How cool is this? I have never hitchhiked in my life so I can’t even imagine what that’s like. Were the people of Kazakhstan accommodating and were happy to take you to where you need to go? How did you communicate? The lake looks lovely!

Yes so accommodating. It is one straight road so there was no other way to go which made it super easy 🙂

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How to get to Big Almaty Lake

Updated April 2024,  How to get to Big Almaty Lake was originally written in October 2019

Sat perched in the Ile Alatau Mountains just a short drive from downtown Almaty sits the impressive Big Almaty Lake. In most of the photos you’ll see online, the lake appears to be a vibrant turquoise. When I was there in August 2019 it was a pale and milky seafood green– this is due to the lake changing colors because of fluctuating water and sediment levels throughout the year.

On my first trip to  Kazakhstan , I never made it to Big Almaty Lake despite it being a short 15 kilometers outside of  Almaty . This time back I knew I had to find a time block to squeeze in a visit between activities on the USAID project that I was brought over this year for.

I convinced Valerie from  Valerie & Valise  and  Shao  who was providing coverage for  We Travel The World  to join me to Big Almaty Lake in the morning before our media campaign officially began. I’ll explain how we visited the lake by taxi, and also include information on getting there by thumb.

Heading To Almaty? Check Out The  Best Things To Do In Almaty Don’t miss the ornate  Almaty Metro stations  while you’re in the city

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Kazakhstan?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

About Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake as mentioned before, sits in the Trans-Ile Alatau Mountains and is located roughly 15 kilometers south from the middle of Almaty. The lake is actually a natural reservoir that flows out into the Big Almaty River and provides much of the drinking water for the city of Almaty.

Because the lake is the water source of the city, no swimming is permitted in Big Almaty. There are plenty of guards around patrolling the lake, not just to keep swimmers out– but also because the lake sits so close to the Kyrgyz border. The border between the countries is closed here, so much of the surrounding areas are off-limits.

Big Almaty sits at an elevation of 2,511 meters above sea level. Water levels and color fluctuate throughout the year.

How To Get To Big Almaty Lake By Taxi

Getting to Big Almaty Lake is a breeze with the Yandex.Taxi app. I highly recommend it for getting around in Almaty as well as several other cities in the country (and in Bishkek,  Kyrgyzstan , and Tashkent,  Uzbekistan ).

For those of you not familiar, Yandex.Taxi is similar to Uber and is super simple to use. It has spread across many ex-Soviet (and some that aren’t) countries.

You should plan about 50 minutes drive each way to/from the lake.

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Bradt Kazakhstan to help you plan your Kazakhstan adventure

How To Use Yandex.Taxi

• Type in ‘Big Almaty Lake’  where to  box.
• Tap the + symbol
• Add your next destination (wherever you want to be dropped back off at in Almaty).
• Select the class of car you’d like to take.
• Click order and wait for your taxi to arrive.

The price reflected when booking your taxi is an estimate (though I’ve always found it to be pretty accurate). At the end of the ride, your driver will update the app and it will give you the final price.

Costs For Visiting Big Almaty Lake

Of course prices change all the time and currencies are always fluctuating. In August 2019 this is what we paid to visit Big Almaty Lake

• Yandex Taxi : 7,000 KZT/$18 USD (3,500 KZT each direction)
• Wait Time : About 1,000 KZT/$2.60 USD per hour
• Ile Alatau National Park Entrance : 650 KZT/$1.70 USD per passenger

Do note as mentioned previously that taxi prices can fluctuate some from the initial price estimate that Yandex will give you due to traffic and depending on how long you stay at the lake. If you want to keep costs down, try to find 2-3 other travelers to share the cost of the taxi with.

Need More Inspiration? Scroll Through My Post ‘ 32 Photos That Will Put Kazakhstan On Your Bucketlist ‘

Hitchhiking

It’s pretty easy to hitchhike in Kazakhstan and it’s a pretty common way of getting around (and is relatively safe).

I’ve hitchhiked all over  Central Asia  and can attest to this (despite being recently told by a travel blogger that she was, and I quote ‘too pretty to hitchhike’. Maybe I’m just that ugly, or maybe it’s that people in Central Asia aren’t dangerous heathens…).

But alas, hitchhiking isn’t always free– most anyone with a car seconds as a taxi driver in Kazakhstan as well as greater Central Asia so most will expect some payment. Do negotiate before getting in a car.

For those that want to spend more time at Big Almaty Lake, you may want to get a Yandex (or hitch) out there and then hitch on your way back to avoid the wait-time fee if you plan to explore for a few hours. This is going to be the easiest to do on summer weekends as so many people go up to the lake as a city break.

Best Time To Visit

May-October are your best times to visit the lake as the windy road up here can get quite icy in the winter months. May-June I was told is a great time to visit as the lake is still frozen under a thin layer of ice and September-October are supposed to be when the lake is at its most vibrant due to the lake being inundated with glacial meltwater.

Weekends in the summer are always busy with picnickers who rally up for the day, so if you want to visit with less of a crowd I recommend a weekday morning.

Going to Kyrgyzstan as well? Check out the two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary

Tours To Big Almaty Lake

You can shop day tours to Big Almaty Lake  here  if you’re an advance planner and just don’t want to be fussed with sorting out how to get here on your own. You can also book day trips to the lake through many hostels and hotels around Almaty, and via local tour operators.

Looking For More Things To Do In Southeast Kazakhstan? Head to  Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes  or  Charyn Canyon

What To Take To Big Almaty Lake

• Passport : Bring your passport as they may be checked at the gate for the park, and officers patrolling around the lake can ask you to see it too (a copy will NOT suffice). Many places in Central Asia in sensitive border areas will have passport checks.
• Hiking Boots : If you want to explore around the lake. There are a couple of short treks you can do. If not hiking boots, just a good pair of  walking shoes  are a wise choice.
• Water : Fill up a water bottle before you leave your hotel or hostel.
• Snacks : There is a restaurant on your way up to the lake, but I’d still recommend bringing a few little snacks or a picnic especially if you plan to hang around for a few hours.
• Camera /mobile phone : To capture your day trip to Big Almaty Lake.
• Backpack : Preferably something small and weatherproof to hold your camera and other gadgets in.

Where To Stay In Almaty

Almaty is one of Central Asia’s largest hubs so there are a plethora of accommodation options. I recommend both Almaty Backpacker’s and Hotel Mildom from personal experience.

Budget Almaty Backpacker’s |  Booking.com  |

Midrange Hotel Mildom |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Luxury Rixos Almaty Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

More Posts from Kazakhstan:

Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes: Everything You Need To Know

Kazakhstan Travel Guide

How To Get To Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

A Tour Though The Almaty Metro

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

The 14 Best Things To Do In Almaty + Almaty Day Trips

3 Days in Almaty, Kazakhstan

A Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

32 Photos That Will Put Kazakhstan On Your Bucketlist

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

How To Get To Big Almaty Lake

The Karkara Border Crossing Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021

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The standard cancellation policy for Customers is:

• a 90 % refund for cancellations made at least 15 days  in advance of the start date of the experience. (Except for the tours to Baikonur Cosmodrome, see point 1)
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Big almaty lake tour 

The "green lake" on the altitude of 2500 meters above the sea. this is a big almaty lake surrounded by snowy mountains, pine forest and green plateau., your personal guide and driver will meet you hotel's lobby to start the tour. you will start the tour by visiting almaty railway station, central mosque and green bazaar. later you will depart almaty to the natural park with falcons and hawks. you will visit the source of drinking water constructed by imprisoned japanese soldiers after the world war two, have a lunch around snowy mountains and looking to the lake., on the way back to the town you will visit the falcon farm, where you will enjoy a spectacular show with specially trained hawks - hunting with them..

• Almaty Railway Station,
• Central Mosque,
• Green Bazaar,
• Natural Park,
• Big Almaty Lake,
• Falcon Farm

What's included

• Personal live English speaking guide,
• Personal driver,
• All entrance fees and taxes,

Amount of Walking

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Shevchenko St 28 Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Big Almaty Lake Stop: 90 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Ayusai Visitors Center Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll end at See departure details

• Reynan-DS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kazakhstan is stunningly beautiful We had an amazing trip led by Azamat as our tour guide who i highly recommend. Kazakhstan is stunningly beautiful, the landscape and the lakes are basically untouched. Read more Written April 10, 2024
• Navigate37150558553 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing adventure Amazing journey, a real adventure. The guide was knowledgeable and very helpful. The views were gorgeous, the group fun and friendly. I really loved the "original" Russian jeep that get us up to the lakes :)) Read more Written April 6, 2024
• tcsh74 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip Azamat, our guide for the trip took good care of our group! I didn’t expect much but I would say it’s highly recommended! Thank you! Read more Written April 5, 2024
• teodorah999 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing natural wonders in this region of Kazakhstan This trip was the highlight of our week in Kazakhstan. We knew about the lakes and the Canyon being an highly recommended attraction, but we didn't expect them to be soooo gorgeous! Photos don't do it justice! Our guide was Tim, and I've never seen such a committed person in sharing knowledge and enthusiasm about a place. He was incredibly helpful, fun, and just at 100% the whole time. I'd say the weather also played a big part in us admiring the views, but it's so unpredictable because you go from mountains to desert, the temperature fluctuates like crazy. A moderate level of fitness is required, as there is some trekking involved (you can of course opt out of that, or take a horse at both Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes, not at the Canyon though). The accommodation in the yurt is also so cool, you get such an authentic experience being in a little village in the mountains, where the hosts are so caring and the food is so good (and vegetarian!). All in all 100/10 for this tour! Read more Written March 31, 2024
• moisesaaronn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Un tour internacional en Kazakstan de película 💚 It is one of the trips that you can enjoy so much nature, the beauties of this country Kazakstan, all about photography, in addition to enjoying the delicious local food of 10💚... without a doubt another important part was the great company of excellent people from each part of the World and without a doubt the best guide Aza… congratulations, great memories that will stay with me… Read more Written March 26, 2024
• alliele279 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best day in Kazakhstan What a wonderful day trip we had. The entire group itself was just awesome. Our guide Azamat was patient and fun to be around. The scenery was breathtaking. Even though it was a long trip due to the location of the different spots but it was really worth it. Whatever we saw with our own eyes was just so much better than the photos that you can see in the reviews. Read more Written March 26, 2024
• parvathi n 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 days trip This was one of the most exciting 2 days in our Kazaksthan trip. It is much of hiking. Our guide Aika, Tim and Azamat was very good and very friendly. They will take us to local villages and we can stay with the village people. Experience local food. It was very nice. This trip was worth the money we spend. * hiking shoe is recommended. * contact the guide and climate condition at day and night time. And take your dress accordingly. Read more Written March 21, 2024
• Khalifa A 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nice city to visit Almaty city in Kazakhstan is one of my favorite cities for touring and visiting especially with family, you can visit Almaty either in summer or winter seasons. Read more Written January 29, 2024
• lobangking 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Trip We enlisted the services of Kazakhstan Guided Tours (KGT) for a 3-day excursion to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lakes, and I must say the landscapes were absolutely breathtaking. Our guide, Kassim, demonstrated exceptional professionalism, ensuring our well-being throughout the entire trip. I would certainly choose them again for any future visits to Almaty. Read more Written December 6, 2023
• 443dexterj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Two thumbs up Great experience of the country side tourist spots. Professional guide “Kasym” was very friendly and nice. Definitely enjoyed the tour. The price they quote is worth it. Read more Written November 25, 2023
• Hazlett_Trips 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome tour to see the most in a single day An adventure-filled day. We filled our cameras with wonderful photos and video. The Kaindy Lake was as spectacular as in all the promotional materials on the best in the Almaty region. Getting there was an adventure in itself. Not to be missed. This tour is the best way to see the 3 top destinations in a single day. Read more Written October 30, 2023
• vipinm867 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly Recommend It was a amazing trip, well planned and excellent vehicle. Guide was very knowledgeable about places and friendly and cooperative. Read more Written October 26, 2023
• M6962PDromainc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must trip if in Almaty area! Everything was well organized, the guide was full of positive energy to lead the group (Aigerim, thanks again!), the places are must to see, lakes and canyons are.. wow! Meals were local Kazakh specialties to discover. Read more Written October 25, 2023
• MissyTravelpants2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great value for money, great guide (Kassim) This tour is a steal! Comfortable minibus, drinking water and lunch provided, though very late, at 3PM :( Wonderful group of travelers and great job by Kassim for keeping us on time, guiding us on the short by steep hikes, and keeping us entertained with music. Note that you have to make your way to the pickup point and back from the same from/to your hotel so be prepared to walk or have Yandex ready. The drive back is a solid 4 hrs and we got back to the pickup point at 10PM. You get to see a beautiful canyon and two stunning lakes in one day, making this tour in my opinion absolutely worth it for the price. Read more Written October 23, 2023
• Wojciech O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must see experience Definitely recommend it to everyone, especially for solo travellers like me, our guide Aya is such a lovely person, always ready to help and provides various information about Kazahstan, not only about the places you visits during this trip. : ) Read more Written October 17, 2023

More to explore in Almaty

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Almaty Lake small-group tour provided by Kazakhstan Guided Tours