About Big Almaty Lake

The Big Almaty Lake is a natural sight worthy of a visit. You can bike, drive, or hike the half-day into the Tien Shan Mountains to get there. You’ll find it 15 kilometers from Almaty, and at 2,511 m above sea level.

The lake is surrounded on all sides by three main peaks: Sovetov, Ozyorny, and Turist. It was created by earthquakes and fills with glacial waters in the summer. Over the winter the water doesn’t flow quite as quickly and is at its lowest in February. The turquoise waters of the lake change depending on the time of year. Pack your warm clothes because the area remains cool all year long.

Because the lake empties into the Big Almaty River, the city below gets most of its drinking water from it. Swimming is prohibited.
 

Must See

There are many attractions contained within Big Almaty Lake. A few of these are:

  • Tien Shan (Trans-Ili Alatau Range) Mountains
  • Big Almaty River
  • Kyrgyz border
  • Hike from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan
  • Big Almaty Peak
  • Waterfall 
  • Majestic mountains
  • Scenic beauty

How to reach

Wondering how can you reach Big Almaty Lake, well you can either take a train, bus, taxi or even self-drive whatever is convenient for you.


 If you take a train it takes 14 hours 52 minutes and will cost you 6500 to 17000 KZT.


If you take a bus it takes 18 hours and costs you 6000 KZT.


If you drive from Astana to Big Almaty Lake it takes approximately 19 hours 40 minutes.

Tips

  • Try to commence your day as early as possible to beat the crowd and the heat.
  • Always wear comfortable shoes. 
  • Carry enough drinking water with you.
  • Make sure you also carry sunscreen, hat, and so on.
  • You can carry your homemade food and relish it. 
  • You may have difficulties parking.
  • There is no real place to eat except for some makeshift stalls that offer snacks.
  • Make sure you have your passport with you as there are border control guards around who stop you from considering a walk around the lake or getting too close, so be vigilant where you’re walking!

Visit Time

Sunday:           Open 24 hours.
Monday:           Open 24 hours.
Tuesday:          Open 24 hours.
Wednesday:     Open 24 hours.
Thursday:         Open 24 hours.
Friday:              Open 24 hours.
Saturday:          Open 24 hours.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 to 3 hours

 

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Weather

Clear Sky -12.9°C

 

Local Services in Almaty (Contact directly)

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