BIG ALMATY LAKE, KAZAKHSTAN
WHERE IS BIG ALMATY LAKE?
Kazakhstan is a breathtaking and largely undiscovered gem in Central Asia, offering expansive, untouched landscapes. Travellers who are willing to venture to this incredible country will be rewarded. You can check out our "FULL Travel Guide" here.
Big Almaty Lake is located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) south of Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. It is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Almaty, making it a convenient escape into nature from the urban hustle and bustle. A true hidden gem and off the beaten path destination, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, the lake's striking turquoise waters reflect the pristine alpine environment, creating a serene and picturesque scene. It’s an experience we will never forget and one we would highly recommend to anyone visiting Almaty. Hiking to Big Almaty Lake was easily one of the highlights of our time in Kazakhstan, you can check out our FULL and "Ultimate Kazakhstan Travel Guide" here. The journey to Big Almaty Lake is not the easiest to navigate and there are also mixed reviews online about the ease of access to the lake, with reports of bribes, road blocks and armed guards discouraging people from visiting. Having visited in September 2024, we can confirm that it is definitely possible to visit this incredible spot.
WHEN SHOULD I VISIT BIG ALMATY LAKE?
The best time to visit Big Almaty Lake is during the late spring to early autumn months, typically from May to September. During this period, the weather is mild and conducive for hiking and outdoor activities, with the lake’s turquoise waters at their most striking. The surrounding mountains are often still capped with snow, offering breathtaking views, and the alpine flora is in full bloom. If you're looking to avoid crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays through Thursdays, as weekends can attract more local visitors and tourists from around Kazakhstan. Weekdays offer a more peaceful experience, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and its stunning scenery without many of the Kazakhs who tend to flock to Almaty for the weekend.
HOW DO I GET TO BIG ALMATY LAKE?
*IMPORTANT* - There is a road block in place currently between Almaty and Big Almaty Lake. This means you cannot drive directly to the lake, you must hike for approximately 2/3 hours each way. Hiking to Big Almaty Lake is undoubtedly worth the effort, as the stunning panoramic views of the lake surrounded by towering peaks make every step of the challenging trek truly unforgettable.
The hike to Big Almaty Lake is free so you will not need any money, however, you do need to bring your passport with you. Due to the close proximity to the Kyrgyz border, sometimes there are border patrol guarding the area and may stop and ask to see your passport. We did not experience this but it is worth noting. There are a few ways to reach Big Almaty Lake from Almaty city. Depending on your preferences, budget, and the experience you’re looking for, you can choose from different transportation options below.
1. Rent a Car
-
Time required: 45-60 minutes each way
-
Renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to visit Big Almaty Lake. It gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, stop for photos, and explore the area at your leisure.
-
Rental options: You can rent a car through various international and local agencies in Almaty. Prices typically start around £30-£50 GBP per day for a basic car (depending on the season and vehicle type).
-
We would recommend using Vladeks, they have a good level of English and offer many different types of vehicles.
2. Take a Yandex
-
Time required: 45-60 minutes each way
-
Cost: Around 4,000-6,000 KZT (approximately $8-12 USD) each way, depending on the demand and traffic.
-
Advantages: It's an affordable option if you don’t want the hassle of renting a car. With Yandex you can book a ride directly to the lake, and drivers are usually familiar with the route. Your driver may wait for you if you are happy to hire them for the day.
-
Disadvantages: Your driver may not want to wait for you to complete the hike and return back to the drop off point. It can be hard to book another Yandex once you've finished the hike due to the lack of signal in the area. It is best to have prearranged transport back so that you are not left stranded as there are not many passing vehicles outside of the city.
3. Public Transport (would not recommend this option)
-
Time required: Around 2-3 hours each way (including waiting times)
-
Cost: This is the most affordable option, typically costing less than 1,000 KZT (£1 GBP) per person. However, it is the least convenient and requires multiple transfers.
-
Route: From Almaty, take a minibus or bus from the Sayran Bus Station to the BAO Road entrance. Once you reach the entrance to the Big Almaty Lake road, you’ll need to arrange a taxi or continue on foot.
-
Limitations: The public transport option can be time-consuming, especially during peak tourist season.
When you arrive at the road block, park your car along the side of the road and prepare to start your hike.
STEP 1: THE HIKE FROM THE ROAD BLOCK TO THE WATER PIPE
The hike from the roadblock on the road towards Big Almaty Lake to the start of the water pipe offers a scenic, moderately easy ascent. When you arrive at the road block you will see a small hut where you may be greeted by a security guard. You do not need to pay anything to walk along the road so don't let this stop you. You will need to follow the road for approximately 40 minutes until you see the water pipe towering through the alpine forrest ahead of you (for reference see the second photo below). Once you reach near to the bottom of the pipe you will arrive at a fork in the road, it is at this point that you should leave the main road and take gravel road to the right towards the pipe. You do not need to use the water pipe for hiking, however, by staying on the main road will add additional hours to the hike. Follow the gravel road until you reach a path leading the the side of the pipe.
STEP 2: THE HIKE FROM THE WATER PIPE TO THE ROAD
Once you have located the starting point of the water pipe, begin walking through the series of steep incline alpine forrest hills that follow adjacent to the water pipe. This part of the hike is the most challenging due to the steep incline and rough terrain, however, there are plenty of points where you can stop for breaks during your ascent. Once you have reached the top of the second steep section, you are then able to climb up onto the water pipe and follow along until you reach the end of the pipe. This saves a lot of time and is extremely fun. Hiking along the water pipe towards the lake was one of our favourite memories of Kazakhstan. The hike was an exhilarating adventure, with every step offering breathtaking views of rugged mountains, crystal-clear streams, and alpine meadows, making it a truly unforgettable experience for us both. Each twist and turn of the pipe reveals more of Kazakhstan's untouched beauty. To make the experience even more special, we could not believe that we didn't meet a single other tourist on our hike towards the lake.
STEP 3: THE FINAL HIKE FROM THE ROAD TO THE LAKE
Once you reach the end of the pipe (it is quite obvious when this is as there is fencing blocked off the pipe), you will find yourself at the top of the main road. Climb down for the pipe and make your way back to the main road. You must then continue along the main road for a further 30/40 minutes before you finally get your first view of the lake. After a challenging hike, the first glimpse of Big Almaty Lake feels like a reward for every step you've taken. The vibrant turquoise waters, framed by towering snow-capped peaks, seem to appear out of nowhere. The cool, crisp air and the quiet beauty of the lake’s surface offer a moment of pure serenity, washing away the fatigue of the journey and making every effort feel entirely worth it. When you arrive, climb over the barrier and head down to where there are a few benches, here you will find some large rocks that make the perfect back drop for some pictures to remember your day.
WHAT TO DO AT BIG ALMATY LAKE
-
📸 Photography: Big Almaty Lake is a photographers' dream! The stunningly blue lake with a back drop of snow capped mountains provides the perfect place to take some amazing pictures and truly remember your experience.
-
🥪 Have a picnic: There are a few benches scattered around the side of the lake with perfect panoramic views. Come prepared with some snacks and a drink and enjoy the views.
-
🧘🏼♂️ Enjoy the peace: Take a moment to enjoy the absolute peace and serenity that Big Almaty Lake provides.
-
🌲 Explore even more of the nature: There are a few more hikes and walking paths around the lake (if you have the energy) that I'm sure would provide more unforgettable views and scenery.
WHAT TO TAKE TO BIG ALMATY LAKE
-
Passport: Due to the close proximity to the Kyrgyz border, oftentimes there may be guards patrolling the area and they may stop and ask to see your identification.
-
Water and snacks: There are no shops or restaurants on the journey to Big Almaty Lake. We would definitely reccomend carrying enough water and snacks with you on the hike. The lake is a perfect place to enjoy some lunch after a morning hike.
-
Sturdy shoes: Hiking boots or trainers with good grip are recommended, the section of pipe that you need to climb up is very steep in some areas.
-
Camera: The views are incredibly photogenic, so bring a camera to capture the beauty of the area.
A day trip to Big Almaty Lake is undoubtedly an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Kazakhstan. The journey starts with a scenic drive up to the roadblock, followed by a rewarding hike through rugged mountain terrain, with stunning views of alpine meadows and crystal-clear streams. The serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, making the trip truly worth the effort and one of the most memorable experiences in Kazakhstan. For more pictures and videos of our trip to Big Almaty Lake you can check out our Instagram below.
