Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake (BAL) is one of the beautiful and popular natural places in Kazakhstan, located in the mountainous region of Zailiyskiy Alatau, 15 kilometres from Almaty city. The lake is surrounded by mountain peaks, which gives a picturesque and majestic view.
Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of 2,511 metres above sea level. The depth varies depending on the season and is 35 metres and the surface area is 1 square kilometre. The water in the lake has a bright turquoise colour which is attractive to tourists and photographers. The water temperature remains cold all year round, rarely exceeding 10 °C in summer.
The lake was formed as a result of glacial activity, melting glaciers filled the basin between the mountain ranges. Big Almaty lake is part of the water supply system of Almaty city and supplies drinking water, therefore access to the lake is limited. The waters of the lake are fed by glaciers and rainfall, as well as by the Bolshaya Almatinka River.
Big Almaty Lake attracts many tourists and is a popular destination for day trips from Almaty. The road to the lake passes through picturesque mountain scenery and forests, which makes travelling to it exciting. Tourists should take into account the high-mountainous location of the lake: the air here is thin, the weather can change quickly, it is recommended to wear warm clothes, even in the warm season.
The lake overlooks three peaks of Zailiyskiy Alatau: Sovetov Peak (4,317 metres), Ozerny Peak (4,131 metres) and Tourist Peak (3,954 metres). These mountains add to the scenic beauty of the landscape and are part of a protected area, which allows the unique natural conditions of the region to be preserved.
View of the Big Almaty Lake
Putting information for visitors to the southern capital
Access to the lake: can be reached by car or bus, but the last 11 kilometres are often closed to vehicles, it is necessary to walk.
Restrictions: the lake acts as a reservoir for drinking water, swimming is prohibited.
There are border checkpoints in the vicinity of the Big Almaty Lake, tourists should bring identity documents.
Visiting season: summer and early autumn is the best time to visit, when the mountain roads are less snow-covered. The lake is accessible all year round.
Hiking Trails: For hikers, there are trekking trails around the lake that lead up into the mountains and offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
Big Almaty Lake is a place where you can feel the power and beauty of Kazakhstani nature.
Winter Big Almaty Lake
Programme of visit to the Big Almaty Lake.
08:00. Departure from the city centre.
08:40. Trekking along the serpentine road to the lake (11 km one way). There is an option to walk directly along the drinking water pipeline, the length of the route will be significantly reduced and will be 6.5 kilometres.
12:30. Arrival at the lake, walk and photo session. Snack.
14:00. Descent from the lake, return to the car park (11 km).
17:00. Departure to the city centre.
18:00. Arrival in the city centre.
Cost of participation in the trip to BAL:
45 USD for one guest, if there are six guests in the car, total 270 USD (Toyota Seqouia, Toyota Land Cruiser).
52 USD for one guest, if there are five guests in the car, total 260 USD (Toyota Seqouia, Toyota Land Cruiser).
55 USD for one guest if there are four guests in the car, total 220 USD.
70 USD for one guest if there are three guests in the car, total 210 USD.
98 USD for one guest if there are two guests in the car, total 196 USD.
190 USD for one guest, individual trip.
The price of the tour to the Big Almaty Lake includes:
- services of a English-speaking guide-driver,
- transport by off-road vehicle,
- bottled water (1,5 litres),
- sightseeing according to the programme of the trip (trekking on the lake),
- entrance tickets of Ile-Alatau National Park.
Pedestrian part of the road to Big Almaty Lake
Difficulty of the route: standard, suitable for people with average fitness. The trekking duration is 22 kilometres round trip (13 kilometres along the water pipeline).
In terms of equipment, GreenX recommends to bring:
- headgear,
- sunglasses,
- sports or hiking shoes,
- sun cream,
- a windbreaker or mackintosh,
- trekking sticks,
- guest identification documents,
- in winter time: flip flops (‘kittens’).
How to book a tour
You can book a tour by clicking on the "Contact Us" button or by writing to us on WhatsApp or Telegram at +7 777 161 1929, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have,
You can send your request to e-mail: greenx.kz@gmail.com.
How a tourist can pay for participation in a trip:
- payment by payment card,
- remote payment within the Kaspi Pay system,
- payment via bank by cashless transfer to the company's current account,
- cash payment.
For visitors to Almaty, we have developed a short article about the city of Almaty, which may be of interest while preparing for your trip.
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Regards, GreenX