Big Almaty Lake
Insta places
A high-mountain lake at an altitude of 2510 meters. It is a source of drinking water.
infrastructure
7/10
entertainments
7/10
nature
8/10
restaurants
7/10
tourist popularity
6/10
Things to do in Almaty and how to visit the Big Almaty Lake
Almaty is a vibrant city and really good for a short tourist visit. It has an amazing combination of well-developed infrastructure of a modern metropolis and incredible natural sites that are just a few minutes' drive from the city center.
Almaty is located at the foot of a mountain range that reaches 7,000 meters in height. So, if you're lucky, you'll live with a view of the snow-capped peaks. But if not, you will be able to see the mountains on walks literally anywhere in the city.
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The main attraction of Almaty is the Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake is definitely one of the most picturesque high-mountain lakes in the world. Moreover, it is relatively easy to access if you know how to get there in advance. We recommend looking through the instructions and definitely visit it.
How to get to Big Almaty Lake
Since 2020, car access along the main road to Big Almaty Lake has been blocked — a boom gate has been erected, approximately 10 km from the lake. The boom gate can be reached by rented car or taxi from Almaty. And the remaining 10 km can be covered in three ways:
- By car with border guards who want to earn a little extra money on tourists. The road from the boom gate there and back with them costs 50,000 tenge ~ $100 and takes about 10 minutes one way. One car can hold up to 4 tourists. To do this, you need to have cash with you. This is the easiest and fastest option.
- At the boom gate, you can rent sport mopeds (price: ~$50) and bicycles (price: ~$25). Bring cash for this too.
- You can easily walk. But be prepared that the road in both directions, from the boom gate to Big Almaty Lake and back, will take about 6-7 hours. And this is not just a walk, you will have to go uphill to the lake. You need to be mentally and physically prepared, and also stock up on snacks.
Another option is to buy a tour to Big Almaty Lake from Almaty. But we did not find a single tour in which tourists are delivered to the lake by transport. They sell walking tours with a guide and picnics along the way.
Don't forget to take your passport with you! The lake is located near the border with Kyrgyzstan, and they say that sometimes border guards can stop you on the way to the lake.
Other tourist attractions of Almaty
Alma-Arasan Park
Parks and reserves
Mountain eco-trail to three Ayusay waterfalls.
A very cozy place in nature, well-equipped with benches and trails. You can reach the first waterfall via a wooden path (10-15 minutes), further on it's for hiking and climbing enthusiasts.
There are several yurts in the park – these are local cafes where you can warm up inside with a cup of tea.
Kok-Tobe Hill
Entertainments
Entertainment space at an altitude of 1130 meters, with a panoramic view of Almaty.
The TV Tower on Kok-Tobe Hill is the main symbol of Almaty, which you can see from almost any point in the city.
We recommend taking the cable car from the city center directly to Kok-Tobe Park. At the top, there are many observation decks where you can enjoy the local mountain landscapes in 360°. There are also several good establishments with panoramic views.
Medeu skating rink
Entertainments
The world's largest high-altitude skating rink is located 1961 meters above sea level.
Thanks to its favorable mountain location, the skating rink has become a leader in the number of world sports records set.
Now Medeu operates in the winter and anyone can go ice skating in this legendary place surrounded by mountains.
Ski resort Shymbulak
Entertainments
The main mountain resort in Kazakhstan.
We visited the complex outside the ski season, but most of the cable car was in working mode. Snow-capped peaks appear already in mid-autumn, but mountain waterfalls at this time are still bubbling at full force. It's cool that the lift to the very top is open, it adds drive to the trip.
Dadli restaurant
Restaurant
A restaurant at one of the intermediate stops of the funicular.
We warmed up with fruit tea there with pleasure. The atmosphere inside is calm and cozy and there is quite a large selection of hot drinks.
Arbat Street
Sights
Pedestrian part of Zhibek Zholy street.
The city life is in full swing here, especially in the evening. It is interesting to walk around and watch how the locals spend their free time.
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Rate this guide
Unfortunately, when we went to see Big Almaty Lake, we didn't even have any cash with us. And it was already too late for a walking tour. We thought we'd have to leave without any impressions.
How lucky we were to meet a couple of young guys who, like us, had arrived without knowing anything about the blocked road. We chipped in $25 each and went in a car with the border guards.