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Big Almaty Lake

A hike to the Big Almaty Lake - a chameleon lake that changes color depending on its mood)
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More details about the Big Almaty Lake?

hiking tour in Almaty mountains, Kazakhstan
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
for physically active people
DISTANCE
Hike: 6 km one way
Elevation gain: 800 m
LANGUAGE
English, Czech, Spanish
BACKPACK
Light,
take only basic things and snacks
DURATION
about 7-8 hours
SEASON
Year-round

Timeline of the tour to the Big Almaty Lake

07:50 – 08:00
07:50 – 08:00
Meeting point
We will meet in the city center or near your hotel to get to the starting point together with a guide.
08:30 – 08:45
08:30 – 08:45
Hiking start point
The path to the lake will start along an asphalt road, then along the pipe along the stairs, and then along the pipe itself. There will be both steep and gentle sections of the trail. In any case, we will make stops to catch our breath and regain strength.
12:00 – 13:00
12:00 – 13:00
Big Almaty Lake
Finally, the lake! The lake is hidden from view until the last moment and the moment when you stand in front of the incredible lake - makes you freeze and admire its beauty.
The lake always has a unique color for this moment. The color changes depending on the season, weather. In autumn and early spring, the lake takes on a rich, vibrant blue color. For most of the summer, the Big Almaty Lake displays delicate shades of pearlescent turquoise.
17:00 – 18:00
17:00 – 18:00
Back to the city
There is an alternative, slightly longer route to the Big Almaty Lake - through the Shukur gorge so way back can be alternative
Depending on the choice of the group and the guide, it is possible to go back via an alternative route. Regardless of which path you take, you will be left with vivid memories as grand as the lake itself and the pearlescent Big Almaty Lake.
winter
winter
Big Almaty Lake in winter
In winter, the lake is covered with snow, but that doesn't mean the hikes stop. Firstly, the Big Almaty Gorge is a cozy forest surrounded by majestic peaks—the journey to the lake is beautiful in itself. Secondly, the route to the Big Almaty Lake is one of the safest in terms of avalanche safety.

List of essentials for hiking to the Big Almaty Lake?

Essentials
  • Passport (border guard document check)
  • Some cash
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Trekking poles
  • Seat mats (optional)
Food
  • Water 1l-2l
  • Thermos with tea
  • Lunch (sandwiches, pancakes, pies, etc.)
Clothes (summer)
  • Trekking shirt
  • Fleece jacket\Hoodie
  • Raincoat\Hardshell jacket
  • Trekking trousers
  • Sun hat and buff
  • Trekking shoes\boots
Clothes
(winter)
  • Long sleeve (thermal)
  • Fleece jacket\hoodie
  • Snow pants
  • Demi-season/winter boots
  • Jacket
  • Woolen beanie and gloves
  • Warm socks
  • Headlamp
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons
What is included in the price of the Big Almaty Lake tour?
Included
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Guide service
Basic first aid kit
Photo report
Consultation
Transportation (Almaty-Big Almaty Gorge - Almaty)
Snacks
Ecological fee
Not included
Porter service
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Lunch (sandwiches, pancakes, pies, etc.)
Trekking poles (available for rent)

Price for day hiking tour to Big Almaty Lake

1 person
$180
2 persons
$200
$100/pp
3 persons
$250
$84/pp
4 persons
$280
$70/pp
5 persons
$300
$60/pp
over 5 people
calculated individually
Contact us

Request a call

Altitude of the Big Almaty Lake

The Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of 2511 meters above sea level and is one of the two largest lakes in the Zailiysky Alatau, the other being Issyk Lake. The lake is approximately 1.2 km long, about 820 meters wide, and has a depth of about 35-40 meters.

How difficult is the route to the Big Almaty Lake?


TIME: The hike to the Big Almaty Lake takes about 3-3.5 hours if starting from the checkpoint. TERRAIN: There are steep climbs, but the terrain is simple. Most of the route is on the road, then along the stairs by the pipe, and finally on the pipe itself. There is alternative trail in the Shukur gorge.
PARTICIPANTS: The hike to the Big Almaty Lake is of medium difficulty, suitable for people in average physical shape with some hiking experience.
DISTANCE: About 12 km
ELEVATION GAIN: 800 m

How to prepare for the Big Almaty Lake tour?

First of all, refer to the information block with a list of essentials for this hike.
If you have any questions, write to us on WhatsApp. If you have any diseases that require regular medication, you shall take the medications with you, and also warn the guide in advance about any medical contraindications (especially heart disease, pressure drops).
It is forbidden to take alcohol and drugs on the hike.
Before hiking in the mountains, have a enough sleep, have a good breakfast in the morning and take at least 1 liter of water.
The sun is more intense in the mountains, so take a Panama hat, sunscreen and glasses.
Always take a raincoat or waterproof wind jacket - the weather in the mountains is unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health - be careful!

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