Discover the Serenity of Big Almaty Lake
Explore the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake, a serene natural oasis surrounded by majestic mountains, perfect for adventure and relaxation.
Nestled in the majestic Tian Shan mountains, Big Almaty Lake is a breathtaking spot that captivates visitors with its stunning turquoise waters and panoramic views. This natural wonder, just a short drive from Almaty, offers an exhilarating escape into nature, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking tranquility and adventure alike. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery, it's a perfect destination for hiking, photography, or simply unwinding in a picturesque setting.
A brief summary to Big Almaty Lake
- 3X2M+JJF Bol'shoye Almatinskoye, Almaty, Bostandyk District, KZ
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and avoid crowds.
- Bring a picnic to fully experience the beauty of the lake while enjoying local foods.
- Dress in layers as temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.
- Don't forget your camera; the views are breathtaking and worth capturing.
- Check local weather conditions before visiting; the area can be prone to sudden weather changes.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, start from Almaty city center and head south on Al-Farabi Avenue. Continue driving until you reach the intersection with the Almaty Ring Road (A2). Take the A2 road heading towards the south and follow the signs for Talgar. After about 20 kilometers, take the exit towards the Big Almaty Lake. Follow the road signs leading you to the lake, which is approximately 15 kilometers from the exit. The road becomes increasingly winding and steep, so drive carefully. There is a parking area near the lake where you can leave your car.
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Public Transportation
To reach Big Almaty Lake using public transportation, start at the Almaty bus station (Southern Bus Station). Take a bus or minibus heading to the town of Talgar. Once you arrive in Talgar, look for a shared taxi or marshrutka (minibus) that goes to Big Almaty Lake. The fare from Talgar to the lake is around 1000 KZT. The ride takes about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to confirm with the driver that they are going to Big Almaty Lake. Once you arrive, you will need to walk a short distance to the lake itself.
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Hiking
If you are already in the Almaty Mountains and prefer hiking, you can take the trail from the nearby area of the Almaty Zailiysky National Park. From the entrance of the park, follow the marked trails towards Big Almaty Lake. The hike is moderate and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Make sure to bring sufficient water and snacks, as the trail can be steep in some sections. There are no entrance fees for the park, but remember to follow the park's rules to preserve the natural environment.
Discover more about Big Almaty Lake
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Super Valun
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Gora Mokhnataya Sopka
12.2 km
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Shymbulak Peak
13.4 km
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Fountain Medeu
13.4 km
Experience the serene beauty of Fountain Medeu in Almaty, where majestic mountains meet vibrant landscapes for a perfect getaway.
Kim Asar gorge
14.4 km
Explore the scenic Kim Asar Gorge in Almaty, a hiker's paradise with breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife waiting to be discovered.
Altybakan
14.9 km
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Altybakan National Park, a must-visit hiking destination in Kazakhstan's Medeu District.
Алматы панорамасы
15.2 km
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Furmanov peak
15.3 km
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Kimasar Pass
15.5 km
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Butakovskoye Ushchel'ye
15.5 km
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Samyy Bol'shoy Flagshtok Kazakhstana
17.1 km
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Butakovskiy waterfall
17.1 km
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The Abundance Garden Bench
18.3 km
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Visit Center Ile-Alatau National Park
19.4 km
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Ekspozitsiya "Kazakhstan"
19.5 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Үлкен Алматы көлі
0.1 km
Discover the stunning beauty of Lake Almaty, a serene escape in Kazakhstan's majestic mountains, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Bol'shoye Almatinskoye
0.2 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Bol'shoye Almatinskoye, a serene lake nestled in the stunning Tian Shan mountains of Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Big Almaty Lake BAL
0.7 km
Explore the stunning Big Almaty Lake, a glacial gem surrounded by majestic mountains, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tien-Shan Astronomical Observatory
1.2 km
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Waterfall of the Shukur Gorge
2.3 km
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Гүлім бұлақ
2.8 km
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Big Almaty Peak
4.1 km
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Bear Waterfall
4.9 km
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Titov peak
5.8 km
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Tuyuk-su Glacier
6.0 km
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Youth Pass
6.0 km
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Visit center Ayusay
6.4 km
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Alma-Arasan
6.5 km
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Hot Spring
7.2 km
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Radon spring “Alma-Arasan”
7.2 km
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Essential places to dine
Almasay
8.3 km
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Gornyy
9.4 km
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Park Sarbaz
10.4 km
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Rifugio del Monte
11.4 km
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Chay Khana Navat
11.5 km
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Chalet
11.5 km
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Big Chefs
11.6 km
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Grelka
11.6 km
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S.Ne.G. Hotel & Restaurant
12.1 km
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Oblaka restobar
12.4 km
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Base Camp Yurta
12.6 km
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Restoran - Muzey "Tandyr"
12.7 km
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Qazaq Auyl | Казах Аул
13.8 km
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Auyl
13.8 km
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Samal
14.0 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Trekking Shop
12.5 km
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DS Premium Boutique
17.8 km
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MEGA Alma-Ata
18.3 km
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JACK & JONES
18.4 km
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Упаковка подарков
18.5 km
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Villa Boutiques & Restaurants
18.5 km
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Prada Almaty Esentai Mall
18.6 km
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DIOR Almaty
19.0 km
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Saks Fifth Avenue
19.1 km
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Gucci
19.1 km
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Viled
19.1 km
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Pinko Boutique
19.1 km
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Chopard Boutique
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Esentai Gourmet
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VALENTINO
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
La Skala
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Gostinitsa
12.8 km
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Kumys Butakovka
15.6 km
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Mnau Mektep
17.3 km
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Chechil Жарокова
18.4 km
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Lagerboy
18.6 km
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ШИШКА Premium
18.7 km
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LIQUORS
19.0 km
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Spirit Bar
19.2 km
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Bar Дикий Койот
20.0 km
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Harat's Pub
20.1 km
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Victory PUB
20.2 km
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Zhest'
20.2 km
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Harvey`s pub and grill
20.3 km
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The FRIENDS Bar & Terrace
20.7 km
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