+7 776 111 73 00
+7 776 111 73 00
Big Almaty Lake (BAL)
3-4 hours
from $ 185
Ile-Alatau
National Park
National Park
Book a tour to Big Almaty Lake
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Big Almaty Lake - from the "close and very beautiful" tour category. This is the most popular tour in our city, ranking among the top 3 most frequently requested nature trips.
Big Almaty Lake is located in the Almaty mountains, just 25 km from the city center. The drive to BAL takes 40-60 minutes.
BAL is suitable for visiting year-round. The best time to visit is April through November. In winter, the lake freezes over and is often covered with snow.
Would you like to see one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, often considered a national brand?
Then this tour is for you!
Kazia Tour organizes BAL excursions by transport (individual only) and on foot for small and large groups.
Big Almaty Lake is located in the Almaty mountains, just 25 km from the city center. The drive to BAL takes 40-60 minutes.
BAL is suitable for visiting year-round. The best time to visit is April through November. In winter, the lake freezes over and is often covered with snow.
Would you like to see one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan, often considered a national brand?
Then this tour is for you!
Kazia Tour organizes BAL excursions by transport (individual only) and on foot for small and large groups.
Almaty lake
Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of approximately 2,510 meters above sea level
3 hours.
This tour can be both in the first half of the day and in the second. It can be combined with the Show "Falconry" and also with the rise above - to the Space Station.
This tour can be both in the first half of the day and in the second. It can be combined with the Show "Falconry" and also with the rise above - to the Space Station.
Transfer from the hotel - Almaty lake – Waterfall "Maiden's tears" – Hotel
During the tour you will:
- Drive up the hill to a height of 2510m along a serpentine road in the mountains, the slopes of which are decorated with Tianshan fir trees.
- Hear many stories from our guide about our city and its surroundings.
- See a very long pipe that stretches through the mountains, supplies the city with water and which was built many years ago by the Japanese.
- Admire the snowy peaks, whose height reaches more than 4000 meters.
- Take amazing photos in memory of this fabulously beautiful place
It is better to start the tour in the morning to avoid traffic jams. The show with birds happens only in the warm period: April-October
Маршрут
On weekends - starts at 7:00
Meeting at the hotel - 8.00
We will meet you at your hotel or other address in the city center.
9.00-10.30
Visit to BAL
11.00-11.30
Visiting the Ayusay waterfall or the Alma-Arasan river
12.00
Return to the hotel
Price for the Almaty lake car tour
The price includes: pick up and drop off hotel your hotel, entrance tickets
For Big Almaty Lake + Cosmonaut Station, an additional 15 000 ₸ per person applies
The cost of a walking tour to BAO is 15,000 ₸ per person.
What should you dress on, take on Almaty lake?
-
Passport -
ClothesIt is always cooler on the lake than in the city at 7°C. -
Sun protectionWe recommend sun glasses
Photo of Big Almaty Lake
Read our 500+ 5* reviews on TripAdvisor, Viator and GetYourGuide
- StevenUK
★★★★★
We became friends!
We had an amazing four-day adventure, made all the more enjoyable by Gulzat's personality. Through discussion, we arrived at the perfect bespoke four-day road trip. We did everything that we wanted to do and it was fantastic that we could return to the Charyn Canyon to take photographs in better light....
- RekaHungary★★★★★
See you in Budapest!
We spent teo days with her! She was so nice and plesent and helpful. I always felt safe. She was helpful! We spoke so much about our familiy and culture, we learned a lot from Kazakhstan! Thank you for the unfogetable experience! I recommend her to anyone! It was amazing how she can speak on three language... - NaoJapan★★★★★
We spent a great day!
I had a great experience with my guide, Gulzat. She is very polite, kind and caring person. She replied me very quick any time. I came to Almaty from Japan alone. I was a little bit nervous before but I was very relieved by her support. She invited me to a nice riverside lunch on the way to Big Almaty Lake. I had an amazing afternoon. The lake was beautiful ....
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to reach Big Almaty Lake is by taking an organized tour from Almaty. The route winds through scenic mountain roads, so comfortable transport and sturdy footwear are recommended. Plan your trip in the morning to avoid traffic and fully enjoy the breathtaking views.
Big Almaty Lake can be visited year-round. In summer, the roads are clear and the water is crystal clear, providing ideal conditions for hiking and photography. In spring and autumn, visitors can enjoy vibrant nature, while winter offers stunning snowy mountains and the lake reflecting the pristine snow-covered landscapes.
Yes, the route can be combined. The Cosmonaut Station is treated as a separate attraction. Visitors first explore Big Almaty Lake, and then, for an additional fee arranged in advance, they can continue up to the Cosmonaut Station.
Near the lake are the scenic Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. For an additional fee, the Cosmonaut Station can be included in the route, adding unique historical and scientific value to the trip.
Yes, this spot is especially popular for photography due to its crystal-clear water and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Yes, the tour is safe if basic rules are followed: stay on marked trails, wear comfortable shoes, and stay with the guide. Children should be supervised by adults, and elderly visitors are advised to avoid steep climbs and bring water and light snacks.
In warm seasons, bring comfortable shoes with good grip, warm clothing for the mountain climate, water, and light snacks. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and a camera for stunning photos of the lake. In winter, make sure to wear warm waterproof clothing, winter boots with strong traction, and gloves. Bring a thermos with a hot drink and sunglasses to protect your eyes from the snow glare.
Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the mountains near Almaty, Kazakhstan. The lake is situated at an altitude of over 2,500 meters and is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped peaks, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
The lake is fed by glacial meltwater and has a bright blue-green color that is truly breathtaking. It is also home to several species of fish, including the rare Issyk-Kul trout, which is native to the region.
The lake is a protected area, and visitors are required to obtain a permit to enter. There are several hiking trails in the area that lead to the lake, including a popular 5-kilometer trail that starts at the Big Almaty Lake Observatory and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
In addition to its natural beauty, Big Almaty Lake is also an important source of drinking water for the city of Almaty. The lake's waters are carefully monitored and protected to ensure the purity of the water supply.
Overall, Big Almaty Lake is a stunning natural wonder that is well worth a visit for anyone traveling to the region.
The lake is fed by glacial meltwater and has a bright blue-green color that is truly breathtaking. It is also home to several species of fish, including the rare Issyk-Kul trout, which is native to the region.
The lake is a protected area, and visitors are required to obtain a permit to enter. There are several hiking trails in the area that lead to the lake, including a popular 5-kilometer trail that starts at the Big Almaty Lake Observatory and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
In addition to its natural beauty, Big Almaty Lake is also an important source of drinking water for the city of Almaty. The lake's waters are carefully monitored and protected to ensure the purity of the water supply.
Overall, Big Almaty Lake is a stunning natural wonder that is well worth a visit for anyone traveling to the region.
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