Everything you need to plan your visit
By Nomad Outfitters · Updated 30 October 2026
Private cars cannot drive up
The lake sits at 2,511 m in the Big Almaty Gorge, about 15 km south of the city. Since 2020 private cars, motorbikes and e-scooters have not been allowed on the road to the lake, but walkers are. On our tour you go up with your guide-driver, or hike.
A real mountain walk
How far you walk depends on where you start. On our hiking version it is about 9 km each way with around 1,000 m of climbing, roughly 3 hours up. From the lower checkpoint it is about 15 km, 4 to 6 hours up.
A drinking-water lake
The lake is Almaty's main source of drinking water. Swimming and fishing are banned, and you may not walk down to the shore without permission. You see it from viewpoints along the road.
Turquoise in summer
The lake is open to visitors all year. It is turquoise from June to September and most vivid in July and August. From November to April it is frozen and snowy, and after heavy snow the road sometimes closes for a day.
Turquoise months
Sources: Tengrinews (park rules, 2025); Kursiv (April 2026); Tengrinews (2026 fees); AIR Press (hike, seasons).
Big Almaty Lake
Up to the lake at 2,511 m by car or on foot, then on to the Alma-Arasan Gorge.
- Half a dayby car, or a full day on foot
- Privateyour own guide and car
- 2,511 mat the lake
- Park fees
- Drinking water
- Free cancellation
What you will see
The lake, the valley below and the gorge on the way back.
The lake
Turquoise water below the peaks, seen from viewpoints on the road.
The high meadows
Horses graze on the slopes above the water in summer.
Alma-Arasan Gorge
A walk along a mountain river on the way back to the city.
Big Almaty Lake questions
Can you drive to Big Almaty Lake?
Not in a private car: since 2020 private cars, motorbikes and e-scooters are not allowed on the road. Walkers are, and on our tour you go up with your guide-driver or hike.
Can you swim in Big Almaty Lake?
No. It is a drinking-water reservoir, so swimming and fishing are banned, and you may not walk down to the shore without permission.
How long is the hike?
On our hiking version about 9 km each way with around 1,000 m of climbing, roughly 3 hours up.
When is the lake turquoise?
From June to September, most vividly in July and August. From November to April it is frozen.
What is the entry fee?
In 2026 Ile-Alatau National Park charges 648 tenge per person on foot and 1,297 tenge per car, per day. Park fees are included in our tour.
