Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake lies at around 2,500 metres in the Ile-Alatau National Park, in a bowl of steep, often snow-streaked peaks. Its colour, a milky turquoise from glacial meltwater, shifts with the light and the season, and it is the most photographed spot near Almaty.

The road from the city climbs through a forested gorge, and the last stretch is narrow and winding. At the top you can walk along the dam, take pictures from the viewpoints and breathe the thin, cool mountain air. The lake supplies Almaty’s drinking water, so swimming is not allowed.

Go in the morning, before cloud builds over the peaks, and bring a warm layer. Access is sometimes restricted because of road works or weather, so we check conditions before your trip.