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National park

Big Almaty Lake

Большое Алматинское озеро
  • AddressIle-Alatau National Park, about 30 km from Almaty
  • TicketsIle-Alatau National Park entry: 0.15 MCI (monthly calculation index) per person per day (about 649 ₸ in 2026); passenger car entry: 0.3 MCI (about 1298 ₸). The park's guided walk along the trail to the lake costs 1.1 MCI per seat.
  • PaymentAt the park checkpoint via Kaspi: "Payments" → "Eco-posts of Ile-Alatau National Park" → "pedestrian" or "motorist" ticket → number of people.

About

Big Almaty Lake is a water body of special state importance and a natural monument. It covers 112 ha, is 1.6 km long and 25 m deep, and lies at about 2500 m.

It is one of the most popular trips from Almaty: the lake is about 30 km away. The park's list of routes includes "Big Almaty Lake" and "Kaskabas – Big Almaty Lake".

  • Turquoise water against the peaks
  • The Kaskabas – Big Almaty Lake route
  • Easy to combine with other Ile-Alatau gorges

Getting there

About 30 km from Almaty via the Big Almaty Gorge. Rules for private cars driving to the lake change — check with the park (+7 727 297-07-72) or go with a tour.

Rules

  • The lake is a drinking-water source: no washing or parking cars by the shore, no bathing animals
  • Motorised watercraft are prohibited
  • Campfires and barbecues only in designated areas
  • Keep your ticket until the end of your visit

Tours that include it

Nature private
Big Almaty Lake 5 hours

Big Almaty Lake at Sunset

A short drive into the mountains with a guide: turquoise water, Tian Shan peaks and tea from a thermos.

Mon, 9 NovTue, 10 NovWed, 11 NovThu, 12 Nov
from 45,000 ₸per group≈ $99
demo

Checked against official sources on 5 November 2026. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]