Hiking Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan
Almaty is one of the major transport hubs in Central Asia, and the most popular tourist destination in Kazakhstan. Because of this I ended up passing through the city a couple of times whilst backpacking in this region.
After covering off the main highlights of the region like Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, I wanted to look for something else – and I stumbled across the hike to Big Almaty Lake!
Tucked away in the Tian Shan mountains just outside Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic sights. Milky blue water, pine forests, snow-capped peaks – it’s the kind of place that doesn’t look real, even when you’re standing right in front of it.
If you’re visiting Almaty and love nature, hiking in this area should be high on your list.
About Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake (or Bolshoe Almatinskoe Ozero) sits at around 2,500m above sea level. It’s a natural alpine reservoir that feeds the city’s drinking water – hence swimming in the lake is forbidden.
The colour of the lake changes with the seasons, but it’s most famously turquoise blue in late spring and summer as the snow and ice melts.
What makes the lake so striking is its backdrop: jagged peaks on all sides and a feeling of seeming isolation – even though you’re less than an hour from the city.
About Big Almaty Lake Hike
Walk type: Out-and-back
Distance: 10.5km
Maximum Elevation: 2500m (Lake-level),
Minimum Elevation: 1900m (start of road block)
Walk time: 3+ hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Beautiful blue lake, snow-capped mountains
Permit Required: No
Entrance Fee: 200 Tenge
Dogs Permitted: Yes
NOTE: This is the info for the out-and-back route. Maximum elevations if you want to hike further are: 3300m (Meteorological station), 3680m (Big Almaty Peak). Of course, distance and walking time will increase with this too!
Big Almaty Lake Hike Route
There’s no single official hiking route for Big Almaty Lake. However, there are several options depending on how much time you have and how much effort you want to put in.
It also depends on where you are dropped off. As of 2025, the road up is closed, meaning it’s more likely for you to take on an out-and-back hike, since you’ll need to hike up to the lake.
- Out-and-back: This is the shortest but least scenic option, best if the road is closed. Hike up to the main viewpoint to see the lake, before turning back around. Total moving time for this route took me just over 3 hours – it’s a steep elevation gain.
- Lake viewpoint loop: If you can follow the road up further, this is a short, scenic walk from the parking lot to the main viewpoint and around the edge. Minimal effort, maximum photo ops.
- Hike to the meteorological station (Kosmostantsiya): This is the classic hike. It takes you beyond the lake and deeper into the mountains.
- Continue to Big Almaty Peak: For serious hikers only. You’ll need stamina, some experience, and a very early start. Helpful if you have camping gear or can arrange accommodation.
Most visitors stick with the viewpoint or the meteorological station hike. However the out-and-back is becoming more popular since the road closure.
How to get to the Big Almaty Lake Trailhead
Located around 15km from the centre of Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is one of the more accessible hikes you can do from the city. *However, a recent road closure has made access a bit more difficult…
- Taxi: If you are in a group, the best way to reach the trailhead is by Yandex (taxi hailing app). The journey takes just over 30 minutes (my ride in May 2025: 45 minutes, 3700 Tenge split between 4). On route, you will pass through a checkpoint, where you pay a park entrance fee of 200 Tenge. You might also need your ID, so make sure to bring it. The road continues beyond the park entrance gates. Go as far as you can by vehicle, as it’s a long way up to the lake!
- Public transport: Buses don’t reach the lake and you’ll have to hike a long stretch of road to get to the trailhead. However, if you want to try, take bus 28 from President’s Park up to Dulati Street (Almarasan) – the last stop is just beyond the park entrance.
- Tours: If you’re still uncertain, you could join a day tour which includes a visit to Big Almaty Lake. Alternatively, there are several tour companies that rent bikes, which are amazing to ride up the snaking road to the lake. I was very envious whenever these drove past me!
NOTE: Once in the park, you might find the occasional car going up – you could try hitching a ride.
Getting back: Given that the trail is out of town, it can be difficult to hail a taxi from the end of the hike to return to the city, particularly if you go at the end of the day. I recommend taking the Whatsapp/Telegram of your driver so you can contact them afterwards, or agree on a specified pick up time. Otherwise, hitchhiking is another good alternative to get down as long as you don’t come down too late.
Hiking Big Almaty Lake: What to expect
If you’re dropped down at the entrance to the park, follow the road up until the beginning of the pipe. There is a trail following the pipe, which goes directly up alongside. It’s a steep climb, but saves following the road which is less direct.
NOTE: If the road is open you can start hiking much further up. But as of 2025, it was closed off.
The trail rejoins the road, which zig-zags either side of the pipe. You can follow the road itself, or cut through on the dirt to make the route more direct.
At the top of the switchbacks, you will go past a station which is restricted. Follow the path up to the right where the road goes. This is the quickest way to access the lake.
You will pass some signs at a tourist information point with a fork in the trail. Keep to the right (the left trail leads to a checkpoint where we were not let through by officials).
The road offers great views over Big Almaty Lake. There are a couple of trails leading down to near the waters edge. The best viewpoint is marked as ‘Bolshoi Kamen’ on maps.me.
If you continue hiking up along the road, you will reach the Tien-Shan Observatory. Don’t get this confused with the meteorological space station (Kosmostantsiya) which is at 3300m – and another popular hiking route. The views from up here are incredible of the lake below and snowy mountains. The hike from the lake to the Cosmo Station is 2-3 hours.
You can stay up here ahead of taking on further peaks (Tourist Peak or Big Almaty Peak), but I decided to turn back and head back down. The routes up here are well signposted and easy to follow.
If you are interested in Big Almaty Peak (3680m), there is a trail leading up. From the Cosmo Station it’s another 2-3 hours up to the summit. Big Almaty Peak used to be do-able in a day when the road was open, but with the extra hiking distance, most people split up the trek across two days (bringing up camping gear).
Honest review
On its good days, Big Almaty Lake is undeniably stunning. When the sun is shining and the waters have melted, it’s amazing. However, when the water level is lower and on overcast days, it’s just another lake… admittedly surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Therefore, consider the time of year that you visit. I visited in mid-May and the lake wasn’t as beautiful as it would normally be as the water level was much lower. I enjoyed the hike and its views whereas other backpackers I spoke to were underwhelmed given the tough uphill to get there
You should also remember that weekends, especially in summer, are popular for local tourists. This means you won’t be alone. However, if you’re willing to hike a bit further, you’ll quickly find yourself alone in the mountains.
The (out-and-back) hike to Big Almaty Lake itself, isn’t the most visually stunning hike you’ll do in this region. However, if you have more time, the hikes leading up and away from the lake are more impressive and less busy – however, some require permits.
The main downside? You’re unlikely get close to the water because of strict protection rules. But that’s part of what keeps it looking so pristine.
Would I recommend it? Overall, yes.
Tips for hiking Big Almaty Lake
- Stay hydrated: Given the uphill, this hike can be very sweaty so replenish all the fluids you will lose.
- Pack light: Unless you’re camping overnight, you won’t need much for this hike. Make the most of it by packing only the essentials.
- Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace Principles so our nature remains pristine for everyone to enjoy!
- Wear appropriate footwear: Even though the hiking trails are well-maintained, it’s important to wear appropriate footwear to avoid blisters and not trip. Hiking trainers are fine, however, if you do this hike after rain it will be more slippery.
- Wear sun protection: Whilst there’s plenty of tree cover on this hike, you should still put suncream on the back of your neck and other parts. Wear protection if you intend to walk to the trailhead from Vang Vieng!
- Avoid the midday sun: It’s a hot hike anyway, there’s no need to make it more difficult by going in the heat of the day.
FAQs
Can you hike Big Almaty Lake solo?
Yes, you can easily hike to Big Almaty Lake without a guide – I did! It should be safe if you’re reasonably fit and have basic gear (i.e. appropriate shoes).
Navigation is straightforward since there is pretty much only one hiking route up there, and there’s usually some foot traffic (especially on weekends). Plus it’s simple to follow on maps.me.
As always, if you’re planning on hiking solo, check the weather and let someone know your plans before heading out.
Best time to hike Big Almaty Lake?
Best time of day: The best time to hike to Big Almaty Lake is in the morning. Setting off early means tackling the uphill in the cooler temperatures. Doing the hike in the afternoon is possible, but you won’t get much of a sunset (not that its obvious from the trail normally), and it could be more difficult returning to the city.
Best time of year: Late May to early October is the best window, when temperatures are warmer and weather is (usually) dry. In late spring, the snow is melting and the lake turns its famous turquoise. Summer brings wildflowers and clearer skies. By late autumn, snow begins to return.
Avoid winter unless you’re properly equipped for snow hiking – the trail will be more difficult. That being said, the mountains look much more beautiful, and the lake is frozen over.
Is hiking Big Almaty Lake difficult?
This completely depends on the route. The viewpoint walk is easy and suitable for almost anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The hike to the meteorological station is moderate, with a steady climb and altitude to contend with.
Going all the way to Big Almaty Peak is tough and only for seasoned hikers. Whilst it is perhaps an easy hike for experienced climbers, the route down is very steep around the Ayusai Gorge, and some people have lost their lives here.
Other hikes nearby
If you’re based in Almaty, you’re spoiled for choice. Some great nearby hikes include:
- Medeu to Shymbulak: A popular hike with rewarding views.
- Shymbulak to Big Almaty Lake: A multi-day hike.
- Butakovka Waterfall: A lovely forest walk, especially in spring.
- Kok-Zhailau Plateau: Beautiful meadows and panoramic views over the city.
- Furmanov Peak: An epic walk through alpine scenery up to over 3000m.
You can easily fill a week with hikes around Almaty if nature is your thing. Though check out my Almaty itinerary for more ideas of things to do to break up the hiking.
Before you go
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Happy hiking!