Big Almaty Lake & Hot Springs by Car or Hike to the Lake
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Choose between a comfortable car tour with 60 minutes at the viewpoint above Big Almaty Lake, followed by a visit to Alma-Arasan Hot Springs, or a 12 km hike featuring steep mountain trails, an extra panoramic viewpoint with a traditional Kazakh swing, a different return route.
The car option is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the mountains without much walking. After visiting the lake, you'll continue to Alma-Arasan Gorge and take a scenic 20-minute walk along a mountain river to the hot springs.
The hiking option is for fit and experienced hikers. Departure is from First President's Park. Please bring your passport, water, snacks, and hiking boots.
Important
• October can be rainy; clear views are not guaranteed
• From November to May, the lake is usually frozen
• Solo travelers: the tour may be canceled if the minimum group size is not met
• For private tours and last-minute bookings (within 24 hours), please contact us via WhatsApp before reserving
WA: +7 708 076 7571
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake: A Natural Gem for Tourists Big Almaty Lake, located in the Tien Shan mountain range near Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. This alpine reservoir boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering a serene ambiance for relaxation and photography.
Alma-Arasan Gorge
Car Option Only: After visiting Big Almaty Lake, continue to the picturesque Alma-Arasan Gorge. Follow a scenic trail along a mountain river for approximately 20 minutes to reach the hot springs. Along the way, enjoy views of pine forests, rocky cliffs, and crystal-clear mountain streams. At the hot springs, you'll have free time to relax, soak your feet in the warm mineral water, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding mountains.
Options
Car option - hotel pick up
Alma-Arasan Hot Springs: What to bring: a towel, slippers, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy the hot springs comfortably. Duration: 5 hours Hotel Pick up: Pickup is available within the city center, inside the area bordered by Raimbek Ave., Rozybakiev St., Al-Farabi Ave., and Kal
Hiking Adventure
Duration: 6 hours: We visit only Big Almaty Lake Starting point: First President park, 5VVP+FP7, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Car option - meeting point
Alma-Arasan Hot Springs: What to bring: a towel, slippers, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy the hot springs comfortably. Duration: 5 hours: We pick up from the meeting point near Abay Opera House or First President’s Park
What‘s Included
English speaking guide
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hiking poles
Hiking boots
Snacks
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
49 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Explore42995839013,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely hike. Plenty of time to look around and take pictures as well.
Perfectly in line with expectations.
Bertrand 2C,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very well-organized tour with a very professional guide.
Chill and relax trip....
FrancisJim R,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chill and relax trip. Everything is hassle free. Everything is good about the trip however, I think it maybe a little short? Anyway, still a good trip. Our guide Yerkin is also knowlegeable about the place and has shared helpful information. His extra effort with the drone shots is a big plus. Big Almaty lake’s beauty is easily seen with those drone shots.
Memorable trip to Lake Almaty
luyucongl,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very memorable experience, with the guide Yerkin speaking good English and explaining it professionally. This trip to Lake Almaty was for six people, and the small group ensured a good play experience without being crowded. Guide Yerkin also brought his own drone, and everyone will have an exclusive video to keep as a souvenir. It's a long way to Lake Almaty and climbing, so it's really necessary to sign up for a tour.
Highly Recommended trip
weijchen7,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yerkin is a very friendly tour guide. He knew so much background information about Big Almaty Lake, which made the tour both fun and educational. Highly recommended!
Best way to experience Big Almaty lake
655dragang,Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had awesome experience. Adam is a great guide and I learned so much from him about city of Almaty and Kazakhstan history while he was driving to the lake. Best of all you don’t have to walk for hours and uphill to get to the lake. You will be driven right next to it. Yes, no climbing, huffing and puffing… You will have one full hour at the lake to take as many photos as you like. And the icing on the cake, Adam uses drone for additional pictures/videos.
The best experience in Almaty
Gireesh N,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceptional professionalism shown by the Guide. Must do.. Superb frozen lake visit..Post card pics we clicked...
awe-some view!
397janinag,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the lake is stunning. the water is turquoise. its very serene and feels unreal. choosing the car all the way to the lake was the best idea bec we arrived earlier than everybody else who are walking. they said walking will take 6 hours round trip. the road is steep and narrow. you should be physically fit. biking seems a little scary to do bec of sharp curves. highly recommended to take the car instead. kudos to Mr. Yerkin, he's very kind and also gave us drone shots and free tea.
Beautiful Scenery at the Lake
O7620DRts,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an enjoyable hike with Adam who was very friendly and helpful. The scenery was beautiful and the weather in the mountains was windy and cold. While the hike was tiring at times, I certainly have no regrets choosing this hike with Adam.
This trip is pretty...
Joe C,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip is pretty fascinating. The lake view and snow Mountain View is breathtaking and the guide is so nice. Lots of detail information of city and cosine is told. Give a big kudos to the guide
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