Big Almaty Lake tour by hiking
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Big Almaty lake is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range, located at an altitude of about 2,800 meters. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and panoramic mountain views, this hidden gem offers a perfect one-day escape into nature. The trail takes you through alpine meadows, pine forests, and rocky paths, offering breathtaking scenery at every step.
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and active travelers. This hike is suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels, but expect a moderate physical challenge.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Big Almaty Lake
Duration: 6-7 hours Difficulty: Moderate Distance: ~10 km round trip Elevation gain: Around 600–800 meters
What‘s Included
National parks entrance fees
Hiking sticks
English speaking guide
Hotel Pick-up and drop
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Snacks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Big Almaty Lake tour by hiking
Pickup included
Private hiking to the Lake
Hiking to Big Almaty Lake
Pickup included
Big Almaty Lake tour by car
Big Almaty Lake tour by car
Pickup included
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day hike to Lake Almaty
CheanLee,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I have a great day hiking with our guide Amir. We were in a small group of 3 travelers, the pickup was on time. Amir always making sure we were safe during the hike when passing through some steep sections of the trails. We reached the lake on time before it became cloudy. The scenery was spectacular and I would recommend the day trip if you want to experience the landscape without traveling too far from Almaty city.
Definetly a fun experience and worth your time! 🥾
848dilarac,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were picked up from our hotel at 7am and drove to the hiking starting point by car. Our tour guide, Amir, was very friendly from beginning to end and always provided us with interesting and useful information on Almaty and Kazhakstan. The hike itself was exhausting (IF you are not frequently hiking/sportsy like we were) but manageable and rewarding! Our Guide would take breaks when we needed so it was definetly doable! Despite the lake still being frozen, it was still a beautiful experience and still looked nice! At the lake we took a break, talked and had snacks together, which was very nice. Since we were only four people, we had nice conversations on the way down. Amir also took (nice) pictures of us during the hike and sent them to us later, which is really neat. Definetly recommend booking with this tour agency :)
Good climb
Meander355566,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nurzhan was an amazing guide. The whole trip was just pure vibes. Just the 3 of us climbing up talking and having fun. It was amazing. He also treated us well, gave us cats for our shoes, water, and snacks.
Exhilarating trek culminating in scintillating views.
Getaway29103655991,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a memorable experience hiking upto Big Almaty with the ever cheerful and helpful Nurzhan and his team. Not only did they help us in the difficult parts of the terrain but also explained in detail about the region and its significance. Would highly recommend this hike to new travellers!
Warm and challenging!
ewyns,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zhandos is a young and energetic guide. He is able to communicate with us with English, which is helpful. He makes sure we are always on track and check with us from time to time if our hike is okay. He is also so nice to share us oranges, snacks and food during the trip. Very warm and he's knowledgeable as well.
Amazing Trip
barlianb,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was very well organised and our guides Zhandos and Nurzhan were very helpful, friendly and provided a lot of interesting information. Big up the mandem Zhandos and Nurzhan.
A stunning hike to Big Almaty lake
debar0tim,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The big Almaty lake hike was one of the most Beautiful experiences I have had. The lake is stunning, the trail is peaceful the Mountain Views are unreal. Our guide Mr.Zhandos made the whole trip even better, super helpful, kind n professional. Couldn’t have asked for a better day. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Almaty.
Everything was very nice
aibolk57,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything went great! Views and sights are breathtaking! Have closed my “fitness circle 4 times” during one hiking))) Thanks to the helpful and positive guides!
Almaty lake hike
ge0belv,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had amazing experience with Zhandos and his team. It was very informative and detailed plan tour. Thank you..........
Experience of a lifetime!
Aban L,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide Zhandos is a very experienced local who knows what he's talking about. He helped us to the Big Almaty Lake with no qualms and has a very friendly personality. He's also accommodated for all ages and waits for the whole group to move together. All in all, great trip, unforgettable scenery, and helpful people! I think a tour guide like Zhandos is especially necessary in winter months when the trek can be more hazardous due to ice.
From US$50.00
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