Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the natural beauty of the Almaty mountains on a relaxing day trip to Big Almaty Lake, one of the region’s most iconic alpine sights.
Enjoy scenic mountain roads, fresh air, and free time to admire and photograph the lake’s stunning turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
To enhance your experience, you can enjoy horseback riding (optional) in the mountain foothills, passing through peaceful trails and apple orchards — a unique way to connect with the local landscape (no riding experience required).
Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an easy escape from the city.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Big Almaty Lake
Walking, enjoying the scenery, photographing
Ayusai Visitors Center
A visit to the recently opened visitor center, where you can buy books about the Almaty mountains, branded items and other souvenirs, and also treat yourself to a cup of hot coffee.
Options
With horseback riding
Horseback riding: horseback riding in the mountain foothills, passing through peaceful trails and apple orchards Duration: 6 hours
Private tour
Private tour: only you travel without other people. Transfer: direct transfer to the Lake by car. A long hike is not required. Pick-up/drop-off: any location in Almaty. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
National park entrance fee
Round-trip transfer to Big Almaty Lake
Modern & comfortable transport
Lunch (not included and provided at local cafe)
Horseback riding (optional and paid on site)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
41 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good trip
Yousuf S,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Axultan is very good guide. He provided good information during the trip.
Perfect tour! Big Almaty...
Maryna A,May 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect tour! Big Almaty Lake is an incredible natural wonder! Normally it may not be easy to see it as it requires a rather lengthy hike, however with this tour we were able to get close to the lake by car. It was important for us as we had an elderly person with us with limited mobility. Very grateful that we were able to fully enjoy the lake without much walking
Great experience
harrytX9971EN,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience seeing the lake as well as horse riding in the foot hills of Almaty
Breathtaking lake tour🏔️
980lat,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The pickup and communication with the tour was smooth, easy and amazing, even when i asked them for advice outside of the tour. The tour is properly paced and very chill. The lake is really a must see especially when there is ice on the lake. So i think the best time to go is in late spring. The "hike"/walk at the lake was chill and simple (for slovenians). Our tour guide Vlad was amazing <3, he told us everything and more. He was the best guide ever, he even showed us an extra waterfall because our group was really fast and ready to hike. and because we booked another tour we got a great discount for the both tours. All in all it was a great tour and would recomend it 10/10<3
We had an amazing day...
Vanessa L,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing day with our fantastic tour guide, Serzhan. He picked us up directly from our apartment and kindly dropped us off at a restaurant he recommended afterward, which we really appreciated. Serzhan was incredibly friendly, patient, and knowledgeable, and he happily answered all of our questions about Kazakh culture throughout the day. This tour is an absolute must, especially for anyone who may not want to commit to the full hike but still wants to experience the stunning scenery and enjoy a memorable day out.
Great tour by Kazakhstan Guided Tours and Zhuldyz!
Paradise66662988493,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time with KGT during our Big Almaty lake tour! The commute and the facilities were well planned! Our tour guide, Zhuldyz, was very informative and fun! She gave us so much history about the city and it's traditions! The trip to the lake was comfortable and the group size was very manageable! We loved our group, everyone were soo nicee! Though I'd like to mention that if the time allocated to spend at the lake is increased, it'd be perfect! Post the lake, we were taken to an equestrian club for lunch, where horse riding was an optional activity, and the place was veryy beautiful and peaceful thag you could hardly hear the bustling of the city!
A pleasant short trip.
Vacation68452283950,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The travel experience was very good, the guide Chuls was professional, friendly and conscientious and the driver's driving skills were excellent. Although I can only make a connection in Almaty for most of the day, it was a rare tourist experience!
Big Almaty Lake
864kristinea,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Big Almaty Lake is lovely. Zhuldyz was an excellent guide!
Recommend!
Ivo S,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice tour by Zhenis! The communication between us and the tour guide was very smooth which made things a lot easier when agreeing on where to get picked up. Zhenis is a very enthusiastic guide, and also takes an interest in you! I would definitely book another tour with him if i had more time in Kazakhstan. Zhenis by the way is also a very talented with drones and can make amazing video's and pictures with it.
Beautiful tour
enolal430,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour with the best tour guide Zhenis! Very informative and helpful with any questions regarding the tour or otherwise. Good program with enough photo opportunities and diversity for everyone’s liking. Thank you Zhenis!!
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Operated by Kazakhstan Guided Tours