Big Almaty Lake transfer directly to the lake. No hiking
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy the incredibly beautiful scenery of the big Almaty lake without hiking. Our tour provide all transfers directly to the lake round trip.
First, we will visit Big Almaty Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive from Almaty City. On the way to the lake, you will observe the beautiful mountains, crowded pine trees, and landscape. Big Almaty Lake is a natural alpine reservoir. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, 15 km south of the center of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The lake is 2511 meters above sea level.
After we will visit Alma Arasan hot springs. A picturesque gorge in Zailiysky Alatau in the south-west of Almaty (height ~1780-1827 m) near the Big Almaty lake, known for its hot radon springs. This is a popular holiday destination with the Prokhodnaya River, restaurants, sanatoriums and well-maintained hiking trails, accessible all year round.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Big Almaty Lake
First, we will visit Big Almaty Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive from Almaty City. On the way to the lake, you will observe the beautiful mountains, crowded pine trees, and landscape. Upon arriving at The Big Almaty Lake, you will wonder how it was formed as a Big Lake on the top of the mountain hundreds of years ago. Big Almaty Lake is a natural alpine reservoir. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, 15 km south of the center of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The lake is 2511 meters above sea level. During the exploration of the lake, everyone would easily notice the color of the lake change according to the intensity of sunlight from light blue to heavy dark.
Ayusai Visitors Center
The visitor center is only 30 minutes away from Almaty by car." Ayusai" is translated from the Kazakh language as "bear gorge", because of the brown Tian-shan bears that once lived here. Evergreen trees create coolness in the summer heat, and with each step more and more new views of mountain peaks and rocky cliffs open up. In some places you can find small streams, which adds a special charm to the atmosphere. When you get closer to the waterfall, the sounds of the water become louder, and you will have a stunning view: clear streams of water rapidly fall from the cliff, creating a soft cloud of splashes that sparkle in the sun. This place is ideal for stopping, enjoying the moment and absorbing all the power and beauty of nature.
What‘s Included
Eco taxi to the end of the big Almaty lake
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide service
Lunch
Options
Big Almaty Lake transfer directly to the lake. No hiking
Reviews
63 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Almaty Lake
882atakan ,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful tour. Abdukhamid is a very helpful and cheerful person; we especially thank him.
Highly Recommended Guide
lorp413,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Adam was amazing—knowledgeable, engaging, and very attentive to everyone. They made the experience smooth, fun, and truly memorable. Highly recommended!
Adam, Adam and ADAM 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Abdukhamid M,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Adam is the Best tour guide I seen ever. Request only him. BAL was amazing trip because of him. Road and his stories are nice. Must try tour especially bcs Adam!!!
Amazing experience
josephbB6751UV,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great experience, especially with our guide Adam who made the experience better with his kindness and help!
Enjoyed every bit of it!
kletzo,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I recently booked the "no-hiking" tour to Big Almaty Lake through Panda Travel Kazakhstan (thru Agoda activities), and it was easily the highlight of my trip. Everything went so smoothly they were right on time, and the service felt genuinely professional yet personal. Since we didn't have to hike, we could just relax and soak in the incredible views. Coming from a country with no winter or icy spots, this was a surreal experience. Though I wanted to see the lake in its full beauty, I visited on a wrong season. But still is beautiful! Our guide - Adam was incredibly friendly, kind, and easy to talk to. His approachable personality made the trip feel personalized and special. Saw him randomly outside the tour and he remembered me and even said hi! Looking forward to return, and book another activity with you guys.
Must do!!
Karyme Gayle A,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish, Karina was amazing! Bring you swimmies if you wanna try the hot spring in Alma Arasan!!
Thanks to guide Karina, I...
jiyoung y,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thanks to guide Karina, I had a great trip. She's the best guide. It was a shame that the lake froze. I'll come back to see the lake.
This tour is worth it for...
NinaRica Y,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour is worth it for someone who is not a hiker. Adam, our tour guide, did an incredible job. He is nice, friendly and entertaining. Glad that he brought us to Alma-Arasan Gorge in exchange of Apple Garden visit since it is still frozen there. Had a great time!
Great hosts (Adam) and alway kept up to date
Y356IDantonb,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Host Adam was awesome, helped everyone and kept things on time which was great. Really happy with Panda tours, always kept informed and looked after. Thanks again
t was really great experience with Karina God bless her.
Freedom414077,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was best experience and Karina was very helpful in sorting out all issues and was full time entertaining the group. She was always full of smiles and helped everyone. I will definitely recommend my family and friends. Arvind Patkey.
From US$69.00
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Operated by Panda Travel