Big Almaty Lake with Horseback Riding Day Tour
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.
For an added experience, enjoy horseback riding (optional) in the mountain foothills, ride through peaceful trails and apple orchards — a unique way to connect with the local landscape. No riding experience is 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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
National park entrance fee
Direct transfer to the Lake by car
Modern & comfortable transport
Lunch (not included and provided at local cafe)
Horseback riding (optional and paid on site from ~$12/person)
Pickup points
Hotel Kazakhstan
Dostyk Ave., 52/2, Almaty Kazakhstan
The Ritz-carlton, Almaty
Esentai Tower, 77/7 Al Farabi Avenue, 77/7 Al Farabi Avenue Almaty Kazakhstan
Holiday Inn Express Almaty By IHG
597/5, Seifullin Avenue, Bostandyk District Almaty Kazakhstan
Ibis Almaty Jetisu
Abylai Khan Avenue, 55 Almaty Kazakhstan
Options
Private tour
Private tour: only you travel without other people
Pick-up/drop-off: from any location in Almaty
Pickup included
Small-group tour (shared)
Small-group: an uncrowded small group of up to 15 tourists.
Transfer: Direct transfer to the Lake by car. A long hike is not required.
Pickup included
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Perfect Half Day at Big Almaty Lake
nichar2021,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful half-day trip. We enjoyed a light hike along the way to the lake, and the scenery was incredibly beautiful. Even though it was winter and the lake was frozen, the views were still breathtaking. Our guide, Roman, was the best we could have asked for — super friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to share insights, history, and travel tips around Almaty. He made us feel very comfortable, almost like having an older brother taking care of us throughout the trip. Highly impressive and truly unforgettable!
Great experiences
KarnH3,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had such a wonderful experience with Kazakhstan Guided Tours! The whole trip was very well organized, comfortable, and full of beautiful sights — especially the amazing mountain views. A special thanks to our guide, Luba, who was absolutely fantastic! She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure everyone felt happy and safe throughout the tour. Her stories and positive energy made the trip even more memorable. I truly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kazakhstan. Thank you again, Luba, for making our trip unforgettable! ❤️
Nice tour!
olgakB6741PV,,Jun 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a great tour and very nice tour guides! We did several and liked everything, totally recommend. Our experience was great!
Great experience!
S7424DYnicoles,,May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow, what an experience!! 😍 the tour started bright and early, and we headed straight to the mountains and the lake. There was still no traffic, so the roadtrip wasn’t long. Our guide Jenis was amazing, thoughtful and kind, as well as our driver. Jenis showed us around and helped us find the best spots for photos. Overall, I would recommend this tour to everyone who’s physically fit.
Good and relaxing trip
A7995EB,,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a good tour with Mr.Azat. He's really kind and guiding landmarks. The Big Almaty Lake is so beautiful and peaceful.
Best guided tour in Kazakhstan
Vacation10593031075,,Apr 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exploring Big Almaty Lake with Aidar was an unforgettable experience on day 2. Aidar’s friendliness and humility made the tour feel special and personal. If you’re looking for a guide who combines deep knowledge with genuine care and hospitality, look no further than Aidar. Touring Kazakhstan with him was truly a highlight of my trip!
It was a great trip!
154kiany,,Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The big almaty lake is a very nice place to visit especially when going with this tour because it makes the trip very convenient. Our tour guide Farrukh was very friendly and informative about the places we visited. Overall, the trip was a great experience.
great view
25zhange,,Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The view is gorgeous and the arrangement is very good. Get early guarantee a clear view of mountain. Our guides are friendly and informative.
Only lake in Almaty for freshwater
Getaway383508,,Sep 27, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booking the tour was easy. All of us met at the meeting point before the stipulated time. Big Almaty Lake has its own importance as this lake is responsible for supplying fresh water to all the people in Almaty. The color of the water was turquoise, and it is so clean that one would try to drink it from the lake. It is a beautiful lake. Our guide Medina (hope I spelled her name correctly) was knowledgeable, friendly with a smiling face, and physically fit. She hiked with the tourists all the time. She was kind and compassionate. This was a well-organized half-day tour. At the end of the tour, Medina served Kazakhstan tea, chocolate, and other goodies to all. What a great way to end a tour! Would recommend this tour to all. Feel free to reach me at [email protected] for any additional queries about this tour.
Great tour with an excellent Guide
John S,,Aug 31, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a four hour tour that was perfect for me. Our guide/hostess, Aya, was excellent; she was personable and full of information about the tour and about Almaty in general. Her English is perfect. She always kept us informed about the next steps on the tour. The bus, that held about a dozen guests, was a brand new Toyota that was clean, comfortable and on-time. The driver was good at navigating the tough parts of the road approaching the Lake; I always felt safe. When you arrive, you are about 100 m in elevation above the lake; instant photo-op. You can walk as much or as little as you like. We had 2 hours at the site.
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Operated by Kazakhstan Guided Tours