Big Almaty Lake is located in about 30 km south of Almaty at the altitude of 2, 500 meters above sea level inside of the gorge with Big Almatinka River. Take a car for rent and explore the lake of humble sizes but incredible beauty in the mountains of Zaili Alatau.
Big Almaty Lake is included in most tours in Kazakhstan and there is a reason for that. As it is very close to Almaty and very beautiful due to its location in a deep hollow with emerald bluish waters surrounded by high peaks and slopes with dense spruce forests. There are three peaks making a magic triangle around the lake: Sovetov peak (4,317 m) to the south-east, Ozyorny peak (4,110 m) to the south, and Turist peak (3,954 m) to the south-west.
The lake is 1,6 km long and 1 km wide. The maximum depth makes 40 meters and is fed by glacier water. Further above at the altitude of 2, 700 meters there located Tien-Shan Astronomical Observatory. Eight kilometers further it is possible to reach the Cosmic Rays Research Station at 3,300 m, near the Zhosylkezen pass.
Going down the lake to a city, there is a chance to visit the “Sunkar” Falcon Farm to complete the day.
Big Almaty lake is just a half drive from busy Almaty city but totally different world where you can enjoy the silence of pristine nature and unbelievable views. Rent a car and drive up in order not to miss this place during your tour in Kazakhstan.
Attention: the road to Big Almaty Lake is temporarily closed due to restoration works following the major landslide. (March 2020).
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