★5Senior guide, hiking & jeep-tour organizer
Hiking tour · From Almaty
Big Almaty Lake: Hiking Tour from Almaty
4.9 · 24 reviews
Embark on a hiking trip to Big Almaty Lake, the gem of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The route goes along scenic trails with panoramic views of the ridges and the turquoise lake surface. The tour is suitable for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy nature.
WhenDaily, time upon request
Duration10 h
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $56/person
Program
Hourly program of the hiking tour to Big Almaty Lake
07:00
Meeting and departure from Almaty
We meet in the city center, board a comfortable minibus, and head towards the gorge.
08:00
Arrival at the trailhead
We reach the starting point (near the dam), a brief guide briefing, and start the hiking part.
08:30
Ascent along the trail by the river
We walk along a forest trail with gradual elevation gain, enjoying views of the gorge and mountain rivers.
10:30
Rest stop and snack
We stop at a scenic meadow to rest and have a snack.
12:00
Big Almaty Lake
We reach the lake — enjoy the turquoise water, take photos against the peaks. The guide will share history and legends.
13:00
Lunch on the shore
Picnic with hot tea and sandwiches (lunch is included in the price). Free time for a walk.
14:30
Descent back
We begin descending along the same route, but with different angles and views.
17:00
Return to Almaty
We arrive at the starting point, say goodbye to the guide and the group.
What's included
What is included in the price of the hiking tour to Big Almaty Lake
Included in Price
Already included in the tour price
- Transfer from Almaty and back (comfortable minibus)
- Services of an experienced guide
- Hot tea and snack (sandwiches, cookies)
- Lunch (hot dish and drinks)
- Organizational fees and permits
- Bottled water (1 liter per person)
Paid separately
Optional, on site
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Insurance (we recommend arranging it yourself)
What to Bring
To make the day comfortable
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Warm jacket or windbreaker (it's cool in the mountains)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Backpack for personal items
- Camera or smartphone for photos
Team
Our team — guides and instructors from Almaty
Routes are led by working guides and instructors. The same people answer in WhatsApp and accompany groups on tour.
★5
★4.52Alexander Пашкин
Driver-guide, инструктор по трекингу
★4.74Andrey Шевелёв
Driver-guide
★4.27Анжелика Чвыкова
Гид-фотограф
★4.27Ильяс Дарбеков
Гид-переводчик
★4.55Мадина Данина
Организатор туров
★4.49Сергей Бабичев
Personal guide-водитель
Reviews
Reviews about the hiking tour to Big Almaty Lake
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
Sergey M.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Good tour, the guide knows a lot of interesting things, but it was hot.
Lyudmila Kh.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Krasivoe ozero no doroga dolgaia. Gida blagodarim.
Aigul S.
2GIS ·
★★★★★The lake is magical, I really liked it. Madina organized everything perfectly, thank you. I went with a friend to distract from the city bustle. The road to the start took about an hour, but the guide brightened the time with stories. The ascent along the trail is leisurely, with stops, so even without preparation we managed. On the shore we had a picnic with hot tea, it was very heartwarming. The weather was clear, and the lake shimmered in the sun. Lots of impressions, I will definitely go again.
Vitaliy S.
Our website ·
★★★★★We got a bit tired but it was worth it - the lake is turquoise.
Anna Z.
Google ·
★★★★★Thanks to the guide for the interesting story, the views are breathtaking
Aliya N.
2GIS ·
★★★★★Delight! the lake is turquoise, incredibly beautiful. The guide is very attentive.
Aleksey K.
Our website ·
★★★★★My colleague and I decided to unwind after a busy week and chose this tour. The air is clean, the lake is turquoise, and the trail along the river is calming. The guide organized everything perfectly, I recommend it.
Zhanna U.
2GIS ·
★★★★★I fell in love with this place, I will definitely come back with my family. Madina helped with the choice, thank you. I went with a colleague after a stressful week, wanted a reset. The trail along the river is mesmerizing, the sound of water calms you. When we came out to the lake, we just gasped — the water color is unreal, turquoise. The guide organized everything clearly, at the rest stop there was tea and a snack. We got a bit tired on the ascent, but it was worth it. I will definitely come back here with my children to show them such beauty.
Dmitry V.
Our website ·
★★★★★We took this tour spontaneously, just wanted a change of scenery. Went with my wife, just the two of us. Overall everything was fine: beautiful views, especially the lake — it really impresses. But we stood in traffic for a long time on the way there, so the time at the spot was slightly reduced. The guide tried hard, told interesting facts. Lunch was simple but filling. On the way back there was no traffic, so we got there faster. Apart from the road delay, everything went well.
Ivan R.
Google ·
★★★★★I'd wanted to go to the mountains for a long time, but there was never anyone to go with. Friends suggested joining this tour, and I agreed. The guide named Aleksandr turned out to be a great storyteller, sharing stories about these places along the way. The trail along the river is leisurely, easy to walk, with beautiful views all around. The lake is even better in person than in photos — the water is turquoise, and the air is clean and fresh. At the rest stop, we were treated to hot tea and sandwiches, which was very welcome. We came back down tired but happy. We had a good time, I recommend it!
Andrey K.
Yandex ·
★★★★★I wanted to see the lake after the rains, so I chose a tour with Ilyas. The water color was incredible, although the road took longer due to repairs. But the guide made up for it with interesting facts.
Maxim D.
Google ·
★★★★★Liked the tour, the guide is great, everything was clear.
Pavel L.
Our website ·
★★★★★The tour was super, but the road was bumpy and I got a little carsick.
Askhat T.
Google ·
★★★★★Ulken Almaty koli ote korkem. Andrey jaksy guide boldy.
Galina A.
2GIS ·
★★★★★On vacation we decided to go to the lake with the whole family. The guide suggested a walking route. We really liked it, the kids are delighted with nature. The only downside — we waited in line at the entrance for about 20 minutes.
Aizhan M.
Google ·
★★★★★Nature is beautiful, the lake has a bright color. The guide helped, thank you.
Natalya F.
Our website ·
★★★★★Loved it but would have liked more time for photos.
Dina Zh.
Google ·
★★★★★We decided to celebrate a birthday in nature. The tour with a guide exceeded expectations. The lake is emerald-colored, the mountain views are breathtaking. The guide told the legends of the place. The downside — on the way back we were stuck in traffic for 40 minutes.
Olga V.
Our website ·
★★★★★Bylo superno! Serhey rasskazyval interesno. Sovetuiu.
Marat T.
Our website ·
★★★★★The departure was delayed by 20 minutes, but the views were worth it.
Elena G.
Our website ·
★★★★★Fresh air, amazing nature, I recommend it to everyone. The guide is a great organizer.
Erlan Zh.
Google ·
★★★★★The lake is beautiful, the air is clean. Anzhelika explained everything, all good. But we sat in the car for a long time, the road was tiring. I really enjoyed walking in the mountains, especially along the river. Nature is amazing, there are many great spots for photos. The guide talked a lot about the route, but in my opinion, it would have been better to spend more time at the lake. Nevertheless, the vacation was good, I'm glad I got out into nature.
Kanat A.
Our website ·
★★★★★Great lake! Madina told us all about the route, thanks!
Nikita L.
Yandex ·
★★★★★My friend and I took a tour to escape the city. The nature is incredible, the air is clean. Anzhelika accompanied us, she's a very warm person. The only thing was the start of the route was delayed by 30 minutes due to late tourists, but it's a minor thing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the hiking tour to Big Almaty Lake
We've collected the questions travelers ask most often. Didn't find your answer? Write to us — a guide will reply in a couple of minutes.
Ask a questionYou walk from the dam to the lake approximately from 8:30 to 12:00, with a rest stop and a snack along the way, and the descent back begins at 14:30. The trail climbs gradually along the river, without steep elevation gains, at a calm pace with stops. This route is manageable for a person with ordinary fitness who is ready to spend several hours on the move.
The tour is one-day, but the walking part takes several hours with an ascent and descent along a mountain trail, so focus on how each person feels. If the parents and child are ready for a long walk and have comfortable shoes, the trip will go fine. If you have doubts, message us on WhatsApp — we will discuss your specific group.
Take trekking shoes that you have tested on long walks, and clothing with the expectation of coolness near the water and wind in open areas. A hat, sunglasses and a small backpack for personal items will come in handy. A camera or smartphone is also worth taking — the views of the turquoise lake and peaks are very photogenic.
We start from the center of Almaty at 07:00, from there we drive to the gorge and begin the walking part from the dam. Return to the starting point in the city is around 17:00. We will confirm the exact meeting point in the center via WhatsApp for your chosen date.
The price already includes the road from Almaty and back, the work of a guide, tea with a snack, lunch on the lake shore, water and all organizational fees with permits. You pay extra only for personal purchases — souvenirs or drinks beyond the program. If you want insurance, you arrange it yourself.
Yes, this tour is private, so only you and your companions ride in the vehicle, without other tourists. Departures are daily, we select the time on request, and booking is made with a simple message on WhatsApp — without prepayment. Payment on the day of the trip via Kaspi, by card or in cash, and cancellation of the booking is free.
