The Complete Guide to Big Almaty Lake Hiking: Trails, Maps, and Essential Information
Big Almaty Lake stands as one of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural attractions, captivating visitors with its mesmerizing turquoise waters and surrounding majestic peaks. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about hiking to Big Almaty Lake, including current access status, trail options, transportation methods, and practical advice for an unforgettable mountain experience.
Overview of Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake, known locally as BAO (Bolshoe Almatinskoy Ozero) in Russian and Zhasylkol in Kazakh (meaning “big blue lake”), is a natural gem nestled in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains. Historically, the lake was also called Josalykol (Жосалыкөл), where “Josa” refers to a type of grass and “kol” means lake in the Kazakh language. Located at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Almaty city, this alpine lake was formed by ancient glacial movement.
The lake receives its waters from several glaciers situated along the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border and serves as a vital drinking water reservoir for Almaty city. Due to this important function, authorities prohibit visitors from swimming in the lake or approaching too closely to its shores.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Big Almaty Lake is its chameleon-like quality—the water changes color depending on weather conditions and time of day, shifting between various shades of turquoise, blue, and green. Even in summer months, the lake’s temperature remains remarkably cold, rarely rising above 10°C.
Geographical Setting
The lake lies within the Ile-Alatau National Park in the Bostandyk district of Almaty. Three magnificent peaks surround the lake, creating a spectacular backdrop:
- Sovetov Peak (4,317 meters) to the southeast
- Ozyorny Peak (4,110 meters) to the south
- Turist Peak (3,954 meters) to the southwest
The lake functions not only as a scenic attraction but also as a reservoir with a mud flow barrier on its northern end to protect Almaty city from potential mudslides that have occurred in the past.
Current Access Status
Important Notice: The road access situation to Big Almaty Lake has changed several times in recent years, so it’s crucial to have the most current information before planning your visit.
As of April 2021, the road to Big Almaty Lake was officially closed for three years due to the construction of mud flow protection systems. In autumn 2023, the road was occasionally opened on select weekends.
Most recent reports from April 2024 indicate that while the road remains closed to private vehicles, it is open for hiking. This means visitors must be prepared for a significant hike to reach the lake, as detailed in the sections below.
The most current information suggests that while private cars cannot access the lake directly, visitors can take transportation to a checkpoint and then must proceed on foot. Some authorized vehicles may operate beyond the checkpoint, offering paid rides part of the way.
Hiking Routes and Trails
There are several routes to reach Big Almaty Lake, varying in difficulty and length. Below are the main options for hiking enthusiasts:
Main Route Options
Standard Road Route (Longer but Easier)
- Distance: Approximately 11-12 km one way
- Terrain: Mostly asphalt road with gradual incline
- Difficulty: Moderate, suitable for average fitness levels
- Starting point: Checkpoint near Ayusai Visitor Center
- Features: Wide two-lane asphalt road with occasional shortcuts available
Pipeline Route (Shorter but Steeper)
- Distance: Approximately 7-8 km one way
- Terrain: Steep climb along and sometimes on top of a large-diameter water pipe
- Difficulty: More challenging, requires good balance and fitness
- Starting point: Same checkpoint as the road route
- Features: Stairs along portions of the route, steeper sections that require careful footing
Shukur Gorge Alternative
- This is mentioned as an alternative trail
Elevation and Distance Details
- Total elevation gain: Approximately 800 meters
- Round-trip distance: About 12-14 km depending on exact route chosen
- Estimated hiking time to the lake: 4-4.5 hours
- Total tour duration (including stops and return): 7-8 hours
Getting to the Trailhead
Several transportation options are available to reach the starting point of your hike to Big Almaty Lake:
Public Transportation
Bus Option:
- Take Bus #28 from the First President’s Park in Almaty
- Get off at the last stop (near HPP-2)
- From there, either walk to the checkpoint or take a taxi to reach Ayusai Visitor Center
- Bus fare: Approximately 150 KZT one way (80 KZT with Onay Travel Card)
Taxi Services
Standard Taxi:
- A taxi from Almaty city center to the checkpoint costs around 15,000 KZT round-trip
- This typically includes waiting time of 1-1.5 hours while you hike
- Ask your taxi driver to wait for you if you plan to return the same day
Yandex Taxi:
- Using the Yandex app, you can book a taxi for approximately 13,000-15,000 KZT for the return journey
- Note that this price doesn’t include waiting time, which would be extra
- The app is available in English and widely used in Kazakhstan
Transportation Beyond the Checkpoint
Once at the checkpoint, visitors have limited options:
- Walk the entire way to the lake (11-12 km on the road or 7-8 km via the pipeline)
- Pay for authorized vehicles at the checkpoint (approximately 10,000 KZT per person)
- Some visitors report finding electric scooters for rent (around 20,000 KZT for 2 hours)
- Occasional opportunities for hitchhiking with passing authorized vehicles (prices negotiable, some visitors reported paying 3,400 KZT)
Organized Tours
For those who prefer a guided experience, numerous tour operators offer packages to Big Almaty Lake:
Types of Tours Available
Group Tours:
- Cost: Around 5,000 KZT per person
- Usually scheduled on specific days (e.g., 5th and 6th of each month as mentioned in one source)
Private Tours:
- Cost: $75-250 USD depending on group size and inclusions
- Typically around $200 for a group of up to four people
- Advantage: Flexible scheduling and personalized attention
Combined Tours:
- Some operators offer packages that combine Big Almaty Lake with Big Almaty Peak
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Price varies depending on inclusions and group size
What Tours Typically Include
- Transportation from your hotel in Almaty
- English-speaking guide (other languages may be available upon request)
- Lunch or snacks (varies by tour operator)
- National park entrance fees
- Photography stops at scenic viewpoints
- Guided information about the lake’s history and ecosystem
Practical Information for Hikers
Best Time to Visit
- Optimal seasons: Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) offer the best weather and scenery
- Summer months: Comfortable temperatures but potentially more crowded
- Winter and early spring: The lake may be frozen and the trail covered in snow (as reported by April visitors)
- Caution period: March-April is sometimes considered dangerous due to avalanche risk
What to Bring
Essential items:
- At least 1-1.5 liters of water per person
- Comfortable hiking boots with good traction
- Layered clothing (temperatures can vary significantly)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Raincoat or waterproof jacket (mountain weather is unpredictable)
- Valid passport (especially for foreign visitors, required at checkpoints)
- Cash for transportation, food, and unexpected expenses
Recommended additions:
- Insect repellent (especially during tick season)
- Light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks
- Snacks and energy foods
- Camera for capturing the stunning views
- Offline maps (2GIS or Yandex Maps recommended over Google Maps)
Safety Considerations
Health and medical:
- The hike is moderately difficult and requires average physical fitness
- Bring any necessary personal medications
- Inform your guide about any medical conditions
- Be cautious about altitude effects (the lake sits at 2,500 meters)
Environmental hazards:
- Tick awareness: Kazakhstan has a tick season, requiring vigilance
- Weather changes: Mountain conditions can shift rapidly
- Avalanche risk: Be cautious in winter and early spring months
- Water safety: Drinking water from natural sources is not recommended
Legal and regulatory:
- Swimming in the lake is strictly forbidden (it’s a drinking water source)
- Stay on designated trails to minimize environmental impact
- Follow all instructions from park rangers and security personnel
- Foreigners must carry passports for checkpoint verification
Notable Features Around the Lake
Nearby Attractions
Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory:
- Located near the lake
- Adds scientific interest to the journey
Big Almaty Peak:
- Elevation: 3,680 meters
- Can be combined with lake visit for more adventurous hikers
- Approximately 2-3 hours additional hiking from the lake area
Alpine Rose Hotel:
- Located closer to the lake
- Provides a potential rest stop during the hike
Wildlife and Natural Environment
The area around Big Almaty Lake is rich in biodiversity. Hikers starting early (around 6-8 AM) may spot marmots near the “big pipes” area. The surrounding mountains and forests are home to various wildlife species, though specific details were limited in the search results.
Conclusion
Hiking to Big Almaty Lake offers an exceptional opportunity to experience Kazakhstan’s natural beauty. While access restrictions and the significant hiking distance present challenges, the reward of witnessing the lake’s stunning turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks makes the effort worthwhile.
Before embarking on your journey, be sure to check the most current access information, as conditions and regulations may change. Whether you choose to join an organized tour or navigate the trail independently, adequate preparation and respect for the natural environment will ensure a memorable and safe adventure to one of Kazakhstan’s most picturesque locations.
For visitors with limited time or hiking experience, consider alternatives such as Esik (Issyk) Lake, which was recommended as more accessible by some sources. However, for those seeking a truly memorable mountain experience in Kazakhstan, Big Almaty Lake remains an iconic destination that showcases the country’s spectacular alpine landscapes.
