Big Almaty Lake Tour
Description
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. To enhance your experience, you can enjoy horseback riding (optional) in the mountain foothills, passing through peaceful trails and apple orchards — a unique way to connect with the local landscape (no riding experience required). Perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking an easy escape from the city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Walking, enjoying the scenery, photographing
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.
Horseback riding (optional) in the foothills of the mountains
Lunch (not included and provided at a local cafe)
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick-up is available for a private tour option only.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(47)
This trip was amazing! Ax is an awesome guide and is so knowledgeable.
didn't feel this tour offered good value for money. The stop at Big Almaty Lake was quite short, and after visiting the lake we had to wait a long time for the taxi to pick us up again. The drive to the horse-riding location was also brief, but it was clear that the riding itself did not take place inside the national park, which was somewhat disappointing. The itinerary stated that those not participating in the horse ride would have a 30-minute lunch break. However, when we arrived, it turned out there wasn't a café but only a restaurant serving large meat platters. One older solo traveller simply wanted to buy a Coke, but the only option was a 1.5-litre bottle, so she decided not to order anything. The three travellers ended up just waiting around without ordering snacks or drinks. The biggest issue was the horse riding. We were taken to the horses and expected to ride up a hill, yet we received virtually no instructions on how to ride or control a horse. As someone with little experience, my horse kept stopping to eat, and I had no idea how to encourage it to keep moving. At the same time, one of the younger participants became very nervous, which made her horse nervous as well. The horse left the trail, and you could clearly see the panic on our guides' faces as they chased after her. While they were distracted, my own horse also wandered off the path. Throughout the ride, I genuinely felt unsafe and was worried that someone might get injured. Fortunately, a few other participants had previous horse-riding experience and kindly gave the less experienced riders some helpful advice. We all made it back safely, but it felt more like good luck than the result of proper preparation or supervision. Overall, I think the tour needs much better organisation, clearer communication about what is included, and, most importantly, proper safety instructions and support for inexperienced riders.
We had an absolutely fantastic tour to Big Almaty Lake with Jan! Jan was super friendly, extremely attentive, and put so much effort into making the day special. His explanations were filled with great attention to detail, making the trip truly unforgettable. You can tell he really loves what he does. Highly recommended!
Our guide, Nursultan, was very knowledgeable, effective, and kind. We enjoyed the drive, his talk, a little walk, and the views very much. Since we left the hotel early in the morning, we could not eat our breakfast there; the hotel packed our breakfast, and we were able to eat it at the lake, totally immersed in nature. Although the lake water was not transparent due to the recent rains, the scenery was spectacular, and the trip was well worth the effort!
Overall, it was a decent and smooth experience.
Short tour of iconic natural sites near Almaty. Just what you need if you want to enjoy the mountain views and not spend all day. We were amazed at the beauty of Kazakhstan! Special thanks to guide Zhuldiz!
Zhenis was an exceptional tour guide. I booked this overnight tour on viator (Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons). The bus they used was modern and comfortable, and the driver drove safely. Both lakes were very beautiful and the food provided was of high quality. As well, the yurt was comfortable and the beds were soft. As an American, the canyons were repetitive due to the grand canyons in Arizona but nonetheless for most others they will be extremely cool. Overall easily 5 stars among the best tours l've done. The only recommendation I would add is to add more pick up points in the future. Would be easier for the guests. It's not like the time was essential as we got to the overnight accommodations before 6pm. 3 is less than what I would expect for a city as big as Almaty.
Axultan is very good guide. He provided good information during the trip.
Perfect tour! Big Almaty Lake is an incredible natural wonder! Normally it may not be easy to see it as it requires a rather lengthy hike, however with this tour we were able to get close to the lake by car. It was important for us as we had an elderly person with us with limited mobility. Very grateful that we were able to fully enjoy the lake without much walking
Great experience seeing the lake as well as horse riding in the foot hills of Almaty
