Big Almaty Lake is located in the northwestern part of the Tien Shan, practically on the border of Kazakhstan with Kyrgyzstan. This place is considered the most picturesque in the vicinity of Almaty and the entire surrounding national park. A visit to it guarantees an unforgettable experience and unique photos, regardless of the season. The lake is easily accessible by car, travel agencies or on foot.
The history of formation and geographical features of the Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake has a tectonic origin: this is evidenced by a basin of complex shape, steep shores and high-mountainous (2511 m above sea level) location. Water in the mountains is held back by a natural dam, half a kilometer high, formed by the descent of a moraine back in the Ice Age. In the 40s of the XX century, excess water flowed out of it in the form of beautiful waterfalls, but later the dam was strengthened and water intake was organized through pipes to power the city.
The reservoir received its current name not because of its size (the coastline is within 3 km), but in honor of the Bolshaya Almatinka River flowing into it from the southern side. The level depends on the season: the minimum is observed in winter, and the maximum - after the melting of the glaciers - in July-August.
The lake forms a beautiful white bowl when it freezes completely. The first ice appears in October and lasts up to 200 days. The color of the water depends on the season and weather conditions: it changes from crystal clear to turquoise, yellow and bright blue. In the mornings, its surface reflects the surrounding mountain range and the famous peaks Tourist, Ozerny and Soviets.
How to get to the lake
A very winding serpentine leads to the reservoir. Until 2013, it was gravel, but today it has an excellent road surface. It is impossible to get lost, because there is only one road. But the track is considered difficult, in bad weather the risk of rock falls increases, you need to soberly assess your driving experience. In general, the way to the Big Almaty Lake by car takes from 1 hour to 1.5 hours, of course, excluding the breaks to admire the numerous beautiful views. The toll post is in the middle of the way.
From the outskirts of Almaty to the final point - 16 km, from the center - 28 km km before the turn with a water intake pipe and then 3 km along it to the observation deck. One way trip takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Stunning views are provided in both cases.
It will be interesting for you to read about Lake Titicaca.
Many tourists choose an alternative option - they take a taxi from the final stop of the bus to the fork and walk along or along the pipe. At normal times of the day, one-way taxi costs do not exceed the amount of the eco-tax. The ascent is steep in some sections, appropriate footwear is required.
What else a tourist needs to consider
Big Almaty Lake is part of the Ile-Alatau Park and is a regime object due to the proximity of the border and the withdrawal of fresh water into the city, therefore, being on its territory implies the fulfillment of a number of rules:
- Payment of the environmental fee.
- A ban on making fires, driving cars to unallocated places and installing parking in unauthorized areas. Those wishing to spend the night near the lake are advised to drive a few kilometers up to the space observatory.
- The ban on swimming in the reservoir.
There are cafes along the road, but they are not directly near the reservoir, as well as other sources of food and infrastructure. The lake is guarded, the presence of identity documents is required.
