KAZAKHSTAN · BIG ALMATY LAKE TOURS

The 15 Best Big Almaty Lake Tours

17 tours  ·  from $50 a head

A bright blue reservoir sitting above the treeline, close enough to the city to be a half-day and high enough to be cold when Almaty is not. These 15 compare the transfers, the hiking versions and the ones that carry on to the observatory.

Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour - Who should book this lake tour?
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, City Tours, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

1.Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 110 reviews · 4 hours · from $69Our pick

Review of Almaty’s Big Almaty Lake tour, with mountain views, guide insight, easy transfers, seasonal tips, price value, and practical advice.

“Karina was the sweetest!! We laughed so so much with her the whole day!! We took off with only 5 people in the group + Karina and the driver and we arrived at the very cold Big Almaty Lake early in the morning. We took photos, heard stories and headed to grab breakfast soon after because in the middle of November the temperature there is super low and we simply couldn't spend more time there. The coffee shop we stopped by had good food and coffee and looked nice too especially with the sun up. Afterwords, we went to the Apple farm which had a cozy vibe and I asked…”

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Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike - Two Ways to See Big Almaty Lake
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

2.Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 109 reviews · from $69

Big Almaty Lake tour review with hiking and driving options, guide tips, mountain views, costs, fitness advice, and practical booking details.

“- The tour guide Vladimir arrived on time and made sure I was safe throughout the trip. He also made sure I could climb down the slope safely as my shoes don't have really good grip. - This moderately challenging hike is enjoyable, with the view of the Big Almaty Lake and the natural landscape of the beautiful mountain range. - It is safe to hike with this small group tour, as a solo traveller.”

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Big Almaty Lake: Choose Adventure on Foot or by Car - The car route: maximum view with minimum strain
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Tour Reviews

Big Almaty Lake: Choose Adventure on Foot or by Car

Big Almaty Lake tour private or group by car or hiking - Choosing between the 6-kilometer hike and the car option
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Almaty Lake tour private or group by car or hiking

Big Almaty Lake: Choose Your Adventure on Foot or by Car - Choosing the car option for comfort
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Tour Reviews

Big Almaty Lake: Choose Your Adventure on Foot or by Car

5.Big Almaty Lake: Choose Your Adventure on Foot or by Car

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · from $79Top rated

Review of Big Almaty Lake by car or hiking trail, with guide, mountain views, practical timing, costs, weather tips, and booking advice.

“We had a brilliant time in the Big Almaty lake tour. Yerkin was our guide and he is awesome! We opted for the day hike. The hike is for moderate hikers and took us 3hrs to hike up to the lake and 2hrs to descend. We walked on the pipeline which was actually easier than what it looks! Yerkin was professional, knowledgeable on the Almaty Lake, giving us facts of the area and an understanding of how the lake was created. He took us to areas of the Lake that had gorgeous views and to a fantastic lunch picnic spot. To make the experience even more memorable, Yerkin took photos…”

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Big Almaty Lake - azure eye of Alatau (+ Ayu gorge) half-day tour - Alma-Arasan Gorge: river sounds and a modest trail
Alma-Arasan Gorge Tours, Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Almaty Lake – azure eye of Alatau (+ Ayu gorge) half-day tour

Big Almaty Lake tour by hiking - The climb through forest, meadows, and rock
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Almaty Lake tour by hiking

7.Big Almaty Lake tour by hiking

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $50Best value

Review of the Big Almaty Lake hiking tour, with route details, guide tips, costs, fitness advice, transport, and booking guidance.

“It was a memorable experience hiking upto Big Almaty with the ever cheerful and helpful Nurzhan and his team. Not only did they help us in the difficult parts of the terrain but also explained in detail about the region and its significance. Would highly recommend this hike to new travellers!”

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Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Tour Reviews

Big Almaty Lake and Legandary Almaty Apple Garden

9.Big Almaty Lake and Legandary Almaty Apple Garden

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 18 reviews · from $59

Review of the Big Almaty Lake and Almaty apple garden tour, with practical advice on scenery, Aport apples, value, pickup, and booking risks.

“This is a very nice trip to see one of the major beauty spots nearby Almaty. The views of the lake are stunning and well worth a visit if you are in the Greater Almaty area. Communication regarding pick up (including the fact that the timing haRead more”

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Almaty: Falconry show and Big Almaty Gorge - Alma-Arasan gives you the first mountain views
Big Almaty Lake Tours, Show, Tour Reviews

Almaty: Falconry show and Big Almaty Gorge

10.Falconry show and Big Almaty Gorge

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 10 reviews · 5 hours · from $130

Review of Almaty’s Big Almaty Gorge and falconry show, with mountain views, Aysai Waterfall, practical tips, costs, and who should go.

“Absolutely amazing. İlyas helped me and guided me all the way up to the top, he was patient and helpful, a real gentleman the Falcon show was amazing too don't hesitate to book this tour!”

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Hiking to the magical Big Almaty Lake - The first hours through Ile-Alatau National Park
Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Hiking to the magical Big Almaty Lake

11.Hiking to the magical Big Almaty Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 7 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Hike from Almaty through Tian Shan forests to Big Almaty Lake, with a guide, hotel transfers, park entry, and dramatic mountain views.

“It was an amazing hike, and I was greeted with a beautiful view of the lake. Had a great lunch break enjoying the nature, quiet and peaceful. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and I had a good time throughout the hike!”

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Almaty lake - Girl’s Tears waterfall and the route back
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Tour Reviews

Almaty lake

12.Almaty lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $144

Review of Big Almaty Lake from Almaty, with mountain views, waterfalls, guide tips, pricing, practical advice, and who should book.

“We went to visit Big Almaty Lake with our lovely tour guide Gulzat. She picked us up from our accommodation early morning and we proceeded to the lake. On return we also visited a fall. Gulzat was friendly and explained everything to us and even took some lovely pictures. I recommend this tour if you are visiting lovely city of Almaty. 😃”

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Medeu and Shymbulak + Big Almaty Lake and Falcon show (Private day-tour) - Shymbulak and the cable car to 3,200 meters
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Medeu and Shymbulak Tours, Private, Show, Tour Reviews, Tours

Medeu and Shymbulak + Big Almaty Lake and Falcon show (Private day-tour)

Private Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour with alternatgive Pipeline - Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 meters
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Private Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour with alternatgive Pipeline

14.Private Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour with alternatgive Pipeline

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $70

Review of Almaty’s private Big Almaty Lake tour, with mountain hikes, three scenic stops, private pickup, guide Erasyl, and practical booking tips.

“Really fantastic tour! Our tour guide, Erasyl, was incredibly kind and really made sure we enjoyed our experience. He catered to the whole tour based on our needs and made us feel very comfortable. We are 3 young girls travelling so the Read more”

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Almaty: Electric Bike Tour to Big Almaty Lake or Kok-Zhailau - What the four-hour outing looks like
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Cycling Tours, E-Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty: Electric Bike Tour to Big Almaty Lake or Kok-Zhailau

15.Electric Bike Tour to Big Almaty Lake or Kok-Zhailau

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 3 reviews · 4 hours · from $115

Ride an electric bike from Almaty to Big Almaty Lake or Kok-Zhailau, with mountain views, local guides, gear, and flexible cancellation.

“It was great! I didn't expect that it will be an actual bike, not the bicycle 😀 but that was even better. Because the way to the top is pretty long. Enjoyed our time on top and on the way”

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The days out, grouped by where they go.