Big Almaty Lake: Stunning Alpine Escape

Explore Butakovskiye Waterfalls on a scenic hike through Ile Alatau. Discover two stunning waterfalls in a 4-5 hour adventure.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Big Almaty Lake - Duration: 6-7 hours
    Difficulty: Moderate
    Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip
    Elevation gain: About 600–800 meters
What's Included
  • National parks entrance fees
  • Hiking sticks
  • English speaking guide
  • Hotel Pick-up and drop
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Big Almaty Lake is a breathtaking alpine lake nestled in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,800 meters. Renowned for its pristine turquoise waters and sweeping mountain vistas, this hidden treasure provides an ideal one-day retreat into the natural world. The trail leads adventurers through alpine meadows,…

Location
Big Almaty Lake
Ili-Alatau National Park
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(34 Ratings)
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Meander355566
Dec 12, 2025
Good climb - Nurzhan was an amazing guide. The whole trip was just pure vibes. Just the 3 of us climbing up talking and having fun. It was amazing. He also treated us well, gave us cats for our shoes, water, and snacks.
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Getaway29103655991
Dec 11, 2025
Exhilarating trek culminating in scintillating views. - 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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Ewyns
Dec 10, 2025
Warm and challenging! - Zhandos is a young and energetic guide. He is able to communicate with us with English, which is helpful. He makes sure we are always on track and check with us from time to time if our hike is okay. He is also so nice to share us oranges, snacks and food during the trip. Very warm and he's knowledgeable as well.
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Barlianb
Dec 8, 2025
Amazing Trip - The trip was very well organised and our guides Zhandos and Nurzhan were very helpful, friendly and provided a lot of interesting information. Big up the mandem Zhandos and Nurzhan.
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Debar0tim
Dec 8, 2025
A stunning hike to Big Almaty lake - The big Almaty lake hike was one of the most Beautiful experiences I have had. The lake is stunning, the trail is peaceful the Mountain Views are unreal. Our guide Mr.Zhandos made the whole trip even better, super helpful, kind n professional. Couldn’t have asked for a better day. Highly recommended to anyone visiting Almaty.
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Aibolk57
Dec 7, 2025
Everything was very nice - Everything went great! Views and sights are breathtaking! Have closed my “fitness circle 4 times” during one hiking))) Thanks to the helpful and positive guides!
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Ge0belv
Dec 6, 2025
Almaty lake hike - I had amazing experience with Zhandos and his team. It was very informative and detailed plan tour. Thank you..........
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Aban
Dec 6, 2025
Experience of a lifetime! - The guide Zhandos is a very experienced local who knows what he's talking about. He helped us to the Big Almaty Lake with no qualms and has a very friendly personality. He's also accommodated for all ages and waits for the whole group to move together. All in all, great trip, unforgettable scenery, and helpful people! I think a tour guide like Zhandos is especially necessary in winter months when the trek can be more hazardous due to ice.
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Kshitijdomadia
Dec 5, 2025
Shout out to Zhandos! - Best trip itinerary you can get for the price! The hike is exhausting so make sure you’re prepared physically! Guides (Zhandos) do a great job at explaining about the history of the place.
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19marlind
Dec 4, 2025
Spiritually awakening - Amazing experience, our tour guide Sultan was so helpful in guiding us to the top, and the view was stunning the core. Must visit, worth the effort.
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From $50
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).