Duration · 1 DAY

Season · ALL YEAR ROUND* 

Activity · HIKING

              From USD $65

Customer reviews   

Almaty – Big Almaty Gorge – Big Almaty Lake – Almaty

Difficulty: ♦ ♦ ◊ ◊ ◊

Type: hiking

Group size: min 1 - max 8

Get inspired

• This scenic day hike to Big Almaty Lake is a relatively easy mountain route, covering approximately 14 km round trip. The trail follows either the paved mountain road or a wooden walkway with steps, depending on its availability.
• One of the highlights of the hike is the gradual change in landscapes. The route begins among mixed forests and wild fruit trees, continues through dense Tien Shan spruce forests and reaches the alpine meadows surrounding Big Almaty Lake. The scenery is beautiful throughout the year, particularly in autumn, when the red and yellow foliage of deciduous trees contrasts with the deep green of the spruce forests.
• Near the lake, spectacular views open up towards the surrounding mountains, including Satpayev Peak (formerly Sovetov Peak, 4,317 m), Big Almaty Peak (3,684 m), Tourist Peak and Almaty-Alagir Peak.
• The tour is organized on request and only for you. The guide accompanying you throughout the tour will focus on your needs, interests and safety. You can fully enjoy personalized service and comfort.

What to expect

• Hiking route: The hike starts at the checkpoint, where vehicle access ends. The route follows the paved road or the new wooden trail with steps, if available. Only authorised vehicles are permitted beyond the checkpoint.
• Close to Almaty: The trailhead is located on the outskirts of the city, with no long transfers. Most of the day is spent hiking rather than driving.
• Year-round hiking: The tour is available throughout the year, although heavy snowfall, rain, flood risks or sudden weather changes may occasionally restrict access. Seasonal clothing and suitable footwear are essential. Please see Important notes below.
• Food and drinks: Meals, snacks and beverages are not included. Please bring your own food and sufficient drinking water for the day.

   Transfers

• comfortable private transportation, pick up and drop off in Almaty

    Guiding / Safety

• English-speaking guiding throughout the tour
• A comprehensive group first-aid kit is carried on every tour and is always easily accessible — with the guide at all times, whether in the vehicle or in the field
• All tours are continuously monitored by our coordination team. Guides maintain regular mandatory contact with the office, ensuring real-time awareness of the group’s location, progress and overall situation throughout the tour
• Clear communication is a core part of our safety system. For larger groups, radio communication is used between guides, vehicles or sub-groups to ensure smooth coordination at all times
• All vehicles used on our tours undergo regular technical inspections and additional in-house checks before and after each trip. Each vehicle is equipped for the specific route and conditions, including off-road travel and remote areas, with an on-board kit for unexpected road situations.

   National Park's entry fees

• Ile-Alatau NP entry fees

   Prices:

• $65 per person per tour – for a group of 4–8 people
• $80 per person per tour – for a group of 3 people
• $105 per person per tour – for a group of 2 people
• $190 – 1 person (individual service)

Price does

not include

• accommodation (hotel), any entertainment in Almaty before/after a tour
• meals, snacks, water / drinks
• personal traveller’s insurance 
• personal expenses like souvenirs, calls etc.
• rent of personal clothes, shoes, gear etc.
• optional activities 
• porters for personal belongings and backpack during the tour

1. We are responsible for your safety during the activities described in the tour programme. Horseback riding, bicycle or e-bike rental, quad biking, and in winter, sledding, snow tubing or snowmobile rides offered by local providers are optional third-party services undertaken at your own discretion and responsibility.
2. Border zone: Big Almaty Lake is located in a border zone. No special border permit is required for this route, but you must carry your original passport, as border officers may request it.
3. Protected water area: Access directly to the lake shore and water is prohibited because Big Almaty Lake is a protected water-supply area.
4. Summer temperatures in the Almaty region vary with altitude, location and weather. Indicative daytime temperatures: foothills (1,000–1,600 m): +20 to +35°C; mountains (1,700–2,700 m): +15 to +25°C, potentially cooler during rain.
   Winter temperatures in the Almaty region: indicative daytime temperatures in the mountains (1,700–2,700 m): −10 to −30°C.
5. The tour is available throughout the year, although heavy snowfall, rain, flood risks or sudden weather changes may occasionally restrict access. Seasonal clothing and suitable footwear are essential.
6. Recommended equipment for summer conditions: hiking shoes, trekking socks, long trekking pants, long-sleeved T-shirt, warm mid-layer (such as fleece), raincoat, peaked cap, buff, sunglasses, sunscreen, small daypack, water bottle and snacks.
   Recommended equipment for winter conditions: warm trekking boots, thick trekking pants, thermal base layers (top and bottom), warm mid-layer (such as fleece), down jacket, windproof/waterproof jacket, warm hat, gloves, buff, sunglasses, sunscreen, small daypack, a small thermos with a hot drink and snacks.
7. Cellular reception may be unavailable in some places along the route.