Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a natural alpine reservoir located 28 km south of Almaty, Kazakhstan, at an elevation of 2,511 meters above sea level. Formed around 2,000 years ago due to an earthquake and landslide, the lake is 1.6 km long, 750 meters wide, and 40 meters deep. Its water changes color with the seasons — turquoise in summer, deep green in autumn. As it supplies drinking water to Almaty, swimming is prohibited. From the lake, visitors can see three major peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau: Kanysh Satpayev, Ozyorny, and Tourist. It’s a favorite spot for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.