Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake sits at around 2,500 metres in a bowl of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, a natural lake dammed by an old landslide and now used as a reservoir for the city below. The colour is the attraction: depending on the season, sediment and sunlight, it ranges from milky turquoise through deep green to steel blue, framed by spruce-covered slopes and bare peaks. Above it the road climbs past the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory towards the Kosmostantsiya, a former cosmic ray research station, and towards the Ozyorny pass. The lake supplies drinking water, so swimming and even approaching the shoreline is restricted, which visitors regularly discover from a guard rather than a sign.

What you actually see

• The lake viewpoint - the classic view from the road above the water.
• Tien Shan Observatory - the working astronomical station on the slopes above.
• Spruce forest and peaks - Sovetov and Ozyorny rising behind the bowl.
• The valley drive - the climb from the city through orchards and forest.

When to go

June to September for the easiest access and the strongest colour. In winter the lake freezes and the setting is spectacular, but the road needs a proper vehicle and can close. The colour is at its most vivid in bright midday light, which is unusual advice for a landscape.

Honest expectations

It is a drinking water reservoir and access to the shore is restricted and enforced; do not plan to swim or picnic at the water. The area sits near a border zone and there have been periods when permits were required beyond the lake, so check before heading higher. Taxi drivers frequently quote inflated round-trip prices, so agree terms first.

Nearby

Almaty is under an hour below; Shymbulak ski area lies in the next valley.