
Almaty lake
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Almaty lake worth booking?
Almaty lake is a 3-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $200 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (7)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $200 per person
Do you want to see one of the most famous natural landmarks of Kazakhstan? Then this tour is for you. In our guests' opinion it's a #1 must-see place in Almaty. During a tour you will: - Drive along serpentine road and unspoiled nature in the forests of the Tien Shan mountains at the height of 2510m. - Visit "Girl's tears" waterfall - small but very expressive; - Be amazed by the snowy peaks surrounding the lake, reaching a heigth of more than 4000 meters. We can also visit show with birds of pray (Apr-Oct, afternoon tour) Recomendations: - Please make sure to bring your passport on tour - Warm clothes
What you get
About this experience
Do you want to see one of the most famous natural landmarks of Kazakhstan? Then this tour is for you. In our guests' opinion it's a #1 must-see place in Almaty. During a tour you will: - Drive along serpentine road and unspoiled nature in the forests of the Tien Shan mountains at the height of 2510m. - Visit "Girl's tears" waterfall - small but very expressive; - Be amazed by the snowy peaks surrounding the lake, reaching a heigth of more than 4000 meters. We can also visit show with birds of pray (Apr-Oct, afternoon tour) Recomendations: - Please make sure to bring your passport on tour - Warm clothes
What's included
Included
- Tour guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Big Almaty Lake
During the tour you will: - See one of the most photogenic lakes in the world; - Visit a small but very expressive waterfal "Girl's tears"; - Snowy peaks over 4000 meters high around the lake; - Forests of the Tien Shan fir-tree along the serpentine road to the lake; - Mountain river and unforgetable landscapes - Listen to the stories of your guide about Almaty city and its history. Recommendations: Please make sure to bring your passport; warm clothes and comfortable shoes will make the walking more enjoyable. Combine tours: Almaty lake + Falcon hunting show Almaty lake + Cosmostation Almaty lake + Charyn canyon Almaty lake + City tour
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Almaty Lake
Ili-Alatau National Park, Almaty, 050065, Kazakhstan
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Big Almaty Lake · Ili-Alatau National Park, Almaty, 050065, Kazakhstan
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazia Tour
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Almaty lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful experience!
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. 😃
via Tripadvisor
Big Lake Almaty - a scene from a movie
The guide Yelnar from Kazia tour was very punctual and arrived at our hotel in Almaty at 6am sharp. We took a ride of about 40min to the base of a hill where we took a short 5-10min walk up to meet a special eco park vehicle. We passed a waterfall and the guide kindly helped us up to take pictures at the waterfall. After another 10min drive on the special vehicle we have reached higher up in the mountain where the big lake Almaty is. It was so beautiful like a scene out of a movie. Lovely views.
Response from the operator: Dear Clarissa, Thank you for your wonderful review! We are delighted to hear that you had a positive experience with our guide, Yelnar. We are thrilled that you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and had a memorable visit to Big Almaty Lake. Your feedback is much appreciated. Thank you for choosing Kazia Tour. We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future! Best regards, The Kazia Tour Team
via Tripadvisor
Nice!
Big Almaty lake was very beautiful. We just went there to take some photos, then went to some waterfalls but I couldn't go further because I didn't have the proper boots for it. Either way, I think it was a nice experience! Elnar, our guide, was very friendly, helpful, and kind 😀
via Tripadvisor
Extra guide in Almaty!
Extraordinary tour with Gulzat in Sept 2022. Her availability, her comprehension about my wishes were much appreciated! An excellent guide, for an amazing tour! I warmly recommend Gulzat and her colleagues for tours in Almaty, and will certainly contact her when I will be back in this stunning city, where I met lovely people and saw breathtaking landscapes!
via Tripadvisor
deffo worth it!
booked this trip did not regret it, guide and driver turned up on time, managed to get to the lake despite the snow, what can i say the view was amazing and different when you see it in the snow. guide and driver super polite and professional.
Response from the operator: Dear Cristopher, Thank you so much for leaving the review here! Our guys enjoyed your company too. We are happy that you liked your experience. Visit us again!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $200 to $390
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazia Tour, who run 17 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.4.
See everything Kazia Tour runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Almaty lake: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Almaty lake cost?
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Prices start at $200 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Almaty lake take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.
Is Almaty lake worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 7 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Almaty lake?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Almaty lake suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Almaty lake?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Almaty lake start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Almaty?
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On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Almaty?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Almaty?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Almaty lake?
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Included: Tour guide; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Almaty lake include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 11 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Almaty lake offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Almaty lake?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Almaty lake wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Almaty lake if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Almaty lake?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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