
Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 71 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car worth booking?
Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car is a 5-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $65 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 71 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (71)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $65 per person
Important: Weather is unpredictable from October. Clear lake views are not guaranteed. Alma-Arasan may close for safety reasons; in this case, we visit Ayusai Gorge instead. Enjoy a comfortable 5-hour tour to Big Almaty Lake by car. Tour Schedule: 09:00 AM — Abay State Opera and Ballet Theatre 09:15 AM — First President Park 09:45 AM — Checkpoint 10:00 AM — Vehicle transfer (300 m walk) 10:30 AM — Big Almaty Lake (1 hour) 11:45 AM — Return to checkpoint 12:20 PM — Alma-Arasan Thermal Springs 01:20 PM — Departure to the city 02:30 PM — Estimated return Important: Times are approximate, delays are possible. Bring: Passport (required), water, snacks, swimsuit, flip-flops, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothes, umbrella, and comfortable shoes with good grip. Optional Hiking Tour (Mondays only) Enjoy a 7–8 hour hike to Big Almaty Lake along a steep mountain trail. Suitable only for fit and experienced hikers.
What you get
About this experience
Important: Weather is unpredictable from October. Clear lake views are not guaranteed. Alma-Arasan may close for safety reasons; in this case, we visit Ayusai Gorge instead. Enjoy a comfortable 5-hour tour to Big Almaty Lake by car. Tour Schedule: 09:00 AM — Abay State Opera and Ballet Theatre 09:15 AM — First President Park 09:45 AM — Checkpoint 10:00 AM — Vehicle transfer (300 m walk) 10:30 AM — Big Almaty Lake (1 hour) 11:45 AM — Return to checkpoint 12:20 PM — Alma-Arasan Thermal Springs 01:20 PM — Departure to the city 02:30 PM — Estimated return Important: Times are approximate, delays are possible. Bring: Passport (required), water, snacks, swimsuit, flip-flops, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothes, umbrella, and comfortable shoes with good grip. Optional Hiking Tour (Mondays only) Enjoy a 7–8 hour hike to Big Almaty Lake along a steep mountain trail. Suitable only for fit and experienced hikers.
What's included
Included
- English speaking guide
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Hiking boots
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Hiking poles
What you'll see and do
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake: A Natural Gem for Tourists Big Almaty Lake, located in the Tien Shan mountain range near Almaty, Kazakhstan, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. This alpine reservoir boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering a serene ambiance for relaxation and photography.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Alma-Arasan Gorge
Car Option Only: After visiting Big Almaty Lake, continue to the picturesque Alma-Arasan Gorge. Follow a scenic trail along a mountain river for approximately 20 minutes to reach the hot springs. Along the way, enjoy views of pine forests, rocky cliffs, and crystal-clear mountain streams. At the hot springs, you'll have free time to relax, soak your feet in the warm mineral water, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding mountains.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
We will meet you at the fountain near Abay Opera Theatre or at the First President Park, and drive to Ili-Alatau National Park, switching vehicles to reach the lake, where you'll have 60 minutes.
Meeting point
Almaty
We will meet you at the fountain near Abay Opera Theatre or at the First President Park, and drive to Ili-Alatau National Park, switching vehicles to reach the lake, where you'll have 60 minutes.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will meet you at the fountain near Abay Opera Theatre or at the First President Park, and drive to Ili-Alatau National Park, switching vehicles to reach the lake, where you'll have 60 minutes.
Ends at
We will meet you at the fountain near Abay Opera Theatre or at the First President Park, and drive to Ili-Alatau National Park, switching vehicles to reach the lake, where you'll have 60 minutes.
Options you can book
Hiking Adventure
Duration: 6 hours: We visit only Big Almaty Lake Starting point: First President park, 5VVP+FP7, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Car option - meeting point
Alma-Arasan Hot Springs: What to bring: a towel, slippers, and swimwear if you plan to enjoy the hot springs comfortably. Duration: 5 hours: We pick up from the meeting point near Abay Opera House or First President’s Park
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Adam tour
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 71 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
4 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
71 verified traveler reviews for Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
our guide is young and...
our guide is young and energetic. it was a interesting trip. the lake is very beautiful. the spring was not that great, but it is very natural.
via Viator
Spot on way to see Big Almaty.
I love a tour that delivers EXACTLY what it advertises. No surprises. No bait and switch. Delineates exactly what to expect for the day. Viktor is a knowledgeable young man with perfect English. Very informative. The van was comfortable. A necessary bathroom stop was incorporated that had clean, toilets with seats, FREE! Stops on the way back were graciously offered. I have to add that the Hot Springs were disappointing as they were basically natural hot tubs but overcrowded and not worth the hassle of changing. However, the walk along the gorge and white water is quite beautiful.
via Tripadvisor
Good Experience
Our trip is well organized. The view looked like AI generated and I think it can't be describe with just one word. Viktor, our tour guide, is very friendly. He is easy to talk to and speaks English very well. If I would book again, I hope there's an option with Almaty Lake only and with longer stay there. Overall, everything is a good experience.
via Tripadvisor
A great day out!
A fabulous trip into the mountains to see the lake. Our driver was safe and Viktor, our guide, was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend Adam Tours!
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic experience with Viktor - would highly recommend
The tour is absolutely amazing! Very much worth the price we paid, and the tour is very organized too. We had Viktor who’s our tour guide. He’s super friendly, speaks good English and is very knowledgeable of the area in and around Almaty. We saw some beautiful view too and the length of the tour is perfect! Thank you Adam Tour!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Adam tour, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.8.
See everything Adam tour runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car cost?
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Prices start at $65 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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 71 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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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Around 25 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car 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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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Included: English speaking guide; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Hiking boots; Snacks; Lunch; and Hiking poles. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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We will meet you at the fountain near Abay Opera Theatre or at the First President Park, and drive to Ili-Alatau National Park, switching vehicles to reach the lake, where you'll have 60 minutes. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car 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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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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.
What happens to Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car 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 Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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Across 71 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, value for money, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Hiking Adventure, Car option - meeting point. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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