
Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge worth booking?
Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge is a 4-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $55 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 63 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (63)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $55 per person
Explore the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake, situated 2,500 meters above sea level, alongside the refreshing Almarasan Hot Springs with our best-price guarantee. Guests can choose between a direct drive or a guided hike, enjoying an hour to take in the lake's rich history and another hour to relax in the thermal waters. Please remember to bring swimwear for the hot springs and refrain from entering the lake water, as it is protected drinking water for the city and subject to strict fines. Beyond this trip, we offer fully customizable tours across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, ranging from Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake to paragliding and city sightseeing. Recognized as a top-rated local agency, we deliver unmatched flexibility, competitive pricing, and outstanding verified reviews. For inquiries or last-minute reservations, contact us directly on WhatsApp at +7 701 211 0150 or visit daotravel.kz.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake, situated 2,500 meters above sea level, alongside the refreshing Almarasan Hot Springs with our best-price guarantee. Guests can choose between a direct drive or a guided hike, enjoying an hour to take in the lake's rich history and another hour to relax in the thermal waters. Please remember to bring swimwear for the hot springs and refrain from entering the lake water, as it is protected drinking water for the city and subject to strict fines. Beyond this trip, we offer fully customizable tours across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, ranging from Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake to paragliding and city sightseeing. Recognized as a top-rated local agency, we deliver unmatched flexibility, competitive pricing, and outstanding verified reviews. For inquiries or last-minute reservations, contact us directly on WhatsApp at +7 701 211 0150 or visit daotravel.kz.
What's included
Included
- Multilingual Professional driver and local tour guide
- Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- National park entry and facility fees
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected Almaty hotels)
Not included
- Personal towels, swimwear, and personal equipment
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Food and beverages
What you'll see and do
Big Almaty Lake
We will see big Almaty lake and surrounding mountains. Learn the history of lake and location. Walk around and see lake from different points.Total tour durations depends on city traffic.Also we can include in this tour Shymbulak or Almarasan by request.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Alma-Arasan Gorge
We will go to Almarasan gorge and if you want you can use its bathes or showers
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
We meet near theatre fountain.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We meet near theatre fountain.
Options you can book
Hiking with hotel pick up
Hiking with guide: Enjoy hiking to beautiful Almaty lake with guide and hotel pick up. Duration: 6 hours Pickup included
hiking from pick up point
Duration: 7 hours: Enjoy hiking to the lake with guide with pick up point pick up and best price in city!
by car with hotel pick up
Direct drive to the lake : Enjoy drive to the lake and Almarasan hot springs by car from hotel without hiking. Duration: 5 hours Pickup included
by car from pick up point
Duration: 5 hours: Enjoy drive by car to the lake and Almarasan hot springs with pick up point pick up without hiking and best prices in city.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, de, ru, ko, cmn, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 17 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DAO Travel
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 63 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
63 verified traveler reviews for Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Worst ever experience with Viator
I did three bookings in my recent Kazakhstan visit. Two of them were amazingly good while this one was my Worst experience. I’m very disappointed with the way this tour was conducted. Firstly the operator was not keen on doing at the requested time. Our surprise was when he started managing through multiple YANDEX bookings than tobe a private tour(at least 5-6 cabs needed to be changed). Biggest surprise was when we were put in a goods carrier van which is atleast 20-30 years old to take us to the hill top. Mostly everyone looked very annoyed. Biggest lie was telling Almarasan(which was part of my package) is closed for the day and with generous help we will be taken to Ayusay which is no compare. *I demand my ticket price be paid back.*
via Viator
Almaty lake hike
I chose the hike to the lake. The trail starts off steeply, so a certain level of fitness is required. Our guide, Issa, was attentive to maintaining a suitable pace. He shared a great deal of information about Kazakhstan and hiking in general. A lovely, active morning!
via Viator
Beautiful Place, Unprofessional Guide
Casual attitude & unprofessional attitude of Dimitry! 1. He failed to mention that if you go downwards on the big almaty lake, the local military men can try to scare you & scam money off of you. One of the co-passengers faced this. Dimitry casually brushed it off & said that its normal & it can happen. If he knew this can happen then it should be mentioned at the very start of the tour to prevent such things from happening 2. It was a monday & many offices & attractions are closed. Since he is a so called expert guide & living in Almaty its something he should be knowing about . When asked about visiting museums he casually advised us to visit them & left the tour midway. Some people got dropped off at museum to discover that they were actually closed. 3. He casually makes insulting remarks in between too. Overall a good memory ruined by the guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for rewiew, but this info provided twice - at tour description and at lake view point.So please read it and be responsible for what you doing.Before ask guide to stop you near any place after tour you can check schedule at google .Guide can not remember all schedules of Almaty attractions.
via Tripadvisor
beware..rudest and corrupt guide
never ever book this agency..the rudest most impolite guide..my taxi was 3 min late coz it was raining and yes the language barrier..i reached..sat in the van..he asked me for extra money! the van was anyway over booked.. i said i wont pay any extra you can keep the booking amount only .he stopped and left..a country as young in tourism as kazak..is made by tourist..am not defending my mistake but if you act like this you better not bring shame to your nation! his google review had similar such incidents
Response from the operator: Thank you for review. First you say that you late to the tour because of high fever, now you say you late because of rain.But there is one problem it was no rain in the morning during your taxi trip.Another thing - 15 persons come ontime,waiting for you, and you even dont say sorry to them when arrive with 15 min late.After you start scandal at bus , and ask driver to stop bus and let you out ,we made it with a big pleasure.Have a good day.
via Tripadvisor
Besutiful location, casual guide.
The tour guide Dimitri or as he told his name was unprofessional & casual. 1st - He failed to mention that sometimes tourists who venture near the lake can get arrested or harassed by soldiers. One of the fellow tourists suffered this. It is the first duty of tour guide to mention the biggest problems. 2nd - it was a Monday & all museums & govt offices are closed. He casually dropped us off at the museum only for us to find out it was closed. He did’t even bother to inform us.
Response from the operator: Thank you fro rewiew, this info provided twice - at tour description and at lake wiew point.So please read it and be responsible for what you doing.Before ask guide to stop you near any place after tour you can check schedule at google .
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $55 to $97
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by DAO Travel, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 56.1.
See everything DAO Travel runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge cost?
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Prices start at $55 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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 63 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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge?
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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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge?
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Around 22 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge 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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge?
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Included: Multilingual Professional driver and local tour guide; Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle; National park entry and facility fees; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected Almaty hotels). Not included: Personal towels, swimwear, and personal equipment; Gratuities for guide and driver; and Food and beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 17 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic, German, Russian, Korean, Chinese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. 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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge?
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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 Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge 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 Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge?
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Across 63 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Big Almaty Lake Tour by car Till Lake, or Hiking, Almarasan Gorge?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Hiking with hotel pick up, hiking from pick up point, by car with hotel pick up, by car from pick up point. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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