Big Almaty Lake
A turquoise mountain lake at about 2,500 m in the Trans-Ili Alatau, just outside Almaty.
About
The lake lies in a high bowl of bare peaks, its water a changing blue and green that can look turquoise or steel grey depending on the light and the season. Snow lingers on the slopes into early summer.
It is a reservoir for the city’s drinking water, so swimming is not allowed, but the shore is a pleasant place for a walk and for picnics. Higher up are the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory and trails to mountain passes.
History
Big Almaty Lake sits at about 2,510 metres above sea level in the Ile-Alatau range, and it is thought to have formed by ancient earthquakes and landslides that dammed the valley. Its water comes from glaciers and snowmelt, and it has long been a source of water for Almaty, so the area is protected as part of the Ile-Alatau National Park. The area around it was once part of the lands of nomadic herders who used the high pastures in summer. In the twentieth century, a road was built, and the lake became a popular excursion for people from Almaty. A dam and other measures have been used to control the water level and to guard against mudflows, which have been a real danger in the mountains above the city. Entry requires a ticket and may be restricted at times, so it is worth checking the current rules before you go.