Big Almaty Lakeis natural alpine reservoir located in the Trans-Ile Alatau mountains at the height of 2511 meters above sea level, 15 km south from the center of Almaty in Kazakhstan.

The basin of the lake has tectonic origin with complex shape and general slope to the north. The lake is 1.6 km in length and from 0.75 to 1 km in width. The coastline is 3 km, the depth is 30®C40 m. The maximum water level is in August, the minimum is in February. Level fluctuations reach 20 m. Lakeside is abrupt and steep.

From the south, the lake flows into the river Big Almaty. It is part of the Ile-Alatau National Park.

Like the vast majority of lakes in the Tien Shan mountains, the lake appeared as a result from number of earthquakes. Above the lake rise the three main peaks that can be seen from the northern end of the dam: the peak of Councils (4317 m) - on south-east, the peak Ozerny (4110 m) - on the south and the peak Tourist (3954 m) - on the south-west of the lake.

On the north-west of the "Tourist" there is a peak of the crest of the Big Almaty peak in the form of pyramid with height 3681 m. Depending on the time of year, the lake changes its color from light-green to turquoise-blue.

The Tien-Shan Astronomical Observatory is located near Big Almaty Lake.

The lake is used for both hydro-electric power and the water supply for the city, but this does not detract from the magnificent mountain scenery.

It can be accessed by road or by foot, although a bus ride to the beginning of the assent, places you directly into the scenic area.

Surrounded by mountains and giant Tien Shan firs, Big Almaty Lake is a scenic place. It°Øs worth a drive, and it looks like in the pictures. You can definitely enjoy the atmosphere up here, as long as you remember a few basic pointers left out of most travel guides.

Avoid weekends at all cost. The proximity of Big Almaty Lake to the city and the perfectly maintained road towards the lake mean it has become a very popular place for locals to pick-nick and show off their cars. Summers are busiest. The best time to visit are May ®C June, when the road is clear but the lake is still a frozen beauty and the mountain freshness is incomparable, and September ®C October, when glacier melts turn the water a dazzling turquoise.

Border guards take their job seriously here. You cannot approach the lake only see it from the road. You cannot camp near the lake. In any case, take your passport with you, as a passport check is likely.