How to get to Big Almaty Lake

Since 2020, car access to the main road to Big Almaty Lake has been blocked (the mountain road is considered unsafe) by a barrier, approximately 10 km from the lake. You can reach the barrier by rented car or taxi from Almaty. The remaining 10 km can be covered in three ways👇🏻

1.
Sports mopeds (price: ~$50) and bicycles (price: ~$25) are available for rent at the barrier.
❗️Please bring cash for payment.

2.
You can easily walk. However, be prepared that the roundtrip from the barrier to BAL and back will take about 6 hours. And it's not an easy walk; you'll have to hike uphill to get to the lake. Be mentally and physically prepared, and bring snacks.

3.
Another option is to buy a tour to Big Almaty Lake from Almaty. However, we didn't find a single tour that took tourists to the lake by transport. Guided walking tours with picnics along the way are available.

❗️Don't forget to bring your passport! The lake is located near the border with Kyrgyzstan, and it's said that border guards can sometimes stop you on the way to the lake.

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Post by TRIPPERS.IO | Sep 30, 2025