Big Almaty Lake

Almaty is fortunate to be one of the few cities in the world that boasts a unique and diverse environment such as mountain ranges, sky peaks, coniferous forests, rugged rivers, picturesque deserts, ancient canyons and many other natural wonders. Great Almaty Lake is definitely one of the brightest places among all of them. Its pristine waters that change colour with the seasons, the astonishing mountain peaks that surround the lake on all sides, and its dense evergreen forests leave an unforgettable impression, especially for first-time visitors.

It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, 15 km south of Almaty city centre in Kazakhstan. The lake is at an altitude of 2511 meters above sea level.

The basin of the lake is of tectonic origin and has a complex shape and a general northward slope. The lake is 1.6 km long and 0.75 to 1 km wide. The coastline is 3 km, the depth is 30-40 m, and the water body volume is about 14 million m³. The maximum water level is in August and the minimum water level is in February. Level fluctuations reach 20 m. Lakeside is abrupt and steep.

Like the vast majority of lakes in the Tien Shan mountains, the lake has emerged as a result of numerous earthquakes. Three main peaks rise above the lake, visible from the northern end of the dam: the summit of the Councils (4317 m) - in the southeast, the peak Ozerny (4110 m) - in the south and the Tourist peak (3954 m) - in the south-west of the lake.

Big Almaty Lake is located on the upper side of the Almaty canyon at an altitude of 2511 meters. The Almaty River passes through it. It is located at an altitude of 2,511 m above sea level. There are three peaks around the lake, namely Sovetov (4,317 m), Ozyorny (4,110 m) and Turist (3,954 m), which can be seen from the northern end of the dam.

The lake consists of glacial water and is 1.6 km long, 1 km wide and approximately 40m deep. A 3,681 m high pyramid, Turist is the summit of Bolshoi Almaty Peak and can be seen from the city centre. The domed Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory sits above the lake's goblet (which is open to the public and includes tourist accommodations). The lake's high altitude location keeps the area cool temperatures throughout the year. Depending on the time of year, the colour of the lake changes from light green to turquoise blue.

The lake is an important source of drinking water for the region. People can reach the lake by car (about 1 hour drive from the city centre), by bike or by walking (about a half-day trip). The lake is 15 km from the city. Access to the lake requires payment of a fee to enter the national park. The average water temperature of the lake is 8-10 C and swimming is prohibited as the lake is Almaty's main source of drinking water.

Lake

 

Nature