BIG ALMATY LAKE

BAL - Big Almaty Lake is the most beautiful place in the immediate vicinity of Almaty. The lake is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2510 m above sea level, 15 km south of Almaty. The lake is 1.6 km long and 0.75 to 1 km wide. The length of the coastline is 3 km, the depth is 30-40 m, and the volume of the water mass is 14 million m³.

The basin of the lake is of tectonic origin, the lake was formed as a result of an earthquake, like most of the Tien Shan lakes. The shores of the lake are steep, from the south the river "Bolshaya Almatinka" flows into the lake. BAL is part of the Ili - Alatau National Park. Depending on the season, the lake changes its color - from light green to turquoise blue. An excursion to the Big Almaty Lake is interesting at any time of the year. Even in winter, when the water surface of the lake is covered with ice and snow, it delights with its spaciousness and mystery. The road to the lake is very picturesque and beautiful. The road passes slender spruces and mixed forests, enchanting with fresh greenery in summer and bright colors in autumn. A serpentine ribbon, then dives under the crowns of trees, then winds along a steep slope over the gorge. In addition to the lake itself, tourists visit 4 waterfalls, which are located in the Ayusai river gorge.