Top ratedBig Almaty Lake & Alma-Arasan Springs by Car
The best-rated car tour: about an hour at the lake, the Alma-Arasan hot springs, lunch and the eco-fee included.
To the lake: Permit car, about 1 h at the lake
Nine tours from Almaty, sorted by how they reach the lake: in a permit car, on foot, or on a snow bike in winter. Each one has its own page with the day, what is included and what guests say.
A permit car covers the last climb; about an hour at the lake, then the hot springs.
Top ratedThe best-rated car tour: about an hour at the lake, the Alma-Arasan hot springs, lunch and the eco-fee included.
To the lake: Permit car, about 1 h at the lake
Lowest price by carThe cheapest car tour: a 6 am start, the lake before the crowds, then the Alma-Arasan springs and a meal.
To the lake: By car, no hike, early start
Hotel pickupCollected at your hotel, a smaller car for the last climb, an hour at the lake, then Alma-Arasan in six hours.
To the lake: Small mountain car, about 1 h at the lake
Most languagesGuides in six languages, 8 am from the Abay Opera, the lake and the Almarasan springs, back by 1 pm.
To the lake: By car, about 1 h at the lake
Eagles & falconsThe fullest day: the lake by car, two gorges, the hot springs if open and a falconry show, April to October.
To the lake: By car, plus two gorges
Walk the last stretch the way most locals do, or keep going to the summit.
On footWalk the last 6 to 7 km up with a guide and get about four hours at the lake, for the lowest price here.
To the lake: On foot, 6 to 7 km up
Experienced hikersA private summit day: the lake, the Kosmostantsiya road and the 3,680 m top of Big Almaty Peak, for fit hikers.
To the lake: On foot, then on to the summit
When the road is snowbound and the lake is frozen.
Winter onlyThe frozen lake on a snow bike when the road is snowbound: hotel pickup, instructor and safety gear included.
To the lake: Snow bike, in winter
The other famous day trip from Almaty, east to the canyons and lakes.
Cross-sellThe other famous day from Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy's sunken forest in one 17-hour trip.
To the lake: Not this one: a separate day