Exploring Kazakhstan's Winter Wonderland: A Guide to Almaty's Frozen Big Almaty Lake - Part 1
You haven’t been to Almaty if you haven’t visited Big Almaty Lake . It’s scenic, captivating, picture-perfect spot surrounded by Trans-Ili Alatau mountains at height of 2511 m above the sea level. During winter, the lake freezes over, creating a magical scene reminiscent of a fairy tale.
Trekking up to the lake is a popular activity, offering breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. It takes a full day to trek to and back from Big Almaty lake which is also called BAO in short. Cars are not allowed to BAO, however you can park your cars to starting point of the trek.
How to get there?
Travel guide : If you are not too low on budget you can book a travel guide to visit the Big Almaty Lake, (DM me on IG @iayanpahwa for reference). These tour includes pick/drop to and from the hotel you are staying and costs changes depending on the seasons. I recommend this option for Winters as the hike is not easy for everyone, sometimes not even allowed for foreigners without a guide.
Time taken : around 4 hrs (hotel to hotel)
Yandex Cab + Hike: You can book Yandex cab to reach the Big Almaty Lake base starting trek point.The taxi is not allowed inside the National park so the dropping point will be from the starting point of the barricade and you can opt for hiking for remaining 9-10kms to the lake.
Hiking is not recommended for everyone, as it could be hard and tiring if you are not used to. In winters you’ll anyway not be allowed to hike.
Time taken : around 4.5 hours (can vary depending on your walking pace)
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Big Almaty Lake is actually during Fall season but if you wanna see the lake frozen come in the winter months, from December to February, when the landscape is blanketed in snow, and the lake is frozen.
Be sure to check weather conditions and road accessibility before planning your trip.
Challenges to Consider:
While the big Almaty Lake offers unparalleled beauty and adventure, it's essential to be aware of some challenges you may encounter:
Language Barrier: English may not be widely spoken in Almaty, with Russian and Kazakh being the predominant languages. Consider learning some basic phrases or hiring a local guide to enhance your travel experience. I'd highly recommend to download google translate app and keep Russian language pack downloaded locally. I'll write a full blog dedicated to nitty gritty talking about taxi, Sim card, apps later in this series.
Chilly weather : If you are visiting Big Almaty Lake in winters(December-Feb) make sure you are well layered up as the temperature drops to -10 degree C.
Tour/Taxi scams: Do a thorough research of taxi fares by comparing it with official taxi apps like Yandex to get a clear idea.Some private vehicle owners tend to charge unreasonable fare and share incomplete information that could be misleading
Roadblocks Due to Snow: Check in advance before if you are planning to go in winters as winter weather can sometimes lead to road closures, limiting access to certain tourist attractions. However, with proper planning and the help of experienced guides, you can navigate these challenges and make the most of your trip.
What we packed for Winter Travel:
When embarking on a winter adventure to Big Almaty Lake, proper preparation is key. Here are some essential tips:
Dress in layers to stay warm and comfortable in fluctuating temperatures.
Pack sturdy snow boots, gloves, hats, and thermal clothing to protect against the cold.
Stay hydrated and carry snacks to keep your energy levels up during your trek.
We followed the 3 layer pattern to protect ourself from chilling weather in December
Base Layer : This should be warm breathable thermal layer , we got ours from Decathalon(https://www.decathlon.in/p/8759463/women-thermals/women-thermal-for-skiing-bl500-black?id=8759463&type=p , https://www.decathlon.in/p/8759460/men-thermals/men-thermal-for-skiing-bl500-black?id=8759460&type=p)
Mid Layer : This could be a warm hoodie or fleece sweater , like https://www.decathlon.in/p/8550837/women-sweaters/women-sweater-full-zip-fleece-for-hiking-mh100-blue?id=8550837&type=p , https://www.decathlon.in/p/8492827/price-drop-hiking/men-sweater-full-zip-fleece-for-hiking-mh120-grey?id=8492827&type=p
Top layer : This should be waterproof, padded and also check for maximum temperature it holds tag , like we took these from decathlon is comfortable unto -10 degree C https://www.decathlon.in/p/8640296/hiking-jackets/women-winter-jacket-for-hiking-sh500-10c-light-blue?id=8640296&type=p , https://www.decathlon.in/p/8641933/jacket-for-men/men-winter-jacket-waterproof-sh500-10c-blue?id=8641933&type=p
Bottoms : We opted for light warm waterproof hiking bottoms , like https://www.decathlon.in/p/8587376/trousers/men-s-hiking-trousers-mh500-blue?id=8587376&type=p
You can also opt for base layer under hiking bottoms (https://www.decathlon.in/p/8759473/men-thermals/men-thermal-pant-for-skiing-bl500-black?id=8759473&type=p)
Shoes : We got waterproof hiking snow boots from Decathlon (https://www.decathlon.in/p/8553121/men-shoes/men-waterproof-hiking-shoes-mh100-khaki?id=8553121&type=p)
Experience the Adventure:
Venturing to Big Almaty Lake is an unforgettable experience that promises awe-inspiring views and exhilarating adventures. For those seeking guidance and expert assistance, specialized guides equipped with snow cars and knowledge of the terrain are available to ensure a safe and memorable journey. These guides mostly work as avalanchers there and are not easy to find.
Watch My YouTube Vlog: https://youtu.be/qeg5o9dQbtU?si=qiFhMvsRhMTAjuX4
For a visual glimpse of the wonders of Big Almaty Lake, don't forget to check out my YouTube vlog documenting the journey. Follow along as I explore the frozen landscapes and share insider tips for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Contact Me for Guide reference:
Interested in embarking on your own winter expedition to Big Almaty Lake? Feel free to DM me on Instagram for more information and guide recommendations. Let's make your dream of exploring Kazakhstan's winter wonderland a reality!
DM me on Instagram for Guide contact
In the next instalment of our series, we'll uncover more hidden treasures and exciting adventures awaiting you in Almaty. Stay tuned for more insider tips and travel inspiration!
In the next blog I’ll share my experience celebrating New Year in Almaty, Till then Cheers!