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Big Almaty Lake

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Another beautiful spot in the Ile-Alatau National Park is Big Almaty Lake. My friend Megan, who writes the super-cool blog Megan Starr, recently went there on a day trip from Almaty.

Big Almaty Lake is easily the most famous and recognizable lake in Kazakhstan. Situated extremely close to Almaty, it can strangely feel like worlds away from city life when you arrive in the mountains to the lake.

Known for its ever-changing blue and teal hues, the lake is located very close to the border of Kyrgyzstan- a border that you used to be able to cross on foot but is now off-limits to trekkers. Big Almaty Lake supplies drinking water to the residents of Almaty and you are prohibited from swimming in its vivid waters.

There are several hiking opportunities in the area, including Big Almaty Peak, a pyramid-shaped mountain that protrudes from behind the lake and is visible within the city, as well. The Big Almaty Lake is a can’t-miss for those visiting Almaty and want to see some of the city’s best nature.

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