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Big Almaty Lake
A turquoise mountain lake 2,500 metres up, 15 km south of Almaty.
The lake lies in Ile-Alatau National Park, formed by a natural dam in the valley of the Big Almaty River about 2,500 metres above sea level. Its colour shifts with the seasons from turquoise to deep green.
It is one of Almaty's main sources of drinking water, so swimming is forbidden. Peaks above 4,000 metres rise around it.
A high-mountain observatory stands nearby, and the lake is one of the favourite views for visitors from Almaty.
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Updated: October 2, 2026