Learn how to get to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning, turquoise, alpine lake, backed by snow-capped peaks, up over 8,200’ (2511 m) above sea level. It’s located in the Ile Alatau region of the Tian Shan mountains, joining the the Kolsay Lakes and Kaindy Lake as the most beautiful lakes in this region of Kazakhstan. I highly recommend visiting all three, although with limited tourist infrastructure, unfortunately, all three are a bit challenging to get to. Big Almaty Lake, should be the easiest, as it is the closest, and actually in Almaty. But, there is currently a road closure, making it more challenging than usual. This post covers Big Almaty Lake,…

If you’ve heard about the breathtaking Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes in Kazakhstan’s Tian Shan mountain area, and thought of visiting but are not sure how to, or what to expect, you’ve landed in the right place. The Kolsay Lakes, also called the “Pearls of the Tian Shan”, are located in Kolsay Lakes National Park, which is about a 3-4 hour drive southeast of Almaty through some seriously beautiful landscape. Kaindy Lake, which features a rare “sunken forest”, is also located in the park, although a little farther away and with no paved roads, making getting there a little more challenging. They are, however, both worth the effort, and their remoteness…

Learn the best things to see and do in Almaty, Kazakhstan. From admiring its breathtaking snow-capped mountains, to visiting stunning alpine lakes, lovely parks and old Russian cathedrals, as well as learning the history of its old frontiersman towns, and much more, the cosmopolitan and surprisingly European-like city of Almaty offers many things to see and do. Almaty is the former capital, and most populated city of Kazakhstan. It in itself offers a lot, but it also makes an excellent base for day trips to explore the amazing natural beauty of Kazakhstan. This post covers the best things to do in Almaty, as well as incredible day trips. About Kazakhstan…