Turquoise water
Among the peaks.
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A turquoise mountain lake at 2,511 m in the Trans-Ili Alatau, about 15 km south of central Almaty inside Ile-Alatau National Park. Like most Tian Shan lakes, it was formed by earthquakes. It is 1.6 km long and 750 m to 1 km wide, 30 to 40 m deep, and fed by glacier water. Its colour shifts between turquoise and green with the seasons and the light, and its level peaks in August. Three peaks tower above it, seen from its northern end by the dam: Sovetov (4,317 m), Ozerny (4,110 m) and Turist (3,954 m). The lake is a drinking-water reservoir for Almaty, so swimming is forbidden. Car access is restricted at times: since August 2025 private cars stop at the last checkpoint and visitors walk about 8 km, or come on an organised tour, with a small eco fee of about 200 tenge, per visitor guides. Check the current rules before you go.
Among the peaks.
Over 3,900 m.
On the peaks.
Ile-Alatau National Park, about 15 km south of Almaty
Not always: since August 2025 private cars stop at the last checkpoint and visitors walk about 8 km or join a tour, per visitor guides.