BAO is the Russian abbreviation for Big Almaty Lake, a glacial lake in the Big Almaty Gorge in the mountains south of Almaty. It sits at 2,511 metres above sea level. The lake has no street address; use its full name when searching a map.
In 2026 you can reach Big Almaty Lake on foot from the upper barrier. xBike also runs an organised electric-bike climb with a guide, who confirms access for the chosen date before departure. Most visitors take a taxi to the starting point and walk 6-7 km uphill from there, which takes 3 to 3.5 hours. If you are still choosing between the lake and other places, see the day trips from Almaty.
In short
- The lake sits at 2,511 metres, roughly 43.05, 76.985. It has no street address; search for "Big Almaty Lake" in 2GIS.
- The walking route from the upper barrier is about 6-7 km with 800 m of climbing, or about 12 km from the GES-2 bus stop.
- Bring an ID card or passport: the gorge is in the border zone.
- There is an eco fee at the gorge entrance, about 650 tenge per hiker in 2026, paid by QR code.
- No swimming and no going down to the water: the lake supplies Almaty with drinking water.
Getting to the barrier
By taxi
Ask for the upper barrier on the road to BAO. From the centre it usually costs 3,000-5,000 tenge. The walking part starts here. Agree on the ride back before you leave: in the evening a free car at the barrier can take a long time to show up.
By bus
Bus 28 runs from the First President's Park along Al-Farabi Avenue to the GES-2 stop in the Big Almaty Gorge. On weekends bus 211 also runs and sometimes goes closer to the barrier. Timetables change, so check 2GIS on the day.
From GES-2 to the lake it is about 12 km on foot and more than a kilometre of climbing. The round trip takes 6-8 hours, which is why people who come by bus start early.
Upper barrier on the road to BAO: the starting point for the walk and the organised guided ride
Walking from the barrier: the road or the pipe
Two ways lead up and meet at the lake. The paved switchbacks are longer but evenly graded, so you can keep your own pace. The trail along the water pipe is shorter and steeper: metal steps first, then a path beside the pipe.
The climb takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. You feel the altitude, you get out of breath sooner than in the city, and stopping for a couple of minutes is normal. With a rest at the lake, plan 6-7 hours there and back. Your knees will thank you for going up by the pipe and down by the road.
Trail along the water pipe: steep metal steps save distance, but demand stamina
Is Big Almaty Lake accessible on your chosen date
Mountain conditions change with the weather, road surface and fire risk. If you are walking, check the forecast, bus timetable, and announcements from Ile-Alatau National Park on the day. For the electric-bike tour, you do not need to arrange access yourself: the xBike guide checks it for the chosen date before payment and confirms the start.
Hiking vs Guided Electric Bike Tour
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| Aspect | Hiking from the barrier | With an xBike guide after access is confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Time up | 3-3.5 hours of uphill hiking | 40-45 minutes of riding with photo stops |
| Effort | 800 m elevation gain with a backpack, heavy knee impact on descent | The motor helps on climbs; balance, braking and attention are still needed |
| Safety | On your own on switchbacks or steep pipe steps | The group rides with a guide and instructor; access is checked before departure |
| Gear | Bring your own hiking boots, warm layers, backpack | Helmet, knee guards and body armour included |
| Price | Free (except taxi and eco fee) | From 30,000 ₸: bike, gear and guide; independent travel to the start |
Riding to BAO with an instructor
The key difference between the Around BAO tour and ordinary bike rental is the guided programme agreed before departure. Before payment and departure, the guide confirms access for the chosen date. If that date is unavailable, we offer another day or route.
Once access is confirmed, the group stays with the guide and instructor from start to finish. You train on flat ground first, then climb the paved road through the spruce forest and stop at the viewpoints. The whole ride takes about 4 hours and costs 30,000 tenge, with the base bike, helmet, body armour and guide included. Transfer is not included. Travel to the start yourself by taxi or public transport. We send you the starting point before the ride. No motorcycle experience is needed: the route is rated 1 out of 10, minimum age 14.
Photo from xBike rides. Exact location is unverified.
Conditions higher up can be very different from the city. Fog reduces visibility and changes the group's pace, so the guide decides from actual conditions rather than the forecast alone.
Fog at Zhusaly-Kezen on 25 August 2024; the photograph records one ride, not normal visibility
Group of riders on Sur-Ron and Arctic Leopard electric dirt bikes at 2,511 m
We have one rule: stay on the road, never on the grass. This keeps the group on route and protects the alpine vegetation.
The Japanese Road starts in the same gorge, just above the eco post. It is ridden as a separate route.
Turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake framed by Tien Shan mountain peaks
Weather and what to bring
The lake is 1,700 metres higher than central Almaty. On a summer afternoon it is 10-15 degrees up there, colder in the wind. By late September mornings are properly cold, and snow can fall in October. From November to April the road is under snow and ice, and the walk becomes a winter hike.
Pack:
- an ID card or passport;
- Kaspi on your phone or cash for the eco fee;
- 1.5-2 litres of water and a snack (we would not drink from the stream);
- a windproof or warm layer, even if the city is hot;
- sunscreen and sunglasses;
- shoes with a grippy sole, the steps along the pipe can be slippery.
FAQ
What is BAO and where is it? BAO means Big Almaty Lake. It is a glacial lake in the Big Almaty Gorge, in the mountains south of Almaty, at 2,511 metres above sea level. Search for the full name on a map; it has no street address.
Where should I ask a taxi to take me for BAO? Ask for the upper barrier on the road to the lake, where the walk begins. The published estimate from central Almaty is 3,000-5,000 tenge; confirm the fare and return ride with your driver before setting off.
Where does the walk to Big Almaty Lake start? At the upper barrier on the road to the lake. You can arrive by car or taxi, then walk 6-7 km.
Which bus goes to BAO? No bus goes to the lake itself. Bus 28 takes you to the GES-2 stop in the Big Almaty Gorge, and bus 211 also runs on weekends. From GES-2 it is about 12 km on foot.
How long is the walk from the barrier? About 6-7 km with 800 m of climbing, 3 to 3.5 hours up. The pipe trail is shorter, the road is easier.
Do I need a permit? Before hiking, check the current requirements with the national park and bring an ID card or passport. The eco fee estimate in this article is about 650 tenge; check the current tariff before leaving. For an xBike tour, the guide confirms access for the chosen date before payment and departure.
Can I reach BAO on an electric bike? Yes, as part of an organised Around BAO tour with an xBike guide. Before payment, the guide confirms access for the chosen date; the ride includes the base bike, protective gear and training. Transfer is not included. Travel to the start yourself by taxi or public transport. We send you the starting point before the ride.
Can you swim in Big Almaty Lake? No. The lake supplies Almaty's drinking water, so swimming and going down to the water are prohibited. Taking photos from the viewpoints is fine.
How high is BAO? 2,511 metres above sea level, 1,700 metres above central Almaty, so it is cold up there even in August.
When is the best time to go? May to October. Summer is warmer and busier. September is quieter, but mornings are already cold, so bring a warm layer.
Is Big Almaty Lake open now? This article does not confirm today's access. Conditions change with weather, the road surface and fire risk. Check park announcements before hiking. For an electric-bike tour, the xBike guide confirms access for the chosen date before payment and departure.
