Issyk Lake
A stunning turquoise lake nestled in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Issyk Lake
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning turquoise lake nestled in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful escape.
"The color of the water and the mountain backdrop is simply mesmerizing."
🚗 Transport to Esik Town
Take bus 225/252 (200 KZT) or shared taxi (1000 KZT) from Almaty's Sayakhat station. Ask around for shared taxis.
⬆️ Ride to the Lake Gate
From Esik town, find a shared ride for about 400 KZT to the lake entrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turquoise Waters
Issyk Lake
Mesmerizing turquoise lake reflecting majestic mountains. A truly scenic and calming natural wonder.
Mountain Backdrop
Issyk Lake
Towering Trans-Ili Alatau mountains create a dramatic and breathtaking panorama around the lake.
Autumn Ambiance
Issyk Lake
Experience the lake's beauty in September with pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Transport to Esik Town
Take bus 225/252 (200 KZT) or shared taxi (1000 KZT) from Almaty's Sayakhat station. Ask around for shared taxis.
⬆️ Ride to the Lake Gate
From Esik town, find a shared ride for about 400 KZT to the lake entrance.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk or Hitch
It's an 8km uphill journey from the gate. You might need to walk or find a ride.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect an entry fee of around 500 KZT per person.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Transport to Esik Town
Take bus 225/252 (200 KZT) or shared taxi (1000 KZT) from Almaty's Sayakhat station. Ask around for shared taxis.
⬆️ Ride to the Lake Gate
From Esik town, find a shared ride for about 400 KZT to the lake entrance.
🚶♀️ Uphill Walk or Hitch
It's an 8km uphill journey from the gate. You might need to walk or find a ride.
💰 Entry Fee
Expect an entry fee of around 500 KZT per person.
🍎 Pack Your Own Snacks
There are no food options or seating areas at the lake. Bring your own provisions.
🚗 Insurance for Cars
If driving your own car, you'll need to pay for insurance, around $3.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Issyk Lake is praised for its stunning turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrop, offering a truly scenic escape. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the potential for a peaceful experience, especially in autumn. However, the lack of amenities, including seating and food options, and the challenging access can detract from the visit for some.
"One of the best lakes in Kazakhstan. A very scenic place, good place to spend time and enjoy the vibes. The color of the water and the mountain backdrop is simply mesmerizing"
Deepak Panda
"Nice lake! Autumn is a best time for visit. September. You need pay for insurance $3 per car."
Bakytzhan Abdumalikov
"Lake Issyk is a stunning turquoise lake located in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan, about 70 kilometers east of Almaty city. It's nestled in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. The lake's unique feature is its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the majestic mountain landscapes. The only downside of the place was that there was no water or boating activities even though we visited during the Summer season."
Abdul Ahad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Issyk Lake from Almaty, you can take bus 225 or 252 to Esik town (approx. 200 KZT). Alternatively, shared taxis are available from Sayakhat station (approx. 1000 KZT). From Esik town, you'll need to find another shared ride to the lake's entry gate (around 400 KZT). The final 8km to the lake itself may require walking or finding a local to give you a lift.
Finding transport from Esik town to the lake can be a bit of a scavenger hunt. It's recommended to ask locals for directions to shared rides heading towards the lake entrance.
Yes, you can drive your own car. However, be aware that you will need to pay for insurance, which costs around $3.
The journey from the entry gate to the lake is an uphill trek of approximately 8 kilometers. Some visitors have managed to get rides from locals along this stretch.
Direct public transport to Issyk Lake is limited. The most common method involves a multi-stage journey using buses or shared taxis to Esik town, then further transport to the lake.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Issyk Lake is approximately 500 KZT per person.
Besides the entry fee, if you are driving your own car, you will need to pay for insurance, which is about $3.
Specific opening hours are not always clearly advertised, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to plan your visit during the day.
No, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the entry gate. Advance booking is not usually required.
The entry fee of 500 KZT is generally per person. If you are driving, there's a separate insurance fee for the vehicle.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Amenities at Issyk Lake are very limited. There are no seating areas or food vendors. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks.
While Issyk Lake is a beautiful lake, water activities like swimming or boating may not always be available, even during summer. It's best to check locally or manage expectations.
The water color is described as stunning turquoise, but some visitors have noted that the water along the edges can appear dirty.
Based on reviews, Issyk Lake might not be ideal for families with young children due to the lack of amenities, seating, and the uphill walk. The water's edge can also be dirty.
It's highly recommended to bring your own food, water, and a mat or blanket to sit on, as there are no facilities available at the lake.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lake offers stunning photo opportunities with its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop. Focus on capturing the reflections and the scale of the landscape.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. The midday sun can be harsh.
Information on drone usage is not readily available. It's advisable to check local regulations or avoid flying drones to prevent any issues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
While you can see the lake from the general vicinity, the most breathtaking views and photo opportunities are found closer to the water's edge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Issyk Lake: A Traveler's Guide
It's important to note that the final stretch from the entry gate to the lake itself is an uphill journey of about 8 kilometers. While some visitors have managed to secure rides from locals, be prepared for the possibility of walking a significant portion of this distance. This aspect of the journey can be challenging, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking.
What to Expect at Issyk Lake: Amenities and Experience
While the lake's turquoise waters and mountain surroundings are undeniably beautiful, the experience can be somewhat rustic. Some reviews mention that the water along the edges can appear dirty, and water activities like swimming or boating may not always be available, even during the summer months.
Best Times to Visit Issyk Lake for Photography and Serenity
For photographers, early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding. The soft, golden light during these hours can create dramatic shadows and highlight the vibrant colors of the lake and surrounding Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
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