Big Almaty Lake

Herb and I hired a driver to take us to Big Almaty Lake. Big Almaty Lake is a natural alpine reservoir, situated over 8000 feet above sea level. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, about 9 miles from the center of Almaty. Getting to the lake required some hiking, but the views were stunning. It wasn't very crowded when we went. 

Big Almaty Lake

Tian Shan Mountains

Mountain Side

Lake side

Rich colors

Near the lake

Leaning tree

The lake's turquoise color comes from its high mineral content, which is the result of glacial erosion. In fact, the lake was formed by glaciers melting over thousands of years.

Turquoise water

No one is allowed to swim in the lake. The lake is a major source of drinking water for the region. Pipes carry the water from the reservoir down the mountains to the city. Many people walk on the pipes. I walked alongside the pipes.

Beside the pipeline

Water pipeline

Another view

Herb atop the pipeline

Alpine friends

------------------------------------
Post created 29 June 2024

-------------------------------------