Big Almaty Lake in Winter

[Rheza]

Hi guys,

Is it possible to drive up to the lake in the winter time (early of January 2020)? I rent a Toyota Prado 4x4. How is the road condition along the way up? Any driving skill needed?

Any advice to visit in the morning or afternoon? Thank you

Rheza

[steven]

I think they clear it in winter. I remember driving there in April when there was still a good amount of snow and it was cleared from the road. It's asphalt all the way.

[haryia]

Hi, you can go in winter but its like russian roulette, sometimes weather is bad and the road it's very full of ice and snow and they close it.

[OWNER]

...Any driving skill needed?...

You can use all known driving skills ))), but you cannot change the current situation - the road to the lake is officially closed indefinitely. Allegedly, for reconstruction. And so the road itself is quite passable for 4WD all year round. I went there once all winter every week even before the road was repaired (about 2002).
This is a video of the road after renovation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDAAR0SFaW4

This is an archive photo of a winter lake.