Modern natural and urban spaces of Almaty -
Recreation, walks and atmospheric corners of the metropolis -
Lake Sayran is one of the symbolic and most beloved places in Almaty, where the dynamics of a large city and the tranquility of the water surface combine. For many Almaty residents, Sayran is a space of memories, meetings, walks and the summer sun. Although the lake is surrounded by busy highways, it continues to preserve an atmosphere of spaciousness, silence and an open horizon, especially when the water reflects the mountain lines in clear weather.
The shores of the reservoir offer a beautiful mountain panorama of the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The reservoir is formed and saturated with the waters of the Big Almaty River, which originates high in the mountains of Almaty.
Despite its proximity to modern highways, the lake retains a sense of spaciousness and freedom. When you stand on its shore and look into the distance, the city seems to recede, giving way to silence, fresh air, lines of mountains and clouds, which are especially beautifully reflected on clear days. Sayran has long been a part of the urban character – a living space that connects people, sports, nature and bright personal memories.
The history of the lake: from an industrial quarry to one of the symbols of the city
Few modern residents remember that once upon a time there was no water, beaches, or hiking trails on the site of Sayran. There was a large quarry here, from which sand and gravel were extracted. Over the years, excavators deepened the ground, creating a huge depression – it was she who later became the basis of the future artificial reservoir.
The official date of Sayran's appearance is 1971, when water began to be supplied to the formed excavation. At the same time, a dam was built under Tole bi Street, thanks to which the lake became part of the city's hydraulic system.
Already in the 1980s, active landscaping began around the lake. There were paths, recreation areas, lighting, boat stations, sandy beaches and playgrounds. Sayran quickly became one of the main places of attraction for the townspeople. People came here after work, went boating, had family picnics and made dates. Apartments overlooking the lake were considered prestigious, and the area was one of the most comfortable in the city.
But the 1990s brought desolation: the water was polluted, the infrastructure was destroyed, and Sayran lost its former attractiveness for a while.
The revival began in the early 2000s, when a fountain was installed, symbolizing a new stage in the lake's life. But the real transformation happened quite recently.
Modern update: Sayran finds a new life
In 2025, a large-scale reconstruction of the reservoir was completed, which completely changed the appearance of the lake. Today, Sayran is a modern urban recreation area, thought out to the smallest detail:
– 2.5-kilometer walking area around the entire lake
– new sandy beach with an area of 5,700 square meters
– more than 11 thousand tons of fresh light sand
– children's play complexes and sports grounds
– equipped volleyball sector
– BMX park and skatepark
– hundreds of new trees
– observation deck, gazebos, art objects
– rescue posts, police, public toilets
Special attention is drawn to the pontoon bridge connecting the two embankments. Walking along it creates the effect of walking right on the surface of the water – this is one of Sayran most unusual experiences.
Natural life: lotuses, birds and a night show
The central part of the lake is reserved for a closed area where lotuses grow – an amazing phenomenon for an urban environment. The water level here does not change even when the lake descends, so the plant persists for years.
Sayran has become a habitat for ducks, herons and other urban birds, turning into a real small biotope in the center of the metropolis.
Evening laser shows are held periodically over the lake, and although there is no official schedule, it is considered lucky to see a bright glow above the water on a warm summer evening.
Protection of the city and the importance of the lake
Sayran is not only a vacation destination. This is an important element of Almaty's fire protection system. The lake is capable of receiving a huge volume of water during floods or heavy rains, reducing the risk of flooding nearby areas.
Thus, Sayran performs two functions at once – recreational and engineering, remaining an object of strategic importance.
The atmosphere and features of the lake
Sayran is an amazing combination of natural simplicity and urban energy. There are long trails around the perimeter of the lake where you can walk, bike or run. The shores here are open and wide, and everyone finds a place for themselves: someone comes to read a book, someone to have a picnic, someone to look at the water and listen to the sound of the wind.
In summer, the lake comes to life especially strongly. Here you can see kayakers, fans of sup boards, sports teams, people who just came to relax after work. Different generations meet in the same space, and this creates a sense of true urban unity.
In autumn, Sayran becomes especially romantic – the water darkens, clouds are reflected on the surface, and the trails are filled with soft golden light. Many people come here specifically for the cozy atmosphere and beautiful views.
In winter, the shores freeze, but the lake still remains a part of urban life – people continue to walk, take pictures and admire the snowy landscapes.
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How to get there and visit
Sayran Lake is located in the western part of Almaty city along Tole-Bi Avenue, Tastak micro district, between Utegen Batyr Street and Varlamov Street, Auezovsky district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'37"N 76°51'53"E
Sayran Lake is located near Sayran Bus Station and Sayran Metro Station. To get to it, you can use the metro or get off at the Tlendieva bus stop. № 3, 25, 34, 57, 90, 92, 118, 128 and trolleybuses No. 5, 19, 25. Another option is to get to the bus stop "Sayran Bus Station" on Tole bi Avenue on buses № 16, 24, 37, 48, 59, 65, 85, 101, 106, 124, 126, 201, 202, 206.
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The Legend of Sayran
There is a good legend among the Almaty people that Sayran keeps a special power of desire. They say that if you come here at sunset, find a place where the waves gently touch the shore, and make a secret dream, it gradually begins to come true.
According to the old-timers, the lake "takes away anxiety" and restores inner peace to a person. Therefore, many people come here not only to relax, but also to seek peace of mind, inspiration and answers to important questions.
Lake Sayran today
Today, Sayran is a living urban space that unites people. Athletes, tourists, families, youth, artists and romantics meet here. The lake has become a part of the urban cultural environment, a place where you can feel the breath of Almaty and see how the metropolis harmoniously coexists with nature.
This is a corner of the city where feelings become quieter, thoughts clearer, and the water reminds us that everyone needs their own space, their own view of the horizon, and their own moment of calm.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Natalia Sats Theater for Children and Youth;
• Sculpture "Yuri Gagarin on a bench";
• ADK Shopping and Entertainment Complex;
• Grand Park Shopping and Entertainment Center.
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