About Alakol

Lake Alakol is located in eastern Kazakhstan, near the border with China. It lies between the Almaty and East Kazakhstan regions, in a basin that is part of the Alakol Depression. The lake is surrounded by desert and steppe landscapes, with the Dzhungarian Alatau mountains to the southeast. Known for its mineral-rich waters, Alakol attracts visitors for its healing properties and stunning natural scenery. It is about 600 kilometers from Almaty and easily accessible by road or train.

Lake Alakol on Google Map

The holiday season at Lake Alakol is quite short, lasting from mid-June to August 31. After that, school starts in Kazakhstan, and the weather turns colder with strong winds. The lake eventually freezes over as the temperatures drop.

Lake Alakol is a saltwater lake known for its stone beaches, covering a surface area of 2,650 km² (1,020 sq mi). It has a maximum depth of 54 meters (177 ft) and holds a water volume of 58.6 km³. The lake sits at an elevation of 347 meters (1,138 ft) above sea level.

Currently, there are three villages equipped for recreation around Alakol, though the area doesn't yet resemble a full resort, as modernization is still ongoing. All the recreation centers are concentrated there. The village of Kabanbai is located on the northeastern shore in the Abai region, while the villages of Akshi and Koktuma are situated on the southwestern shore in the Zhetysu region.

How to get there

There are several ways to reach Lake Alakol, each offering a unique experience. The most recommended option is by car, thanks to a newly constructed road that stretches over 600 kilometers. This makes for a scenic and comfortable road trip. If you set off early in the morning, you'll arrive at the lake by evening, with plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes along the way, including vast steppe vistas and distant mountains. The journey becomes part of the adventure, offering picturesque stops and a chance to explore Kazakhstan’s natural beauty.

For those who prefer other modes of transport, there's a train option, though it takes approximately 16 hours to reach the destination. It's a slower pace but offers a chance to relax and take in the changing scenery over a longer period.

Flying is the quickest way, but also the most adventurous. Small planes serve the route, often featuring the AN-24 aircraft, which is a vintage model that adds a sense of thrill to the trip. It's not uncommon to hear locals jokingly refer to this flight as "extreme travel, Kazakh-style." Despite its age, the plane gets the job done, making it an exciting yet functional option for reaching the lake.

Important notice

Prices are subject to sudden change due to unstable exchange rates and high inflation, and can differ depending on the date of your stay.

1. Inzhu Alakol Resort

Located just 25 meters from the shore of Lake Alakol, is perfect for families and young travelers seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. The resort offers fully equipped rooms with air conditioning, refrigerators, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy three meals a day, included in the room cost, with delicious homemade food served on-site. The resort is pet-friendly, allowing dogs, and offers direct beach access for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities. For those looking for more excitement, there are plenty of adventure options, including horseback riding, quad biking, hiking, and fishing.

Prices at Inzhu Alakol start at around $39 USD per night, including meals. Discounts are available for children, with kids under 2 staying free and those between 3 and 10 receiving a 50% discount. The resort is ideal for families, offering beach discos, water attractions, and a variety of excursions, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Alakol. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, the resort provides a memorable and affordable getaway.

https://www.instagram.com/inju.alakol/

 

2. Pelican Family Recreation Center

Located on the shore of Lake Alakol, near the village of Akshi, about 65 kilometers from Ucharal. The center is designed to cater to families, offering a range of accommodation options including rooms for 2 to 6 people. The complex spans a large, lush area with over 5,000 trees and bushes, enhancing its tranquil atmosphere. Guests can stay in either a shared building or private log cabins. The beach, located on a nearby spit, can be reached by ferry or a short walk of about 500 meters. For those seeking relaxation, there are two heated pools with sun loungers.

The center provides numerous activities for both children and adults. A dedicated team of animators entertains kids throughout the day, while evening discos offer fun for the grown-ups. In addition, there are playgrounds, saunas, a billiard room, and a cinema. Guests can also enjoy fishing in one of the most fish-rich zones near the complex. The hotel’s dining area, equipped with air conditioning and a veranda, serves meals made from locally grown produce and farm-fresh meat, ensuring a wholesome culinary experience.

Pelican offers a variety of room types, each designed with family comfort in mind. Prices vary depending on the season and the type of accommodation. For instance, an economy 3-person room starts at $24 USD per night in early June, while larger accommodations, such as a family bungalow for six, range up to $190 USD per night in peak season. The center emphasizes a family-friendly environment, making it an ideal choice for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation by the lake.

https://www.instagram.com/pelican_alacol/

 

3. Aquamarine Alakol Resort

Located 65 km from the city of Ucharal, on the southern shore of Lake Alakol. If you're driving, upon entering Akshi village, turn right after the railway crossing, then follow the road for about 2 km and turn left, following the signs. The resort features well-maintained grounds and offers a variety of services for a comfortable stay.

The resort consists of 128 cottages with 2, 3, 4, and 5-person rooms, each featuring its own terrace, shower, and toilet. There are also family apartments available in the main building. The amenities include an outdoor cinema, an observatory with a telescope, storage lockers, a secured parking area, and a barbecue zone. Guests can enjoy three pools: adult, indoor, and children's with a waterfall and fountain. For children, there is a club and play areas, while adults can visit the bar with a disco. Dining options include a coffee shop, a pancake house, and a buffet-style cafeteria (not included in the price). The mobile internet connection is stable, with a nearby tower.

The resort's beach is on a spit and can be accessed via a free ferry. The beach is equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, with a shallow and comfortable entry into the warm waters of the bay. Fishing is also possible. Additional services include a 24-hour reception, heated pools, Wi-Fi throughout the property, laundry services, a sauna, and excursions. Pets are not allowed, and mobile coverage is unreliable. Room prices range from approximately $56 to $226 per night, depending on the size and booking date.

https://www.instagram.com/aquamarie_resort/

 

4. Comfort Resort

Located on the shores of the healing Lake Alakol in Central Asia, offers an unforgettable vacation experience. The resort features 57 comfortable rooms and cottages in categories like Standard, Luxe, Comfort, and Premium. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including an on-site restaurant serving Eastern cuisine, an open-air terrace with live entertainment, a night karaoke club, a swimming pool, a children’s playground with animators, and free Wi-Fi. The resort operates a 24-hour front desk and offers security services. Please note, pets are not allowed.

Rooms are well-equipped with a wardrobe, shower, toilet, hairdryer, air conditioner, fridge, TV, toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and towels. Prices range from approximately $54 per person for a double room to $540 for a six-person cottage, offering a variety of options for different group sizes and budgets.

https://www.instagram.com/comfort_resort_alakol/

 

5. GRAND VILLE RESORT

It is a new, modern, and quite luxurious establishment, primarily catering to affluent guests. As a family-oriented hotel, it offers not only comfortable accommodation but also a variety of entertainment options for all ages. The resort features a lush, well-maintained area with landscaping elements. Guests can enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, a spa center, a children's playroom, a cinema, a restaurant, a gym, a dance floor, and two swimming pools (with lifeguards on duty). The 24-hour front desk and bellboy services are available. The hotel has 52 comfortable rooms equipped with an internal phone, terraces, bathrooms, air conditioning, a wardrobe, a minibar, and other conveniences.

The hotel is situated directly on the waterfront, with beach loungers and umbrellas, a summer café, and facilities for table tennis, streetball, and volleyball. A key feature of this resort is its promotion of a healthy lifestyle; alcohol is not sold on the premises, although guests are allowed to bring their own drinks as long as they do not disturb others. The resort includes various facilities such as a beach bar, a summer café with lake views, a 25x11 m swimming pool, a 10x5 m children's pool, a terrace, loungers, and umbrellas. Pets are not allowed. Room rates start at 111 USD for a standard room and go up to 420 USD for a cottage, depending on the date of arrival.

https://www.instagram.com/grandville.kz/

 

6. Alakol Resort

The resort offers a range of accommodations including 2, 3, 4, and 5-person rooms, set within a 6-hectare complex featuring 119 rooms. This resort is designed for couples, families, and large groups, providing a variety of amenities for comfort and enjoyment. Facilities include a karaoke club, billiards, a gym, a children's entertainment center, sports courts, a nightclub, and a massage room. The resort is equipped with shaded alleys, parks, fountains, and nighttime lighting. The pathway from the hotel to the beach is paved and illuminated.

The resort features outdoor swimming pools for both adults and children, with depths ranging from 80 cm to 160 cm and a total volume of 675 cubic meters. The pool measures 40 x 12 meters and is surrounded by sunbeds and umbrellas. There is also a children's pool measuring 80 x 40 cm. Each room includes a safe, and amenities include a phone, evening disco, karaoke, billiards, a sauna, a cinema, a gym, a café with a buffet or menu, and an outdoor covered summer terrace. Pets are not allowed. Room rates start at approximately $58 and can go up to $200, depending on the room type and date of stay.

https://www.instagram.com/alakolresort/

 

7. Alaziz Alakol Resort

Located on the northeastern coast, just 70 meters from the beach and between the Aygerim and Bugas recreation areas, this resort offers direct beach access. The area features pedestrian zone Arbat nearby. The resort provides a range of amenities including sulfur and radon mud treatments, cedar barrel baths, massages, pant baths, a physiotherapy room, a playground, billiards, table tennis, and basketball. It will take longer to travel here by car, while the airport is closer.

Guests enjoy free access to sports and children’s playgrounds, a boat with fishing equipment, secure parking, bed linens, and a barbecue area. Established in 2014, the resort includes cottages, rooms, a café, and a spa. The new Basteau building, with a sandy beach located near the Inzhu base, has been operational since 2019. Rooms are equipped with beds, nightstands, satellite TV, a sink, air conditioning, a toilet, outdoor hot shower, and a refrigerator. Cottages, constructed from wood, feature two floors with two bedrooms each, accommodating up to 6 guests plus 2 additional people. Prices range from approximately $28 to $176, depending on the date, room or cottage size, and meal options. Discounts are available for children under 11 years old.

https://www.instagram.com/alakol_alazis

 

8. Aydyn Su Recreation House

It offers cozy 2, 3, and 4-person rooms with excellent service and high-quality amenities. Guests can enjoy three meals a day with options from Eastern and European cuisines. Taxi delivery is available to various locations in the village, including the bus station, shops, and pharmacies.

Price List for 2024:

• Standard Room: approximately $31
• Luxury Room: approximately $45

The well-maintained grounds feature lush greenery, flowers, gazebos, and benches, with a children’s playground available. The resort is located just 150 meters from the beach and is designed for a pleasant stay with water activities and a café. Although Wi-Fi is not provided, mobile 4G internet works well. Pets are not allowed, but Russian-language TV channels are available. Accommodation is in wooden cabins with separate entrances, equipped with comfortable beds, air conditioning, a shower, and a private bathroom.

https://www.instagram.com/aidyn_su_alakol

 

9. Marsell Family Resort

It offers single-story and two-story buildings with rooms featuring terraces, TV, and private bathrooms. The property provides breakfast and has its own pebbly beach. Facilities include a 24-hour front desk, secure parking, a children's playground, a 10x25 meter pool, a football-volleyball field, first aid services, a summer café, a children’s trampoline, well-maintained lawns, and flower beds. The resort offers European, Eastern, and Georgian cuisine, with a menu including sushi, kebabs, and cocktails. Water activities include boat rentals, jet skis, banana boats, water scooters, and catamarans.

Price List:

• Standard Rate: approximately $36 per person
• Luxury Rate: approximately $56 per person

Booking Policy: Reservations require 100% payment and ID presentation upon arrival. Dates cannot be changed once booked, and early departure or delays do not receive compensation. Cancellation penalties apply: 50% of the booking cost if canceled less than 14 days before arrival, and 100% if canceled less than 7 days before. No refunds are given after check-in. The summer café operates from 1 PM to midnight, and bringing outside food or drinks is prohibited. Please respect quiet hours from 11 PM to 6 AM, keep the area clean, and use designated smoking areas. The hotel is not responsible for utility disruptions.

https://www.instagram.com/marsell_family_alakol/

 

10. Atlantis Family Resort

Open since July 1, 2017, and offers a luxurious and imaginative retreat at Lake Alakol. Known for its exceptional design, Atlantis stands out among the numerous resorts around the lake. It boasts some of the best prices for accommodation at this unique location in Kazakhstan, which features a lake with therapeutic properties.
Services: The resort provides 24-hour check-in, credit card payments, a restaurant, bar, parking, a swimming pool, a children's playground, and laundry services. Wi-Fi is available, and while pets are not allowed, mobile connections with Aktif and Beeline work well.

Price List:

• Standard Room: 28,000 KZT (approximately $64)
• 12-Person Cottage: 250,000 KZT (approximately $566)

https://www.instagram.com/atlantis_alakol/