Bartogay Reservoir
The Bartogay Reservoir is a large artificial lake located in Kazakhstan, near the city of Almaty. The reservoir was created in 1986 as part of a project to build a hydroelectric power plant in the basin of the Ili River.
The Bartogay Reservoir is a popular destination for fishermen and tourists alike, thanks to the diverse aquatic life that includes trout, carp, and crucian carp. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as kayaking, rafting, and jeep tours, and during the warmer months of May to September, swimming and sunbathing are popular options due to the comfortable water temperature. Photography enthusiasts will love the picturesque dam, which provides a perfect backdrop for stunning photos. As you approach the reservoir, you will see a thick white cloud that is created by the spillway, rushing through the two huge tunnels of the dam and into the valley. The Sogety and Toraigyr mountains, as well as the surrounding forests, make the area around Bartogay truly breathtaking.
For those interested in history and culture, the Bartogay Grove, located nearby, is a fascinating site. Archaeologists have found Scythian burial mounds here, and the forest itself is thousands of years old.
If you plan to spend the night, be sure to stock up on food, drinks, and tents. To access the spillway, you need to obtain a special pass from the Big Almaty Canal office.
How to get there?
To reach the Bartogay Reservoir, you'll need to travel approximately 203 km (126 mi) from Almaty, a journey that will take around 3 hours along the Kuldjinsky Tract (A-351). Those who prefer a more adventurous approach can also hike to the reservoir from the Asy Plateau. The nearest settlement to the reservoir is Asysaga, where visitors can find basic amenities and services.
Other tourist attractions near the Bartogay Reservoir:
- Asy Plateau
- Asy-Turgen Observatory
- Charyn Canyon
- The Village of Saty
- Charyn Ash Grove
- Lunar Canyon
- Boguty Mountains
- Bestobe Reservoir
- Chunja Hot Springs
- Kolsay Lakes
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Private Tour")
Embark on a journey to one of Kazakhstan's unique natural wonders – Charyn Canyon! Prepare for an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Embark on a journey to see the natural jewels of the Almaty region – Kolsay Lakes, Lake Kaindy, and Charyn Canyon. Kolsay Lakes are a cascade of three mountain lakes situated at 1000, 2250, and 2700 meters above sea level. Meanwhile, Charyn Canyon stands as the most breathtaking canyon in the region.
On request
Embark on a 2-day journey to the stunning high-altitude Asy Plateau near Almaty. Spend a night camping in a tent and visit the picturesque Bartogay Reservoir.
On request
Embark on an exciting three-day cycling adventure that takes you through the Turgen Gorge and the Asy Plateau. Along the way, you'll visit a 55-meter waterfall, explore a Soviet-era astronomical observatory, and experience many more unforgettable moments!
On request
A four-day cycling tour through the hidden gems of the Almaty region. Discover the Boguty Mountains, Charyn Canyon, Bartogai Reservoir, and many other fascinating sights along the way!