The lake is located in the mountains of the Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level and, like the overwhelming majority of the lakes of Tien Shan, appeared because of the earthquakes. In the 60s of the last century, a cascade of hydroelectric power plants was built on the Big Almaty Lake, water intakes were installed, and now the lake supplies Almaty with fresh water. Big Almaty Lake is surrounded by mountain peaks and glaciers from all sides. This is quite a popular place of rest of Almaty residents and foreigners.