Kapshagay Reservoir (Lake Kapshagay)

A Man Made Reservoir Of About 1,850 Square Km, Created In 1970 Behind The Kapshagay Hydro Dam, And The Near City Summer Beach Destination Of Almaty. Engraved Rocks Of Tamgaly Are A Few Hours Away; This Is A Lake Break, Not A Wilderness. · Kapshagay, Almaty Region

Kapshagay Reservoir is a large man-made lake of about 1,850 square km on the Ili River, about 70 km north of Almaty, created in 1970 behind a hydroelectric dam. It is the nearest summer beach break for the city, and it suits families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a hot, flat day by the water more than a mountain walk. The town of Kapshagay on the western shore has hotels, beach clubs, restaurants and a casino strip, busiest at weekends, when day trippers fill the sand and the roads back to Almaty jam. Be honest about it: this is not wilderness, and it is not a quiet escape. The shore is open steppe, the beaches are often shallow and windy, water quality varies with the season and the spot, and the development can feel tired and crowded. Worth a day out from Almaty in July heat, or an evening of local life, but not a long detour for visitors. If you want scenery, wild nature or quiet, go to the mountains instead; the Ili Alatau valleys are closer in feel to what most travellers come to Kazakhstan for.

Large reservoir on the Ili River about 70 km north of Almaty, with beaches, hotels and a casino strip at the town of Kapshagay on the western shore, Kapshagay, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan

The reservoir is open water with no posted hours. Beach clubs, restaurants and hotels set their own times, commonly from morning to late evening in the summer season, and casinos and bars on the strip stay open late, mostly at weekends. Many beach facilities open only from about June to early September, and some close in cool or windy weather. Entry to private beaches may carry a fee. Confirm opening times, fees and any water-safety notices on the day, since they change from year to year.

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