KZ
Kolsai Lakes
Three mountain lakes in spruce forest, with the sunken forest of Lake Kaindy nearby
Three mountain lakes in spruce forest, with the sunken forest of Lake Kaindy nearby
The lower lake is about 1km long and up to 80m deep, with guesthouses and campsites near its shore. Boats can be hired in summer.
Photo: Lfvelynis, CC BY-SA 4.0
A trail of about 7–8km climbs through forest to the middle lake, the largest of the three. Allow a full day to walk there and back, or hire a horse.
Start early and carry water.
Photo: Jjm2311, CC BY-SA 4.0
This 400m-long lake at about 2,000m is known for the bare spruce trunks rising from its turquoise water. The last stretch from the road is a short walk downhill.
The road from Saty is rough; most go by 4WD.
Photo: Katariyakartikey, CC0
The valleys are covered in Tian Shan spruce. The park is home to brown bears, lynx and snow leopards, though you are unlikely to see them.
Photo: Katariyakartikey, CC0
The small village of Saty is the usual base, with homestays, drivers and horses for hire. It sits between the Kolsai and Kaindy turn-offs.
Photo: Adam Harangozó, CC BY-SA 4.0
Homestays in Saty serve home-cooked meals such as plov, lagman noodles, soups and bread with jam.
There are cafés near the lower lake in summer. Bring snacks for hikes.
The lakes are a long drive from Almaty, usually around 4–5 hours each way. Many people join a two-day tour, often with Charyn Canyon, or hire a driver.
Public transport is limited. Entry fees are charged at park checkpoints, and Kaindy has its own; check current prices locally or on the official site.
Kazakhstan uses the tenge (KZT).
The classic trip from Almaty.
Drive from Almaty, stopping at Charyn Canyon, then visit Lake Kaindy.
Hike from the lower to the middle lake, then return to Almaty.
Mountain weather changes fast; bring layers.
Bring tenge; cards may not work in Saty.
The upper lake is near the Kyrgyz border; check permit rules first.
Village dogs are common; keep your distance.
Quick answers for planning time in Kolsai Lakes.
Usually around 4–5 hours by road.
About 7–8km one way through forest.
By a landslide after the 1911 earthquake, which flooded a spruce forest.
Mostly in homestays in the village of Saty.
June to September.
Planning a wider trip? Our Kazakhstan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.