Kolsay and Kaindy

Kolsay and Kaindy

Three mountain lakes, a submerged spruce forest, boat and horseback rides.

A mountain cluster 330 kilometers east of Almaty on the northern slope of the Kungey Alatau range, within the Kolsay Kolderi National Park (established 2007). The main attraction is three lakes strung along the Kolsay River: the lower at 1,818 meters, the middle at 2,252 meters, and the upper at 2,850 meters. The water is cold and deeply turquoise due to glacial sediment; the surroundings are slopes of Tien Shan spruce.

In the adjacent valley is Lake Kaindy at approximately 2,000 meters, formed by the 1911 Kemin earthquake: a landslide dammed the river, a coniferous forest went underwater, and the masts of spruces still stand in the water to this day. The tourist logistics hub is the village of Saty with dozens of guesthouses, horse clubs, and local guide services. Between Saty and Kyrgyzstan, a trekking trail crosses the Sarybulak Pass to Issyk-Kul (a permit and visa are required).

The best time is June-September; in winter, some roads are closed.

How to get from Almaty

The Kolsay and Kaindy lakes are 300 km east of Almaty along the A-351 highway toward Kegen, about 5-6 hours by car. The road is paved almost to the village of Saty (1,760 m) - the main logistics hub of the direction; from Saty to the first Kolsay Lake is 12 km of dirt road (passable by sedan in the dry season), to Lake Kaindy - 20 km of rough dirt road (only off-road vehicles get through reliably). Regular public transport doesn't reach the lakes; the village of Saty has local drivers with jeeps.

Our tours to Kolsay and Kaindy include jeep transfer from Almaty, overnight in Saty guesthouses, and all local logistics - the road to Kaindy alone requires experienced drivers. The two-day format from Almaty covers both Kolsay and Kaindy: the first day is Kolsay Lakes with a boat ride on the lower lake, the second is Lake Kaindy with the underwater forest. The one-day format fits only Kaindy from Saty or the first Kolsay Lake.

What to see and do

The main attractions in the national park number five. The first Kolsay Lake (1,818 m) is the most accessible: a boardwalk leads from the parking lot to the shore, boat rides on turquoise water with Tien Shan spruces reflected in the surface. The second Kolsay Lake (2,252 m) requires a 6 km trek with 430 m of elevation gain along a mountain trail through spruce forest - the most photogenic of the three.

The third Kolsay Lake (2,850 m) lies in the alpine zone near the Kyrgyz border and requires a full day's trek. Lake Kaindy (2,000 m) is famous for its underwater spruce forest: the 1911 earthquake triggered a landslide that dammed the river, and the spruces that went under water preserved their trunks, which still stand vertically. Horseback riding in the meadows around Saty is a separate popular activity.

Activities fit one-day and two-day formats. One day from Saty means either the first two Kolsay Lakes or Kaindy. Two days cover both: Day 1 is Kolsay Lakes with trekking or horseback riding, Day 2 is Kaindy with its submerged forest and a boat ride.

For trekkers - a three-day format with an ascent to the third lake and camping. Our tours from Almaty include jeep transfer, guides, boat rental on Kolsay, and access to Kaindy.

When to go

Each season at Kolsay and Kaindy has its own storyline. Summer (June-September) is the main season: turquoise water, full access to all three Kolsay Lakes and Kaindy, blooming alpine meadows, horseback riding, and camping. Early summer (June) is snowmelt on the upper lakes; the second and third lakes may still have ice.

Autumn (September-October) is the most photogenic: golden larches, Tien Shan spruces against blue water, minimal crowds. Spring (May-June) is the transition: the first Kolsay Lake is open, the road to Kaindy opens in late May depending on snow. Winter (December-March) closes the upper lakes and Kaindy; the first Kolsay Lake under snow is accessible for experienced groups with snowshoes.

Our tours to Kolsay and Kaindy run from May to October. In summer, the two-day classic covers both Kolsay and Kaindy. In autumn, we run photo tours for golden foliage.

In spring, shorter formats focusing on the first Kolsay Lake. The off-season (November-April) is available by request for adventure groups. The answer to 'when to go to Kolsay' is June-September for the full program, May and October for shoulder-season charm.

Where to stay

The base for this direction is the village of Saty at 1,760 m, with approximately 30 guesthouses, ranging from basic (shared bathroom, wood stove) to mid-comfort (en-suite, hot water, home-cooked meals). Yurt camps operate on the shore of the first Kolsay Lake in summer - the most atmospheric option but without running water. At Kaindy, there are no guesthouses; the nearest accommodation is in Saty or along the Kegen road.

The village of Kegen (60 km from Saty) has basic hotels. Most guests on two-day tours overnight in Saty guesthouses and drive to the lakes each morning.

Our tours include accommodation in vetted Saty guesthouses with dinner and breakfast. For the premium format, we book the best available rooms and add evening bonfires with the guide's stories. For campers, we arrange tent camping at the second Kolsay Lake or at Kaindy. The question 'where to stay near Kolsay' is answered by Saty - the only real logistics hub for the lakes.

Itineraries by duration

Kolsay and Kaindy range from one to three days from Almaty. One day is tight - only possible if already in Saty or Kegen: a visit to the first Kolsay Lake or Kaindy, not both. Two days is the standard: Day 1 drive from Almaty to Saty (5-6 hours), afternoon at the first Kolsay Lake, overnight in Saty.

Day 2 Kaindy in the morning, return to Almaty by evening. Three days add a trek to the second Kolsay Lake (2,252 m) and a more relaxed pace. Rarely, a five-day loop connects Kolsay-Kaindy-Charyn-Altyn-Emel - the grand tour of the Almaty Region.

Our Kolsay and Kaindy tours come in two core formats: the two-day classic and the three-day deep-dive. Both include jeep transfer from Almaty, guide, Saty guesthouse overnight, and access to both Kolsay and Kaindy. We also offer combination tours linking Kolsay with Charyn Canyon for guests with 3-5 days. A one-day format exists only for guests already in the Kegen area.

What to bring and preparation

Kolsay requires more than a day trip. Nights in Saty at 1,760 m can drop to +5 °C even in July - a warm layer and sleeping bag liner are essential. Trekking boots or sturdy sneakers for the trail to the second lake (6 km, wet roots, rocks).

Sun protection: SPF 30+, sunglasses, a hat - altitude sun is strong. Rain gear: afternoon mountain thunderstorms are common June-August. Water and snacks for the trail - there are no shops between Saty and the lakes.

Insect repellent for the lower trail sections. Camera with a waterproof case - mist and spray at Kaindy are constant.

Our tour covers meals (dinner and breakfast in the guesthouse, packed lunch for the trail), guide, and all logistics. No need for camping gear unless doing the third-lake trek. The main thing: proper footwear, warm layers, and rain protection. Everything else is handled by the team.

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FAQ

How many days do you need for Kolsay? - One to two. A one-day trip covers only one lake; the two-day format from Almaty includes both Kolsay and Kaindy with an overnight in Saty. Three days add the second Kolsay Lake and a more relaxed pace.

Is it true there are trees underwater in Kaindy? - Yes. The 1911 Kemin earthquake triggered a landslide that dammed a valley and submerged a spruce forest. The trunks are preserved and stand vertically in the water - one of Kazakhstan's most photographed sights.

Do you need a jeep to get to Kaindy? - The road from Saty to Kaindy (20 km) is rough dirt; a standard car may struggle in wet conditions. Our tours use jeeps for this section.

Can you swim in the lakes? - The water is cold (around +8...+12 °C in summer). A quick dip is possible for the brave; prolonged swimming is not comfortable. Boat rides are the better way to experience the water.

What's the altitude sickness risk? - The first Kolsay Lake (1,818 m) poses no issues. The second (2,252 m) and third (2,850 m) may affect sensitive individuals. We ascend gradually with rest stops.