Overview
Almaty Region holds dozens of mountain lakes between 1500 and 3000 m altitude - each with its own color, origin and character. Kolsai-1 is 80 m deep with emerald water reflecting Tien Shan spruce; Kaindy's submerged forest appeared after the 1911 Kemin earthquake (magnitude 8.2); Big Almaty Lake shifts from turquoise to deep blue depending on glacial melt; Issyk was destroyed by a mudflow in 1963 and is slowly recovering.
The theme maps every accessible mountain lake by season, difficulty, and what makes each one worth the trip. Our operator combines lakes into multi-day routes with comfortable stays.
Who This Is For
For nature lovers who rank destinations by "water + mountains" combination. For photographers who need specific light conditions (BAL is best at dawn, Kaindy - overcast for the drowned forest contrast, Kolsai - late afternoon for warm reflections). For trekkers who want lake-to-lake routes. For families (Kolsai-1 has a road to 2 km from the shore; BAL has a parking lot).
Seasons: Kolsai/Kaindy - June to September (road closes in snow). BAL - year-round by car but best June-October. Issyk - May to November. Bartogay reservoir - spring (April-May) for green hills contrast. National park entrance: 2000 tenge (2025). Kolsai overnight in guesthouses of Saty village.
Locations, Tours & Routes
Primary lakes: Big Almaty Lake (2511 m, depth 38 m), Kolsai-1 (1818 m, depth 80 m), Kolsai-2 (2252 m), Kolsai-3 (2700 m), Kaindy (2000 m, drowned spruce forest), Issyk (1760 m), Bartogay reservoir. Secondary: Jasylkol, lower Kolsai cascade pools.
Routes: 1 day - Big Almaty Lake (30 min drive from city, restricted zone permit needed). 1 day - Kolsai-1 only (3.5 hours drive + 2 km walk). 2 days - Kolsai-1 + Kaindy with overnight in Saty. 3 days - Kolsai 1-2-3 trek (camping at Kolsai-2). Week - full lake tour: BAL + Issyk + Kolsai + Kaindy + Bartogay.
Plan Your Trip
We combine mountain lakes into routes that make logistical sense: Kolsai and Kaindy in one trip from Saty base, Big Almaty Lake with sunrise timing, the full three-Kolsai trek with camping gear provided. Transport, permits, guesthouse bookings in Saty, packed lunches - all handled. Tell us which lakes interest you and we'll build the optimal route around your dates.
