Kolsai Lakes

Ready to discover Kazakhstan’s best-kept secret? The Kolsai Lakes will blow your mind – and here’s everything you need to know before you go.

What Makes Kolsai Lakes So Special?

Picture this: three crystal-clear alpine lakes nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, surrounded by dense spruce forests and snow-capped peaks that’ll make your Instagram followers seriously jealous. The Kolsai Lakes (also spelled Kölsai) part of the Kolsai Lakes National Park, aren’t just beautiful – they’re practically untouched by mass tourism, which means you’ll have these stunning spots mostly to yourself.

Located about 330 kilometers southeast of Almaty, these lakes sit at different elevations between 1,818 and 2,850 meters above sea level. Locals call them the “Pearls of Tien Shan,” and honestly? They’re not wrong.

The Three Lakes: What You Need to Know

Lower Kolsai Lake (First Lake)

• Elevation: 1,818m
• Best for: Easy access, fishing, kayaking
• Getting there: 20-minute walk from the parking area
• Why visit: Perfect for beginners and families

This is where most visitors start, and for good reason. The trail is super manageable, making it ideal if you’re not ready for serious hiking. The lake stretches for about 1km and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. Pro tip: bring your fishing gear – the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.

Middle Kolsai Lake (Second Lake)

• Elevation: 2,252m
• Best for: Moderate hiking, camping, photography
• Getting there: 5-6 hour hike from Lower Lake
• Why visit: The most photogenic of the three

This is where things get real. The hike to the second lake is more challenging but absolutely worth it. The trail winds through dense forest, and when you finally reach the lake, you’ll understand why photographers lose their minds over this place. The water is an incredible turquoise color that changes throughout the day.

Upper Kolsai Lake (Third Lake)

• Elevation: 2,850m
• Best for: Experienced hikers, solitude seekers
• Getting there: Additional 2-3 hours from Middle Lake
• Why visit: Ultimate bragging rights and pristine wilderness

Only the most dedicated hikers make it to the third lake, which means you’ll likely have it all to yourself. The landscape here is more alpine – think rocky terrain and dramatic mountain vistas. It’s tough to reach, but the sense of accomplishment is unreal.

Best Time to Visit Kolsai Lakes

Summer (June-August): Peak season with warmest weather and all trails accessible. Expect more crowds (though still minimal by international standards) and higher accommodation prices.

Spring (May): Fewer visitors, but some higher trails might still have snow. Lower lake is fully accessible.

Fall (September-October): Stunning autumn colors and comfortable hiking weather. This might be the sweet spot for photography enthusiasts.

Winter: Most areas are inaccessible due to snow, though the lower lake area can be reached for winter sports.

How to Get to Kolsai Lakes

From Almaty:

1. By Car: 4-5 hour drive via A351 highway through Kaindy village
2. By Tour: Many operators offer day trips or multi-day packages
3. Public Transport: Take a bus to Saty village, then arrange local transport

Important: The last 10km to the lakes is on unpaved mountain roads. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended, especially after rain.

Where to Stay

Guesthouse Options in Saty Village:

• Local families offer homestays for $15-25 per night
• Basic but clean accommodations with home-cooked meals
• Great way to experience Kazakh hospitality

Camping:

• Designated camping areas near Lower Lake
• Bring your own gear – facilities are minimal
• Camping fees: around $3-5 per tent

Yurt Stays:

• Traditional Kazakh yurts available for booking
• Unique cultural experience with modern amenities
• Prices range from $30-60 per night

Essential Packing List

Hiking Gear:

• Sturdy hiking boots (non-negotiable)
• Layered clothing for temperature changes
• Rain jacket and warm layers
• Headlamp and extra batteries

Photography Equipment:

• Camera with extra batteries (cold weather drains them fast)
• Polarizing filter for lake reflections
• Tripod for long exposures

Other Essentials:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses (mountain sun is intense)
• First aid kit
• Water purification tablets
• Cash (no ATMs in the area)

What to Do at Kolsai Lakes

Hiking and Trekking The main attraction, obviously. Whether you’re doing a day hike to the first lake or a multi-day trek to all three, the trails offer something for every fitness level.

Fishing Lower Kolsai Lake is perfect for trout fishing. You’ll need a local fishing permit, which you can get from the visitor center.

Photography Golden hour at these lakes is absolutely magical. The best shots happen early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the mountains just right.

Horseback Riding Local guides offer horseback tours, which is actually a traditional way to explore the area. It’s also easier on your legs if you’re not up for serious hiking.

Kayaking and Boating Possible on the lower lake during summer months. Some guesthouses rent out small boats.

Local Culture and Food

The area is predominantly Kazakh, and the hospitality is incredible. Don’t miss trying:

• Beshbarmak: Traditional Kazakh dish with horse meat and noodles
• Kumys: Fermented mare’s milk (definitely an acquired taste)
• Shubat: Fermented camel milk
• Lagman: Hearty noodle soup perfect after hiking

Budget Breakdown

Daily Costs (Per Person):

• Budget traveler: $25-40
• Mid-range: $50-80
• Luxury: $100+

Typical Expenses:

• Accommodation: $15-60 per night
• Meals: $5-15 per day
• Transportation from Almaty: $30-50
• Guides: $20-40 per day
• Park entrance: $2-5

Safety Tips and Considerations

Altitude Awareness Even the lower lake sits at significant elevation. Take it easy on your first day and stay hydrated.

Weather Changes Mountain weather can change rapidly. Always be prepared for rain or sudden temperature drops.

Wildlife Brown bears are present in the area, though encounters are rare. Make noise while hiking and store food properly when camping.

Trail Conditions Trails can be muddy and slippery after rain. Proper hiking boots are essential.

Hidden Gems Near Kolsai Lakes

Kaindy Lake Just 12km away, this lake is famous for its submerged forest of spruce trees. The dead trees sticking out of the turquoise water create an otherworldly landscape.

Charyn Canyon Often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, it’s about 200km away but worth the detour if you have extra time.

Singing Dunes These sand dunes near Almaty create musical sounds when the wind blows – seriously cool natural phenomenon.

Sustainable Travel Tips

Respect the Environment:

• Pack out all trash
• Stay on designated trails
• Don’t pick flowers or disturb wildlife
• Use biodegradable soap for washing

Support Local Communities:

• Stay in local guesthouses
• Buy souvenirs from local artisans
• Hire local guides
• Eat at family-run restaurants

Final Thoughts: Why Kolsai Lakes Should Be on Your Bucket List

Look, I’ve been to a lot of mountain lakes around the world, and Kolsai Lakes are genuinely special. It’s not just the stunning scenery (though that’s obviously a huge part of it). It’s the fact that you can still experience pristine nature without fighting crowds for the perfect photo spot.

Kazakhstan isn’t on most people’s travel radar yet, which means places like Kolsai Lakes remain authentic and unspoiled. But that’s changing fast. Tourism is growing, and these hidden gems won’t stay hidden forever.

The combination of accessible beauty, genuine local culture, and adventure opportunities makes Kolsai Lakes perfect for everyone from casual hikers to serious mountaineers. Plus, the cost is incredibly reasonable compared to similar destinations in more popular countries.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for your next adventure and want to experience something truly special before everyone else discovers it, Kolsai Lakes should be at the top of your list. Trust me on this one – you won’t regret it.

Ready to start planning your Kolsai Lakes adventure? The journey from Almaty is easier than you think, and the memories will last a lifetime. Just remember to pack those hiking boots – you’re going to need them.