Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Travel Guide, Kazakhstan (Updated January 2026)
Kazakhstan’s Kolsai Lakes National Park boasts some of Central Asia’s most stunning alpine scenery. The three glacial Kolsai Lakes shimmer in vibrant turquoise amid evergreen forests and Tien Shan peaks, while nearby Lake Kaindy features its eerie “sunken forest” of spruce trunks rising from bright blue waters—formed by a 1911 earthquake.
These sites remain accessible and popular in 2026, with improved roads and facilities. Bring your passport for checkpoints (near the Kyrgyz border)—original only, no copies.
Highlights
- Kolsai Lakes — Three lakes (Lower at 1,800m, Middle at 2,250m, Upper at 2,800m). Hike or horseback ride between them through forests and meadows. Boat rentals available on Kolsai 1.
- Lake Kaindy — Iconic sunken spruce trees in turquoise water. Short hike from parking; swimming or diving possible (cold!).
How to Get There from Almaty (~300km)
- Public/Shared Taxi (Budget Option) → From Sayakhat or Sayran bus station, shared taxis to Saty (via Kegen turnoff) cost ~4,000-5,000 KZT (~$9-11 USD), 5-6 hours. From Saty intersection, hitch or taxi to village (~1,000-2,000 KZT).
- From Saty Village → Taxi to Kolsai 1: ~1,500-2,500 KZT (paved road). To Kaindy: ~5,000-10,000 KZT round-trip (rough 4WD road; shared UAZ shuttles ~2,000-3,000 KZT pp).
- Tours → Easiest for day/multi-day trips (often include Charyn Canyon). Group tours ~$100-150 pp; private higher.
- Self-Drive → Rent a car in Almaty; high-clearance/4WD recommended for Kaindy.
Fees (2025/2026 Estimates)
- Kolsai National Park: ~800-1,000 KZT pp (plus vehicle fees ~3,000 KZT).
- Kaindy: ~750-1,000 KZT pp.
Accommodation
- Saty Village (Base) → Homestays/guesthouses ~3,000-6,000 KZT pp (meals extra). Book ahead weekends/summer via Booking.com.
- At Kolsai 1 → Yurts ~7,000-10,000 KZT pp (some with meals). Limited online booking; arrange via homestay or on-site (summer only).
- Camping: Allowed (~500 KZT extra fee); bring gear for cold nights.
Best Time to Visit
June-September for warm weather, open facilities, and green landscapes. July-August busiest (book ahead). September quieter with autumn colors. Avoid May/June (ticks) and winter (frozen/snowy, limited access).
Pack layers, sturdy shoes, cash (no ATMs), and insect repellent. Combine with nearby Charyn Canyon for the ultimate southeast Kazakhstan adventure. Safe travels—these lakes are pure magic! 🏔️💎