Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL.
No talk of Kazakhstan’s great outdoors is complete without Kolsai Lakes, deep-blue lakes cradled by mountains over 1,800m high.
Praised as the “Pearl of the Tian Shan,” they are said to be among the most beautiful lakes around Almaty.
In this post I’ll share the atmosphere I experienced when I visited together with Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake, along with some real-world tips for enjoying your trip.
What Are Kolsai Lakes?
Kolsai Lakes is the collective name for three lakes in the Ile-Alatau mountain range. Most visitors go to “Kolsai Lake 1,” which is the easiest to reach and has the best tourist facilities.
Kolsai Lakes National Park
📍 Access: About 300km from Almaty. We recommend a 1-night, 2-day loop combined with Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake.
💰 Admission: National park entry & environmental fee: 869 tenge
🏔️ Elevation: Lake 1: 1,818m / Lake 2: 2,252m
📸 Activities: Hiking, horse riding, boating, dining at the viewpoint
Three Lakes, Three Different Faces
Lake 1 (elevation 1,818m)
The most accessible lake and the base for sightseeing. It is about 1km long and 400m wide, with facilities such as a viewpoint and restaurants.
Lake 2 (elevation 2,252m)
About 5km further upstream from Lake 1. There are far fewer people than at Lake 1, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet.
Lake 3 (elevation 2,850m)
A tranquil spot another 6km upstream. Because it is close to the border, access has recently been restricted at times by the Kazakh authorities.
Why Kolsai Lakes Are So Special
Kazakhstan may bring vast steppes to mind, but Kolsai Lakes offer a completely different kind of scenery.
Highlight 1: Incredibly Clear Water
Surrounded by calm conifer forests, the lakes are known for their sparkling deep-blue surface. Coming from smog-covered cities like Almaty or Astana, you’ll be amazed at how fresh the air is.
Highlight 2: Breathtaking Views in Kazakhstan
Kolsai Lakes are known as the Pearl of the Tian Shan. The scenery of lush green mountains and jade-colored water is truly one of a kind, loved not only by tourists but by locals too.
Highlight 3: Plenty of Activities
Besides hiking along the lakeshore, you can take a boat out to enjoy the view from the water, go horse riding, and much more.
Getting to Kolsai Lakes
From Almaty to Kolsai Lakes, traveling by car is the standard option.
Driving Time from Almaty
Kolsai is about 300km east of Almaty, roughly a 5-hour drive.
How to Get There
We recommend a shared taxi or a tour. There is also a marshrutka (minibus) that leaves Almaty’s Sayakhat Bus Terminal around 6 a.m., but it runs irregularly, so it isn’t reliable.
Road Conditions
The road is paved as far as Saty village, where the accommodations are, but beyond that the roads to each lake are unpaved and hilly. It’s pretty bumpy, and you may get carsick.
[My Experience] Sugi’s First-Hand Report from Kolsai Lakes
On this trip I visited Kolsai right after Kaindy Lake. My first thought on arriving was: “Wow, so many people!”
The Parking Lot Is Basically Tetris
Because it’s so easy to reach, weekend crowds are like a concert venue. Finding a parking spot is a real challenge, a true game of Tetris.
Then, as you walk down a big slope, a huge emerald-blue lake suddenly appears right in front of you. Families having picnics, people enjoying horse rides…
Japanese visitors were rare, but when I heard a little Japanese spoken, I couldn’t help feeling happy.
Walking Around Kolsai
My itinerary was a whirlwind one this time, so I didn’t have much time, but I did a short hike around the lake.
Unfortunately the sky was cloudy, but the scenery was still beautiful. Above all, the air was incredibly clear, and every step felt refreshing, as if my body were being cleansed.
Looking out at the lake, I could hear the cheerful voices of people out on boats, and on the other side, people slowly making their way along the mountain trail on horseback.
Seeing everyone enjoying their time in their own way seemed to say everything about how wonderful this place is.
Don’t Underestimate the Tian Shan Wind
Because of the high altitude, the wind can be extremely strong at times. That day I tried to fly my drone, but the wind was so fierce that I thought, “Nope, this one’s not coming back,” and gave up.
Hold on tight to your hat so it doesn’t blow away and end up at the bottom of the lake.
Recommended Itinerary and Tips
A 1-Night, 2-Day Loop Is Best
A day trip from Almaty is possible, but it means a long drive and not much time to relax. I tried it as a day trip this time, and honestly it was exhausting and I couldn’t take my time…
Plus, spending 10 hours round trip just for Kolsai alone is a waste!
We recommend a 1-night, 2-day trip combined with Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake, staying overnight in Saty village.
Best Season
The lakes look their best in summer, but on weekends from June to August as many as 1,000 visitors come, and the trails get crowded. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, visit on a weekday, or in September when the autumn colors are beautiful.
ASHU TRAVEL Tours to Kolsai Lakes
For those who want to recharge surrounded by nature, we have the perfect plans for you.
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