Salemetsiz be! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL, your guide to scenic horse riding tours in Central Asia!
Emerald-green water with trees poking up through the surface… Have you heard of Kaindy Lake in Kazakhstan, where this dreamlike scenery unfolds?
The trees rising out of the water look like something from another world. In fact, this lake is a miraculous place born from a major earthquake more than 100 years ago.
“How was it formed?” “How do you get there?” I’ll walk you through all the mysteries and charms you’ve been wondering about!
What Is Kaindy Lake? Why a Mysterious “Sunken Forest” Came to Be
Kaindy Lake is a beautiful, mysterious lake tucked away inside Kolsai Lakes National Park in southeastern Kazakhstan. Its most striking feature is the scenery of countless dead spruce trees (an evergreen conifer of the pine family) sticking out of the water: a “sunken forest” .
So how did such a landscape come about?
Born over 100 years ago! The surprising story of how the lake was formed
In 1911, the Kebin earthquake shook southern Kazakhstan. The quake caused a massive collapse of the mountainside, and a huge mass of earth and rock blocked the gorge .
Rain that kept falling afterward created a natural dam, and before long a beautiful lake had formed. The spruce forest that had been growing there sank beneath the water, creating today’s dreamlike scenery.
More than 100 years later, Kaindy Lake has become known as one of Kazakhstan’s tourist attractions.
Like Another World! The Mystery of the Sunken Spruce Trees
Kaindy Lake’s most striking feature is, without a doubt, the dead trees reaching up from the water. Normally, trees that sink underwater would rot… but not here.
Thanks to the very cold water temperature, the trees don’t decay and have kept their shape for more than 100 years, they say. Beneath the dead trees on the surface, the sunken forest remains just as it was, like a forest where time has stopped.
Actually, in Japan there’s a similar sightseeing spot: Aogiri Koi Pond in Ichinomata Sakura Park, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The sight of trees sprouting up from a beautiful lake is truly magical.
Where Is It? Kaindy Lake’s Location and How to Get There
Here’s a simple guide to where Kaindy Lake is and how to get there.
Check Kaindy Lake’s Location
Kaindy Lake is in southeastern Kazakhstan, in an area close to Kyrgyzstan, within Kolsai Lakes National Park in Almaty Region . The nearest city is Almaty , about 300km away.
Nearby are other scenic spots such as Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, so many travelers visit them together.
How to Get from Almaty to Kaindy Lake
There are two ways to get to Kaindy Lake: (1) join a tour or (2) arrange it yourself . Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.
| Item | Tour | Independent travel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher than arranging it yourself | Cheaper than a tour |
| Convenience | Easy! Transport and arrangements are all taken care of | Very flexible! Move at your own pace |
| Language | English or Japanese-speaking guides available | Can be a bit tough without Russian or Kazakh |
| Time needed | Efficient sightseeing (day trip or 2 days/1 night) | Requires extra time (staying in Saty village recommended) |
Buses run from Almaty to nearby Saty village, but from Saty village to Kaindy Lake you’ll need a taxi or other vehicle.
We recommend a tour for first-timers or anyone who wants peace of mind, and independent travel for those who value flexibility.
Ways to Enjoy Kaindy Lake | Perfect for Active Travelers and Photo Lovers Alike!
Kaindy Lake isn’t just for looking at; it’s also a great place to get moving. Hiking, horse riding and even underwater exploration: there’s a wide range of activities waiting for you.
Even the Way to the Lake Is Spectacular! Enjoy Nature on a Hike
You can drive part of the way to Kaindy Lake, but the last 30 minutes or so are on foot. Since the lake is in a national park at an elevation of 2,000 m, you’re surrounded by magnificent nature the whole way. Even the walk to the lake becomes part of the sightseeing.
Capture the Dreamlike Lake | Great Photo Spots
Dead trees rising from crystal-clear water: this magical sight is irresistible for photography lovers. Change your angle and the lake shows a different face, and each season brings its own beauty.
Ride Along the Lakeshore on Horseback! Activities You Can Enjoy on Site
On ASHU TRAVEL tours, the route from the lake to Saty village is on foot, but you can also go on horseback (paid locally). Enjoying the magnificent scenery from the saddle is highly recommended.
Explore the Surroundings Too! Spots to Visit Along with Kaindy Lake
If you’re visiting Kaindy Lake, you’ll want to see the nearby scenic spots as well. The area is dotted with attractions, including beautiful lakes, vast canyons and villages where you can experience Kazakh culture.
Kolsai Lakes: The Stunning “Pearls of the Tian Shan”
Like Kaindy Lake, the Kolsai Lakes lie within Kolsai Lakes National Park. Made up of three lakes at different elevations, they are so beautiful they’re called the “Pearls of the Tian Shan.” There are well-maintained trekking trails, so you can spend your time however you like, from strolling along the shore to rowing a boat.
Charyn Canyon: The Grand Canyon of Central Asia
Accessible from Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon offers spectacular natural scenery like a mini Grand Canyon. Strange rock formations shaped by wind and water over long ages line the canyon, and the area known as the “Valley of Castles” is especially popular as a photogenic spot.
Experience Kazakh Culture in Saty Village
Saty village, the base for visiting Kaindy Lake, is dotted with guesthouses. They range from places with facilities geared to tourists to local homes known for their warm, family-style hospitality. Tasting traditional Kazakh food and experiencing local life is one of the joys of the trip.
What to Bring and Things to Know for Your Kaindy Lake Trip
Kaindy Lake is a spectacular spot surrounded by beautiful nature, but it’s hard to reach and facilities for visitors are limited. Prepare well so you can enjoy it comfortably!
Packing List: Be Sure to Bring These!
The weather around Kaindy Lake changes easily and the elevation is high, so protection against both cold and sun is essential.
✅ Warm clothing: Mornings and evenings are chilly even in summer, so a light down jacket or windbreaker is ideal
✅ Rain boots or waterproof shoes: The lakeshore can get muddy, so good footwear is a must
✅ Sunscreen & sunglasses: UV rays are strong at high altitude! Protect yourself well
✅ Snacks & drinks: There are no shops, so bring snacks and water
Be Aware! Downsides of a Kaindy Lake Trip
Kaindy Lake is breathtaking, but it hasn’t been developed much as a tourist site. You’ll need a tour or a car, and the roads are bumpy. Head out knowing the downsides.
Plan Your Trip Well and Enjoy the Mystery of Kaindy Lake!
Kaindy Lake may be hard to reach, but once you visit, an unforgettable view awaits. Prepare well in advance and enjoy the magnificent nature to the fullest!
ASHU TRAVEL’s Recommended Kaindy Lake Tour
If you’re visiting Kaindy Lake, a tour makes it easy! Skip the hassle of getting there and enjoy an efficient trip.
[8-Day Tour] Enjoy Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes and the Tian Shan Mountains!
✅ Transport, accommodation and meals included for a stress-free trip!
✅ A professional guide accompanies you for a safe and rewarding experience
✅ Starts and ends in Almaty for smooth access
Why Travelers Choose ASHU TRAVEL Tours
✈️ Japanese-speaking guide! No language worries
🚐 Comfortable private vehicle Even long drives are smooth
🏕️ Horse riding experience Beginners welcome! An experience you can only have here
🌏 Combine it with Kyrgyzstan! The charms of two countries you won’t find anywhere else
If you want to really enjoy Kazakhstan, leave it to ASHU TRAVEL!
📩 Contact Us & Follow Us on Social Media for the Latest Updates!
🌍 We share the latest Kazakhstan travel news and stunning spots on Instagram!
📸 Follow us to see what our trips are really like!
▶︎ Instagram
📩 Tour inquiries here
▶︎ Ask us on our official LINE
▶︎ Contact form
We hope your trip to Kazakhstan becomes an amazing experience!
Related Articles 
