{"id":12761,"date":"2026-01-12T02:48:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T17:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ashu-travel.com\/news\/stunning-hiking-in-kazakhstan-walking-kolsai-lakes-how-to-enjoy-the-pearl-of-the-tian-shan-plus-a-first-hand-report\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T21:07:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T12:07:36","slug":"kolsai-lakes-guide-kazakhstan","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/ashu-travel.com\/en\/news\/kolsai-lakes-guide-kazakhstan\/","title":{"rendered":"Stunning Hiking in Kazakhstan! Walking Kolsai Lakes: How to Enjoy the Pearl of the Tian Shan, Plus a First-Hand Report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Salam! This is Sugi from ASHU TRAVEL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No talk of Kazakhstan’s great outdoors is complete without Kolsai Lakes, deep-blue lakes cradled by mountains over 1,800m high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Praised as the “Pearl of the Tian Shan,” they are said to be among the most beautiful lakes around Almaty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Kolsai Lakes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Kolsai Lakes National Park<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udccd Access:<\/strong> About 300km from Almaty. We recommend a 1-night, 2-day loop combined with Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb0 Admission:<\/strong> National park entry & environmental fee: 869 tenge<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfd4\ufe0f Elevation:<\/strong> Lake 1: 1,818m \/ Lake 2: 2,252m<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcf8 Activities:<\/strong> Hiking, horse riding, boating, dining at the viewpoint<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Three Lakes, Three Different Faces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lake 1 (elevation 1,818m)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake 2 (elevation 2,252m)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

About 5km further upstream from Lake 1. There are far fewer people than at Lake 1, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake 3 (elevation 2,850m)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A tranquil spot another 6km upstream. Because it is close to the border, access has recently been restricted at times by the Kazakh authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Kolsai Lakes Are So Special<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kazakhstan may bring vast steppes to mind, but Kolsai Lakes offer a completely different kind of scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight 1: Incredibly Clear Water<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight 2: Breathtaking Views in Kazakhstan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlight 3: Plenty of Activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Besides hiking along the lakeshore, you can take a boat out to enjoy the view from the water, go horse riding, and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting to Kolsai Lakes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n