Kolsai Lakes
★ 4.8🇰🇿 Almaty RegionSuggested visit 1-2 daysBest season June to September, when the lakes are ice-free and trails open
NatureAlpine lakesHiking
Three alpine lakes on the northern slopes of the Tian Shan, ringed by spruce forest and mirroring snow peaks.
Overview
The Kolsai lakes sit at roughly 1,800, 2,250 and 2,700 metres and are known as the pearls of the northern Tian Shan. An eight-kilometre trail links the first and second lakes through spruce forest and meadow, and minerals give the water a deep blue-green tone. Horse riding and camping are possible, and the drowned forest of Lake Kaindy is nearby.
History
Formed by glacial damming, the lakes long served as summer pasture for local herders before becoming a national park in the late 20th century.
Highlights
- •Three lakes at different altitudes
- •Trails through spruce forest
- •Horse riding and camping
- •The drowned forest of nearby Lake Kaindy
Practical tips
- •The hike between the first and second lakes takes 3-4 hours
- •Accommodation is limited — book ahead
Practical information
- Best time
- June-September
- Tickets
- National park entry around KZT 1,300
- Opening hours
- All day
- Local food
- Kazy horse sausage, kurt cheese balls, milk tea
- Getting around
- About 280 km from Almaty, roughly 4.5 hours by car.
- Visa
- Visa-free for stays up to 30 days with a valid passport.
Traveller reviews
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