Kolsai Lakes are represented by three lakes - Lower, Middle and Upper - Kolsai 1, 2 and 3, located at an altitude of 1800, 2250 and 2700m.
Lake Kolsay 1 is the longest, it is possible to walk on boats or catamarans.
For connoisseurs of mountain hiking is offered hiking 8 km to the lake Kolsai 2 on the picturesque gorge. You can also hike up to it by renting a horse. The wilderness of Kolsai Lake 2 is striking in its pristine beauty, and there are traditionally fewer tourists.
Kayındı is a lake with pine trees from the deepest depths. This is explained by the fact that Lake Kaiyndy was formed by an earthquake, which blocked the river and allowed to flood the gorge. Breathtaking views are guaranteed.
Charyn Canyon is an opportunity to see how dramatically landscapes change over a relatively short distance, from millennia-old rocks that have formed castle-like structures to the green and azure of mountain lakes.
Lakes Kolsay 1,2,3 are located between the Kungei Alatau and Zailiisky Alatau ridges, in the Kolsay Kolder national park, which is 350 km from the city of Almaty.
They are located in the Kolsay Gorge in the border area with Kyrgyzstan.
It takes 8 km on foot or on horseback to reach the Kolsai 2 lake, which will be a great challenge for lovers of hiking.
Lake Kaiyndy is located in the neighboring gorge. The road to the lake is mountainous, so it is advisable to drive 4 WD off-road vehicles there. Famous for the centuries-old pines rising from the depths, which looks stunningly picturesque in both summer and winter.
Charyn Canyon is on the way to the lakes, 170 km from the city.
The excursion with the ascent to the Kolsay 2 lake usually takes three days to enjoy the views comfortably and unhurriedly. The reason for this is that Lake Middle Kolsai 2 is supposed to be an 8 km hike, which takes a long time, depending on your physical fitness.
You can choose three options for overnight stay: a guest house in the village of Saty with meals included, hotels on the shore of Lake Kolsai 1 with a view of the lake from the room, or tents in the warm season.
The trip is possible at any time of the year - autumn colors of the contrast of spruce and deciduous trees, fresh summer greenery and cool, or winter fairy tale charm.
