The Kolsai Lakes are a chain of three alpine lakes in the northern Tien Shan, close to the Kyrgyz border, reached through the village of Saty. Dark spruce forest climbs steep slopes to the water, and on a still day the lakes mirror the mountains. The Lower Lake is the easy one, with a short walk from the park entrance, while the Middle and Upper lakes need real hiking on narrow, rocky trails. Nearby, Lake Kaindy is famous for the drowned spruce trunks that rise from its turquoise water, a flooded forest created when a landslide dammed a gorge. Because the lakes are far from Almaty, most visitors take a long group or private day trip that also stops at Charyn Canyon, or stay overnight in Saty. In November the high lakes are cold, snow and ice affect roads and trails, and some hiking sections may be impassable, so treat it as a scenic outing rather than a trekking expedition. The reward is solitude and stark autumn-to-winter beauty.
How to do it: the most popular option on Viator is a small-group day tour from Almaty covering Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn Canyon, which is a very long day on the road of around twelve hours or more. It is excellent value for the scenery but tiring, and it suits travelers who are comfortable with early starts. A two-day private option with an overnight near the lakes spreads the effort and gives more time on the trails.
What to expect: a long drive east and south through steppe and valleys, a stop at the Lower Kolsai Lake, a short walk and photo time, then a visit to Kaindy if conditions allow, and Charyn on the way back. Trails to the Middle and Upper lakes are narrow with loose stones and roots, and swimming is prohibited. In winter, access to the upper lakes may be limited and roads can be icy, so ask the operator what is open on your date and whether the full itinerary is realistic.
Best planning: choose clear forecast days, wear warm layers, waterproof boots and bring snacks and water, since services are sparse. If your time in Almaty is short, consider doing Charyn alone on a shorter day and saving the lakes for warmer months. If you are set on the lakes, an overnight trip is the better way to enjoy them rather than racing through. Either way, the scale and silence of the Tien Shan make it one of the highlights of a Kazakhstan visit.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group day trip to the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, usually combined with Charyn Canyon, with a long drive and short walks; hikes to the upper lakes are optional and weather dependent.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn for full access; November is cold and snowy, with quieter trails.
How long
Twelve hours or more as a day trip; two days is more comfortable.
Tips
Confirm which lakes are accessible on your date, wear waterproof boots and warm layers, bring food and water and be ready for an early start.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Mountain lovers who want alpine lakes and are happy with a long day.
- Families
- Possible with older children who handle long drives; the Lower Lake walk is easy, upper trails are not.
- Couples
- Consider the two-day version to enjoy the lakes slowly.
- Pair with
- Charyn Canyon, which is on the same route.
- Time needed
- A full day of twelve hours or more, or two days.
Good questions
Can I visit Kolsai and Kaindy in one day from Almaty?+
Yes, small-group tours do it in about twelve hours, often with Charyn Canyon too. It is long, so a two-day trip is more comfortable.
What are the Kolsai Lakes?+
A chain of three alpine lakes in the Tien Shan, reached through the village of Saty. The Lower Lake is an easy walk; the Middle and Upper lakes need real hiking.
What is special about Lake Kaindy?+
It is famous for dead spruce trunks rising from turquoise water, a flooded forest created by a landslide damming the gorge.
Is it possible in November?+
It can be, but snow and ice affect roads and trails, and upper-lake hikes may be unsafe or closed. Ask your operator.
Can I swim?+
No. Swimming in the Kolsai Lakes is prohibited.
