Kaindy and Kolsay Lake Tour
Active
16h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Begin your day with an early departure from Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. As you travel, the ever-changing countryside unfolds before you, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty that awaits.
Your first stop is the renowned Kaindy Lake, known for its surreal sunken forest. The sight of submerged trees beneath the lake's turquoise surface against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks is truly mesmerizing.
After lunch, The journey begins at Lower Kolsay, the most accessible of the three. Enjoy a leisurely walk by its shores, taking in the serene atmosphere and mountain reflections.
In the evening we will return to Almaty.
Tour highlights are below:
Witness the surreal beauty of Kaindy Lake with its sunken forest and emerald waters.
Explore the Kolsay Lake, which offering a unique charm and natural spectacle.
It will take 4.5 hours to get to the destination, and also 4.5 hours to get back to Almaty.
Available options
Kaindy and Kolsay Lake Tour
What's included
Travel by UAZ to Kaindy
Admission fee to Kaindy and Kolsay
Detailed itinerary
1
Lake Kaindy is about 400 meters long, reaching depths of nearly 30 meters at its deepest point. Altered by limestone deposits, the water maintains a bluish-green color. The lake contains trunks of submerged Picea schrenkiana trees that rise above the surface of the lake.
2
“Kolsay” means “Valley Lake” in the Kazakh language, for these freshwater lakes lie in a valley in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains some 300 kilometers from Almaty. The three lakes – Verkhneye (Upper), Mynzholki (Middle) and Nizhneye (Lower) - are located at 2,700, 2,250 and 1,800 meters above sea level, respectively.
What's not included
Boat Riding 25 dollars
Horse Riding 25 dollars
Available languages
Guide guide
RU
EN
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Important information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Destination is 300 kilometers away from almaty, it takes 4.5 hours to get to the place
Travel time is already included in the total duration time
Meeting point
Parking lot of the Alatau metro station (on Abay street , corner of Zharokova street, opposite the Taurus business centre)
About Almaty
Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.
Top Attractions
Kok Tobe Hill
Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.
Nature/Scenic Viewpoint
1-2 hours
Free to enter, fees for attractions
Zenkov Cathedral
Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.
Historical/Religious
30-60 minutes
Free
Green Bazaar
Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Market
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for purchases
Medeu Skating Rink
Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.
Sports/Adventure
2-3 hours
Entrance and rental fees vary
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Nature/Scenic Viewpoint
Half-day to full-day trip
Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours
Must-Try Local Dishes
Beshbarmak
A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.
Main course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Lagman
A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.
Main course
Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.
Shashlik
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.
Main course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Baursaks
Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.
Snack
Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Skiing
Snowboarding
Ice skating
Spa treatments
Tea house visits
Park picnics
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.
20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
68°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Kazakh, Russian
- Widely spoken: Russian, English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Time Zone
ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations
Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train
Almaty-2 Railway Station
By bus
Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Kok Tobe
Saryarka
Zhetysu
Day trips
Charyn Canyon
200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip
Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.
Kolsai Lakes
300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip
The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.
Issyk Glacier
60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip
Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.
Festivals
Almaty Apple Festival • September
Almaty International Film Festival • September
Almaty Jazz Fest • June
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
- Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
- Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
- Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
- Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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