If you ask a resident of Almaty about the best place for outdoor recreation, Kolsay Lakes will undoubtedly make it into the top three. This amazing corner of nature, often called the "pearl of the Northern Tien Shan," is located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Almaty, in a picturesque gorge between the Kungey-Alatau and Zailiysky Alatau mountain ranges.
Kolsay Lakes National Park
On February 7, 2007, the Government of Kazakhstan adopted a resolution to establish the State National Natural Park "Kolsay Lakes." Today it is one of the youngest, yet incredibly popular national parks in the country. Its area is impressive — over 161 thousand hectares.
The park was not created without reason: its territory contains unique natural sites, among which the main treasures are the three Kolsay Lakes and the famous Lake Kaindy with its submerged forest. The formation of these lakes is linked to tragic events — the powerful earthquakes of 1887 and 1911, when mountain landslides blocked rivers, creating these remarkable bodies of water.
Three Lakes — Three Worlds
The Kolsay Lakes system consists of three bodies of water located at different altitudes:
• Lower Lake (Kolsay-1) — is situated at an elevation of about 1,818 meters above sea level. It reaches 1 kilometer in length, 400 meters in width, and up to 39 meters in depth.
• Middle Lake (Kolsay-2) — is located at approximately 2,252 meters and is considered the largest of the three.
• Upper Lake (Kolsay-3) — sits highest of all, at around 2,850 meters.
Each of the lakes is beautiful in its own way, but it is the Lower Lake that has become the main attraction for the majority of visitors.
Lower Kolsay Lake — Resort Area
Unlike Chimbulak, which is located practically within the city limits and is a modern ski resort, Kolsay offers a completely different atmosphere — here you can feel a true remoteness from civilization, the nature has preserved its pristine quality, and the air is filled with the coniferous aroma of Tien Shan spruce trees.
It is around the Lower Lake that the main tourist infrastructure has developed. You can get here by regular car — the journey from Almaty takes about 4-5 hours, with the entire route running along paved highway.
Parking and Descent to Kolsay Lake
A convenient spacious parking lot is located on an elevation above the lake. From here, the first breathtaking view opens up over the turquoise expanse of the water, surrounded by dense forests and mountain peaks. To get right to the water`s edge, you need to walk a short distance — the descent will not take much time.
Walks Along the Shore of Kolsay Lake
On the eastern shore of the lake, a wooden boardwalk has been laid out, stretching along the water`s edge. This is an excellent spot for a leisurely stroll — you can enjoy the views, listen to the lapping of the water, and breathe in the healing mountain air.
The wooden path will lead you to a small pier. Here, tourists can rent a boat or a catamaran to go out onto the middle of the lake.
The water here is incredibly clear — visibility reaches 3-5 meters, and on a sunny day the bottom can be seen even at depths of 7-10 meters. Boating on the lake is a distinct pleasure, as the water offers a completely different perspective on the surrounding mountains.
Where to Stay at Kolsay Lakes
A well-developed accommodation infrastructure has grown up around the lake to suit every taste and budget. Here you can find:
• Traditional Kazakh yurts — colorful accommodation with national flavor. Such yurts often come with all amenities, including a restroom, and the interior is decorated in a national style.
• Cozy chalets and guest houses — for those who prefer more conventional comfort.
Particularly popular are resort bases with cottages and Khan`s yurts, where guests can enjoy restaurants, bathhouses, saunas, and campfire areas for evening gatherings. In the neighboring village of Saty, you can also rent a room in a guest house from local residents — this is an excellent way to experience Kazakh hospitality.
Where to Eat
You won`t go hungry here — restaurants and cafes are in operation, serving dishes of national cuisine. Beshbarmak deserves special attention, as local hostesses prepare it according to traditional recipes.
Trails and Routes for Walks at Kolsay Lakes
For those who come to Kolsay Lake not just for relaxation by the water but also for active pastime, several interesting routes have been laid out here:
Walks Along the Lower Lake
The simplest option is a leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the shore. This route is suitable for all ages, requires no special preparation, and is accessible even to children. The path runs along the eastern shore, offering picturesque views of the lake and mountains.
Trek to the Middle Lake
For those who want more, there is a trail from the Lower Lake to the Middle Lake. The route takes 3-4 hours one way with an elevation gain of about 450 meters. The trail passes through a dense spruce forest, constantly revealing new panoramas.
This trek is considered a route of moderate difficulty — the ascent is gradual, but it requires good physical fitness and comfortable trekking footwear. The second lake greets travelers with amazing tranquility and even more vivid turquoise water. Camping is permitted here.
Path to the Upper Lake
This one is for the most resilient. From the Middle Lake to the Upper Lake, you need to walk another 2-3 hours along a difficult trail with rockfalls. At an altitude of nearly 3 kilometers, snow can lie even in summer. Only a few make it here — the lake is worth it to see its wild, untouched beauty.
For those who do not wish to walk, local entrepreneurs offer horseback rides. You can also rent an ATV to explore the surroundings.
What Else Is Important to Know
The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is stable, trails are open, and nature delights with vibrant colors. The water in the lake does not warm above 12-14 degrees even in summer, so swimming is an activity for the hardy.
The popularity of Kolsay is growing rapidly: the national park is visited by hundreds of thousands of people annually, with the main portion of tourist flow directed specifically at the Lower Lake and the nearby Lake Kaindy.
Development plans include the construction of a cable car that will connect the Lower and Middle Lakes, making visits even more accessible.
Kolsay Lakes is a dynamically developing pearl of Kazakhstan, attracting more and more travelers each year. And although today the infrastructure is concentrated mainly around the Lower Lake, and the trails to the Middle and Upper Lakes are still accessible only to hikers, the emergence of new routes and cable cars in the near future will make this park even more open. However, regardless of the degree of improvement, Kolsay`s main treasure will remain unchanged — its pristine nature, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear air. Visit this place to see Kazakhstan in all its natural beauty.
