Organization of eco-tours and ecological tourism in Kazakhstan -
Tours, excursions and horse tourism in the Kolsay Lakes National Park -
The Kolsay Lakes are three unique mountain reservoirs located in the picturesque gorges of the Zailiyskiy Alatau in Kazakhstan. These lakes are called "pearls of Tien Shan" due to their amazingly clear water, rich azure color, and the surrounding dense coniferous forests and high mountains. The lakes were formed as a result of tectonic processes and natural transformations that formed a cascade of three lakes through which the Kolsay River flows. The lakes are located at different distances from each other and lie in a cascade in the Kolsay Gorge. Along the lakes there is a picturesque mountain one-day route that connects all three lakes. This route can be walked or ridden on horseback. Horses can be rented in the area of the lower lake. All three lakes are located and belong to the national natural park "Kolsay Lakes". Here in another gorge is the famous Kaindy Lake, which is famous for its sunken Tien Shan Forest, the trees of which stick out of the water and create a magical atmosphere.
Lower Lake (Kolsay-1) is located at an altitude of 1818 meters above sea level, and it is the most easily accessible. You can drive almost to the shore of the lake by car and walk in its vicinity. You can walk around the lake on a boat or a catamaran, which can be rented here. There are guest houses and small hotels on the lake where you can stay overnight and spend the night under the starry sky.
GPS coordinates: 42°59'00"N 78°19'23"E
Middle Lake (Kolsay-2) is located at an altitude of 2252 meters, is deeper and quieter. You can walk to the lake or ride a rented horse. The route to the lake is not difficult, but requires good physical fitness. To travel to the lake on horseback, you must have horse riding skills.
GPS coordinates: 42°56'05"N 78°19'33"E
Upper Lake (Kolsay-3) is located at an altitude of 2850 meters, the smallest, most difficult to access and rarely visited, but incredibly picturesque and beautiful. The path to the lake requires good physical fitness. You need to go to the lake early in the morning, having previously spent the night in one of the guest houses on the lower lake or in the village of Saty.
GPS coordinates: 42°54'39"N 78°20'35"E
How to get there and visit -
The Kolsay Lakes are located 300 kilometers from Almaty in the area of the village of Saty, the upper reaches of the Kolsay gorge, Kegen district, Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°58'37"N 78°19'13"E
Information -
The climate in the Kolsay Lakes area is sharply continental. In summer, the temperature at the lower lake reaches +15, +20°C, and in winter it can drop to -20°C. Even on hot days, the water in the lakes remains cool, which makes them especially refreshing for tourists. The surroundings of the lakes are covered with dense spruce forests, alpine meadows and flowering meadows. Here you can meet marals, mountain goats, foxes and even rare snow leopards. The lakes are home to king trout, but fishing is prohibited. This is an ideal place for hiking and horse riding. A popular route is trekking from the lower to the upper lake, which takes about 6-7 hours one way. Tourists can also enjoy boating, camping and nature watching. In the area of the lower lake there are guest houses and campsites for overnight stays. Also, in the village of Saty there are guest houses and small hotels where you can stay for a longer period.
Kolsay Lakes are a place where you can enjoy the silence of nature, see breathtaking landscapes and feel true harmony with the surrounding world. Regardless of the season, they leave an unforgettable impression and attract travelers with their pristine beauty.
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