Tours and excursions in the Kolsay Lakes Nature Reserve -
Travel from Almaty to Kolsay Kolderi -
In the very heart of the Kungey-Alatau ridge, at an altitude of 2640 meters above sea level, one of the most mysterious and picturesque high-mountain lakes of Kazakhstan is hidden - Upper Kolsay. The water here is clean and cold, and the landscapes are mesmerizing. The lake is small, miniature and very beautiful, its length is 456 meters, width is 310 meters, the depth can reach 80 meters. It is the third and most remote in the chain of the famous Kolsay lakes. The lake is located on a picturesque mountain route that passes through the "Lower Kolsay Lake" and "Middle Kolsay Lake". This is a place for those who seek solitude, pristine nature and a real adventure. This destination is also well suited for lovers of active recreation, hiking and mountaineering. The distance from the middle Kolsay Lake to the upper Kolsay Lake is 3 kilometers (2 hours' walk). The Kolsay River flows into the lake, which originates from the high-mountain moraine lake Sarybulak, which is located higher at an altitude of 3,175 meters above sea level. If desired, this lake can also be visited, but this will require additional time. Above is the Sarybulak mountain pass, which is 3,274 meters above sea level. The border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan runs along the pass.
How to get there, visit -
Upper Kolsay Lake is located 12 kilometers from Lower Kolsay Lake on the northern slope of the Kungey Alatau Mountains, Kolsay Kolderi (Kolsay Lakes) Nature Park, Kegen District, Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°54'40"N 78°20'36"E
Information -
Upper Kolsay Lake is a natural mirror surrounded by rocks and dense coniferous forests. Due to the high altitude and cold climate, even in summer the water temperature does not exceed 6-8°C, and in winter the lake freezes completely. The path to this lake is a real challenge for outdoor enthusiasts. The distance from Almaty to the first Kolsay Lake (lower) is about 300 km, and from there to the upper lake you need to walk about 15 km along mountain trails. The distance from the lower Kolsay Lake to the middle Kolsay Lake is 9 kilometers, then from the middle lake to the upper lake the distance is 3 kilometers. On average, it takes 4-6 hours to climb from the lower lake to the upper lake, depending on your fitness level, but every step along this path is worth the effort. Therefore, if you want to visit all three lakes during the day, you need to leave as early as possible at 6 am. When hiking to the lake, be sure to use the services of certified mountain guides who will first instruct you, prepare you for the hike and safely lead you along the route. The landscapes around Upper Kolsay look like scenes from a science fiction film. Forests of Tien Shan firs, alpine meadows, clean mountain air - all this makes the atmosphere here special.
The landscapes around Upper Kolsay look like scenes from a science fiction film. Forests of Tien Shan firs, alpine meadows, clean mountain air - all this makes the atmosphere here special. The fauna here includes roe deer, marals, mountain goats, eagles and golden eagles soar in the sky. The flora includes plants such as juniper, rowan, alpine flowers and unique plants adapted to the highlands. Attention, collecting any plants on the territory of the reserve is prohibited, take care of nature. The optimal season for a hike to Upper Kolsay Lake is from June to September. In the spring, the trails can be washed away, and in the fall there may already be snow here. It is cool here in the summer, the daytime temperature rarely rises above +15°C, and at night it can drop to 0°C. You need to take with you: warm clothes and shoes, a tent and a sleeping bag - if you plan to spend the night, a supply of food and water - there are no shops in the mountains. A camera - the views here are unforgettable.
Upper Kolsay Lake is a place where time stands still and the heart skips a beat. If you are looking for a real journey, ready to challenge the mountains and see the incredible beauty of nature – this lake is waiting for you!
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