One-day trip from Almaty to Kolsay Lakes -
Walk around Kolsay Lake and go boating -
Lake Kolsay, lower - one of the most picturesque places in Kazakhstan, hidden in the majestic mountains of the Northern Tien Shan at an altitude of 1818 meters above sea level. This is the first pearl among the three famous Kolsay Lakes, attracting travelers with crystal clear water, surrounding forests and an indescribable atmosphere of solitude with nature. The lake is located on the territory of the Kolsay Lakes Nature Reserve and Nature Park, approximately 300 kilometers from Almaty, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. You can get to the lake by car, covering this distance in 4-5 hours. The road passes through the Charyn Canyon, the village of Saty and the picturesque foothills of the Northern Tien Shan, which makes the trip unforgettable from the first minutes. In addition to the first main lake, further up the trail, the length of which is 9 kilometers (3 hours of walking), there is the middle lake Kolsay (No. 2, the second) and even higher is the upper lake Kolsay (No. 3, the third). A mountain route leads to both lakes, which can be overcome during one day if you leave early in the morning.
Lower Lake Kolsay is the most accessible of the three lakes, the water in the lake is an amazing blue color, clean and cool even in summer. Its length is 1.3 kilometers, width 345 meters, the perimeter of the lake is 3.4 kilometers, depth 80 meters. The lake is surrounded by dense coniferous forests, mountain slopes and alpine meadows, creating ideal conditions for relaxation and photography. It is especially beautiful here in autumn – the forests are painted in golden and crimson shades, reflected in the mirror-like surface of the water. The water temperature in the lake rarely rises above +10°C even in the warm season, so swimming here is more for seasoned tourists. In the vicinity of the lake, you can find various species of plants and animals typical of the high-mountain regions of the Tien Shan. The wooded slopes are rich in coniferous trees, shrubs and alpine meadows, which are covered with bright flowers in the spring. Among the animals, there are foxes, marmots, mountain goats, as well as rare species of birds, such as bearded vultures and golden eagles. The lake is fed by the Kolsay River, which originates in the Kungey-Alatau glaciers. The water of the lake is cold and transparent, which makes it an ideal place for observing nature. The lake freezes in winter, and in the spring it fills with meltwater, creating impressive landscapes. The lake is home to king trout, but fishing is prohibited on the lake, but you can go boating on the lake and have picnics on the shore, you can also rent a horse and ride along the lake. You can stay overnight near the lake in one of the guest houses or hotels, there are also guest houses in the village of Saty, which is on the way to the lake.
How to get there, visit -
Lower Kolsay Lake is located 301 kilometers from Almaty, 15 kilometers from the village of Saty in the Kolsay Lakes National Park and Nature Reserve (Kolsay Kolderi), Kegen District, Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°59'04"N 78°19'27"E
Information -
Lower Kolsay Lake is a real paradise for photographers and travelers. On our photo tour to the lake, you will find the best angles and the opportunity to capture picturesque reflections of the mountains in the water, morning fog over the lake, the rich flora and fauna of the region. Our guides know all the secret spots for shooting, and will also help you choose the time of day and angles to create stunning shots. We offer excursions with professional guides who will help you not only enjoy the beauty of the lake, but also learn its history, natural features and legends associated with this place. If you have more time for the trip, we can rent horses and climb them to the middle lake Kolsay, which is located higher and was at an altitude of 2256 meters above sea level. It is also no less graceful and beautiful, surrounded by beautiful mountains and coniferous forests. There is also the upper lake Kolsay at an altitude of 2636 meters above sea level, which is also accessible on foot or on horseback.
What awaits you on our tours to Kolsay Lake: ✅ Professional support ✅ Unique trails and the best observation platforms ✅ A story about the local flora, fauna and geographical features ✅ Organization of picnics and outdoor recreation ✅ The possibility to combine the trip with a visit to the Charyn Canyon. For your comfort, we provide transportation from Almaty - comfortable SUVs and minibuses equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable trip. The cost of our tours includes transfer, guide and organizational issues.
Available transport options:
Comfortable SUVs (up to 3 people)
Minivans and minibuses (up to 15 people)
Individual VIP tours
Why visit Kolsay Lake?
Accessibility – only 4-5 hours from Almaty
Unique nature – a combination of coniferous forests, mountain meadows and crystal-clear water
Suitable for everyone – you can come for one day or stay overnight
Lots of activities – photo tours, hiking, boating, horse riding
A great place to relax – clean air, mountain scenery and silence
Photogallery:
