A Trip to All Three Kolsay Lakes in Kolsay Kolderi Park -
Jeep Tour from Almaty to Kolsay -
Lake Kolsay Middle is one of the most picturesque high-mountain lakes in Kazakhstan, located between the "Lower Kolsay Lake" and the "Upper Kolsay Lake". All three lakes are connected by a picturesque mountain route that can be completed in one day. The lake is located at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level and amazes with its pristine beauty, clean water and silence, broken only by the noise of the mountain wind and the singing of birds. The length of the lake is 1.2 kilometers, the width is 600 meters, the depth is over 50 meters. The distance from the Lower Kolsay Lake to the Middle Kolsay Lake is 9 kilometers. This emerald reservoir is surrounded by steep cliffs covered with Tien Shan spruce, creating the feeling of a fairy-tale amphitheater. The water here is colder than in the lower lake (in summer no higher than +8°C), but the transparency of the water is amazing - up to 12 meters! The trunks of sunken trees floating in the water give a special charm, creating surreal landscapes. In addition to the above-mentioned natural attractions, the reserve has another no less interesting lake Kaindy, in which trees, Tien Shan spruce, stand in the water. A trip to the reserve can also be combined with visits to the Charyn Park and Reserve and the famous Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles).
How to get there, visit -
The middle Kolsay Lake is located 9 kilometers from the lower Kolsay Lake, Kungey-Alatau Mountains, Northern Tien Shan Mountain System, Kolsay Lakes Nature Park, Kegen District, Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°56'04"N 78°19'34"E
Information -
The flora and fauna of the middle Kolsay Lake amazes with its richness and pristine nature. In June, the slopes explode with blooms: scarlet poppies coexist with delicate edelweiss, and the air is filled with the aroma of mountain herbs. Coniferous forests here are denser than at the lower lake, and at higher altitudes the kingdom of alpine meadows begins. Of particular value are rare plant species listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan - for example, golden root (rhodiola rosea) and several species of mountain tulips. The fauna of these places will surprise even seasoned travelers. In the morning twilight, you can see cautious marals by the water, and during the day, you can hear the call of mountain turkeys (ular). If you're lucky, you'll see a soaring golden eagle or saker falcon. Despite the icy water, trout live in the lake itself, but catching them is strictly prohibited - this is a protected area. To get to the lake, you can walk 9 kilometers from the lower lake or rent horses and ride this route on horseback. The visiting season for this location is very short - from mid-June to the end of September. In October, there is already snow here, and in the spring, the paths are washed out. Experienced guides advise starting the ascent at dawn - by midday, clouds often cover the views, and the weather can change. Be sure to take warm clothes (at night it can be up to 0 ° C), trekking poles and a supply of water - there are few springs on the route. This place is for those who are looking for not just beautiful photos, but a real unity with nature. There are no crowds of tourists, shops or mobile communications here – just you, the mountains and their ancient, enchanting silence. You can stay overnight at the lower lake in guest houses and hotels or in the village of Saty, where there are also guest houses.
Lake Kolsay middle is a place where you can feel real freedom, enjoy the magnificence of the mountains and recharge yourself with the energy of pristine nature.
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