Popular mountain rivers in the Almaty region -
Mountain hike along the Kolsay River through the Kolsay Lakes -
The Kolsay River is one of the picturesque mountain rivers of southeastern Kazakhstan, flowing through the Kolsay Lakes National Park. Its waters originate at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters in Kungey-Alatau, passing through the system of the famous Kolsay Lakes, and then descending down, forming turbulent streams among the rocks and dense coniferous forests. The river flows through the "Upper Kolsay Lake", then it flows into the "Middle Kolsay Lake" and even lower the river flows into the "Lower Kolsay Lake". There is a mountain route along the river, along which you will pass all three lakes, this route can be done on foot or on horseback. The river is 25 kilometers long and its source is at an altitude of 3,274 meters above sea level. The river flows downstream into the Chilik River and is its right tributary.
How to get there and visit -
The Kolsay River is located 300 kilometers from Almaty, Kungey Alatau Mountains, Kolsay Lakes National Nature Park, Kegen District, Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 42°58'16"N 78°19'14"E
Information -
The Kolsay River flows through the Almaty Region and is part of a unique water basin that feeds the Charyn River. Its crystal clear waters are formed by melting glaciers and precipitation. Despite its relatively short length, the river is distinguished by its swiftness and picturesqueness, and its bed is a series of rocky rapids and deep backwaters. The banks of the river are surrounded by dense spruce forests, alpine meadows and steep rocky cliffs. Depending on the altitude, the vegetation changes - from mighty Tien Shan spruces to dwarf shrubs and flowering mountain meadows. In summer, the air here is fresh and cool, and in winter the river partially freezes, covered with delicate ice patterns. Along the river you can meet roe deer, marals, and even rare snow leopards. In the waters of the lower Kolsay Lake, where the Kolsay River flows, there is king trout, which makes the river attractive. However, fishing within the national park is prohibited.
The Kolsay River is not just a stream of water, but a real natural landmark, harmoniously integrated into the mountain landscape. Here you can feel the power of pristine nature, breathe in the clean mountain air and enjoy the silence, broken only by the sound of water. This is a place where you want to return again and again.
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