Kolsai and Kaindy lakes

We invite you to visit an unusual cascade of three Kulsai lakes, which are located in Kungei Alatau, in the northern part of the Tien Shan (about 310 kilometers from Almaty). The lakes proudly spread out over the territory of the Rayymbek district, 7 km from the Kyrgyz border. The road to them is not easy, but it is very interesting and exciting. First you need to drive through the city of Chilik, then you cross the tiny village of Nura, and then overcome the Kokpek gorge being 13 kilometers long. About 30 years ago, the road was completely destroyed by a catastrophic mudflow. But the specialists managed to repair and completely restore the path to the lakes.

Then you pass the Toraigyr mountains and turn right, taking the path towards Zhalansh (a small village). The next point is Saty village. Here you drive three kilometers, and then you will see a decent asphalt road turning left. It will lead to the first of three lakes.

The local alpine lakes are unique, they are simply called: Kulsai one, Kulsai two and Kulsai Three. The first reservoir is located at an altitude of about 1,818 meters above sea level, the second – at 2260 meters above, and the third – at an altitude of 2,850 meters. All lakes have decent depth. Each of the reservoirs is formed by the collapse of severe landslides. Because of them, the fast, stormy river stopped. It is curious that in all flowing lakes the water is quite dark; they are connected by the homonymous river.

Here are more details about the three lakes.

Kolsai one stretches for one and a half kilometers long, pressed in a narrow gorge. Around it you can see the beautiful Tien Shan spruce. In general, the local nature surprises and delights. You can enjoy the beautiful clean mountain air. In the water of the lake you can see a large number of rainbow trout. It is not surprising that many fishermen make a real pilgrimage here to enjoy their favorite process. In addition, Kolsai One Lake is accessible to all tourists, because it can be reached by car, including inexperienced drivers.

Lake Kolsai two can be reached on foot along the western slope. The journey takes approximately two hours. The reservoir, located at 2,252 kilometers, resembles a heart in shape. This place is crowded at weekends. In the nearby forest grow mushrooms grow. In the reservoir, as well as in Kolsai One Lake, rainbow trout is found. Many tourists come here on horseback. It is practical. After all, you can enjoy the beauties surrounding the lake, but at the same time do not feel the weight of the load. In general, this place is specially created for walking. You can wander for hours here and constantly discover some new natural beauties.

Lake Kolsai Three, located at 2,850 meters high, 5 km from the state border with the Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Since 2017, this circumstance does not allow visiting the third – the upper lake without a border pass.

Kaindy Lake is located in one of the gorges of Kungei Alatau, at 1,867 meters above sea level. The water temperature is low here, although diving enthusiasts love this place. The reservoir received the prefix “dead”, but you can notice how the fish splashes in it. If we talk about the geological age, then Kaindy is a young lake formed just over a century ago. It owes its appearance to a natural cataclysm – an earthquake. Due to the tremors, the powerful slopes of the mountains collapsed and blocked the path of the wild river, which contributed to the formation of the dam. The bowl was swiftly filled with clear water. So there was Lake Kaindy.

The lake in its longest part reaches 430 meters. The maximum depth is 21 meters. Thanks to clean water, you can easily see the bottom and, of course, the main feature of the reservoir – centuries-old spruce trees, which are flooded here. This unusual appearance provides the lake with a certain mystery. You look at the tops, and the feeling that the time around has stopped, has stopped, does not leave. It was the underwater forest, coupled with clear water, that predetermined the interest of divers in Lake Kaindy. However, you should dive only in insulated suits, since the water temperature does not exceed 5 degrees.

Despite the long term in the water, the wood did not rot. But at the same time, numerous algae and tina appeared. Scientists explain the preservation of the appearance of spruce trees by the fact that lake water is very cold, at such a low temperature the wood does not rot for a long time.

Lake water changes its color. It all depends on weather conditions and the specific time of the year. Water in Kaindy can have a pleasant pale blue color, and can reach a catchy blue hue. Therefore, tourists who come here each time can open the pond in a new way, reveal completely different facets of its splendor. The landscape is additionally decorated with majestic shores of stones. They only emphasize the tenderness of the surface of the water. You will certainly be struck by the beauty and surroundings of the reservoir.

You can come to the lake year-round. But it is best to do this between May and October. Here you will find such activities as picking mushroom or fishing. In addition, this is the most favorable time for horseback riding or walking. Of course, you can visit the local lakes in the winter too. For example, to enjoy skiing or take a walk through unusual places in cold weather. If you come here in May or June, stock up on tick protection products. Regardless of the time of year, be sure to bring warm clothing.

If you have ever visited mountain lakes, you will never forget their extraordinary beauty and tranquility surrounding these places. Early in the morning, you can see the reflection of the sky and the impeccable panorama of the mountain landscape on the surface of the water. These places abound in steep cliffs, dense forests, alpine meadows, glades of flowering plants. All this fascinates! Therefore, come to Kolsai Lakes at any time of the year!

You will surely enjoy the path leading here from Almaty. In addition, the anticipation of seeing unique natural attractions is always nice. You will pass along the rocky slopes, which amaze with the variety of animal and plant worlds. By the way, not far from the lakes there is a birch grove. Actually, one of the reservoirs, Kaindy, was named after the tree. After all, the word translates as “birch”.