Kolsai Lakes National Park

Kolsai Lakes National Park, established in 2007, protects the stunning Kolsai Lakes — three alpine lakes nestled in the Tian Shan mountains at elevations of 1,818 m, 2,250 m, and 2,700 m. Known as the "Pearls of the Tian Shan," these turquoise lakes are surrounded by spruce forests and snow-capped peaks. The park also includes Lake Kaindy, famous for its submerged forest.

By Plane

Almaty International Airport (ALA) is 300 km west. 4-5 hour drive.

By Train

No railway. Road transport from Almaty.

By Car / Road

From Almaty, drive east via the A-351 to the Saty turnoff, then 10 km north to the park gate. Public transport: marshrutka to Kegen, then hire local transport. Guided tours from Almaty also available.

Hiking is the primary mode within the park. Horses can be hired in Saty for treks. 4x4 for park roads.

• Lake Kolsai 1 (Lower) — the largest lake at 1 km long, easily accessible

• Lake Kolsai 2 (Middle) — reached by 5 km hike uphill

• Lake Kolsai 3 (Upper) — the highest lake, 13 km trek from Lake 1

• Lake Kaindy — 30 km from Saty, famous for submerged spruce trunks in turquoise water

• Tian Shan peaks — 360-degree mountain panoramas

• Trekking between the lakes — the main activity (1-3 days)

• Horseback riding — multi-day treks on Kazakh horses

• Kayaking on Lake Kolsai 1 — rental available in summer

• Photography — world-class alpine scenery

• Camping by the lakes — designated campsites available

• Fishing — permits available (Lake 1 has trout)

• Park cafe (seasonal) — near Lake 1, simple meals
• Picnic food from guesthouse — packed lunch
• No restaurants inside the park

• Mountain streams — safe to drink when boiled
• Bottled water — bring from Almaty

• Guesthouses in Saty — budget to mid-range homestays, 5,000-10,000 KZT per person
• Yurt camps near Lake 1 — traditional accommodation, 10,000-15,000 KZT
• Camping by the lake — tent camping, 500 KZT permit per person
• Ranger huts (Lake 2 and 3) — basic shelter, enquire at park office

• Souvenir stand at park entrance — basic handicrafts
• Bring supplies from Almaty — limited options at the park

• Kaindy Lake (30 km) — sunken forest lake
• Charyn National Park (100 km) — Valley of Castles canyon
• Kegen Valley (30 km) — alpine meadows and horse trekking
• Altyn-Emel National Park (250 km) — Singing Dune