Kolsai Lakes Tour from Almaty
A day in the Tian Shan at the emerald first lake of Kolsai, with a forest trail along the shore, boats in summer and horses grazing in the meadows. Hotel pickup, park tickets and a local guide in English, Russian or Turkish; Kaindy Lake can be added on the same route.
- Duration: 10–12 hours
- Start: 07:00 from your hotel in Almaty
- Distance: about 300 km, 4.5–5 hours each way
- Altitude: Kolsai-1 at 1,818 m
- Season: all year round
- Group tour: daily, minimum 2 people
- Private tour: any day, any group size
- Walking: 2–6 km, your choice
- Rated 5.0 on Google (38 reviews)
- Hotel pickup and park entrance fees included
- Change or cancel up to 72 hours before departure
- Reply within 24 hours, usually much faster
Kolsai Lakes tour itinerary
- 07:00 Pickup at your hotel or apartment in Almaty.
- 07:15 Drive east through the steppe and the Chilik valley, with a rest stop for breakfast and toilets on the way.
- 11:00 Optional stop at Kaindy Lake if you have chosen the combined route: transfer to a 4x4 in Saty village and a short walk to the sunken forest.
- 12:30 Arrive at Kolsai-1, the first and lowest lake at 1,818 m. Park gate, then the wooden viewpoint deck above the water.
- 12:45–15:00 Free time at the lake: walk the shore trail through spruce forest, rent a boat or a horse in season, or take the path towards Kolsai-2 as far as you like.
- 15:00 Lunch at a local café or guesthouse near the lake, with Kazakh home cooking (own expense).
- 16:00 Return drive to Almaty.
- 20:00–21:00 Drop-off at your hotel.
This is a long day with about 9 hours of driving in total. If you prefer a slower trip, we can arrange an overnight in a guesthouse or yurt near the lake and return the next day; ask us for a two-day private itinerary.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle: VIP car, minivan or 4x4
- Local guide (English, Russian or Turkish)
- Kolsai Lakes National Park entrance fees
- Bottled water
Not included
- Lunch and personal expenses
- Boat and horse rental at the lake (optional, paid on site)
- Kaindy Lake 4x4 transfer if you add that stop
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
The three lakes of Kolsai
Kolsai is a chain of three lakes in a single mountain valley, each higher and wilder than the last. Almost every day trip visits the first one; the others need serious hiking or an overnight stay.
| Lake | Altitude | Access | What you find there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolsai-1 | 1,818 m | By road, the tour stop | Wooden viewpoint, shore trail, boats, horses, cafés and guesthouses |
| Kolsai-2 | 2,252 m | 5 km hike or horseback, 2.5–3 h one way | The largest and most photographed lake; quiet, no facilities |
| Kolsai-3 | 2,650 m | Full-day hike from Kolsai-2 | Alpine lake below the Kyrgyz border ridge; for experienced hikers with an overnight |
On a standard day tour you have 2–3 hours at Kolsai-1 and can walk part of the trail towards Kolsai-2. Reaching the second lake and returning the same day is possible only with a very early start and good fitness; tell us in advance if that is your plan.
Kolsai with Kaindy Lake
Kaindy Lake lies about 30 km from Kolsai on the same road, past Saty village, and the two are often combined. Kaindy is the lake with the drowned spruce trunks standing out of turquoise water, formed by a landslide in 1911. The last few kilometres are a rough track, so the transfer runs by 4x4 or on horseback.
Doing both in one day is possible but makes for a 13–14 hour trip with limited time at each lake. If you want to enjoy them properly, take the Kaindy Lake tour as a separate day, or ask us for a two-day private trip with an overnight in Saty.
Kolsai Lakes in photos
Best time to visit Kolsai
June to September is the main season: green forest, 15–25 °C at the lake, boats and horses available, and the trail to Kolsai-2 open. Late September and October bring golden larches and the clearest reflections on the water, with fewer visitors. Winter and early spring turn the valley into deep snow; the lake often freezes and the road can require a 4x4, but the scenery is spectacular and you may have it to yourself.
The lake sits in a narrow valley, so the light is best from late morning to mid-afternoon — which suits the arrival time of a day tour.
Bring with you
- Layers: it is 8–10 °C cooler at the lake than in Almaty
- Closed walking shoes; the shore trail has roots and mud after rain
- Rain jacket — mountain weather changes fast
- Insect repellent in June and July
- Cash in tenge for lunch, boats and horses
- Passport or ID; the valley is close to the Kyrgyz border and checks happen
Fitness level: easy for the lake and the shore walk; moderate to hard if you continue towards Kolsai-2.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit all three Kolsai Lakes in one day?
Only with a very early start and good fitness, and even then the third lake is out of reach. Most visitors see Kolsai-1 and walk part of the trail towards Kolsai-2. The upper lakes are better as an overnight trip.
How long is the drive from Almaty?
About 300 km and 4.5–5 hours each way on paved roads with one rest stop, which is why the tour lasts 10–12 hours. Adding Kaindy Lake extends the day by about two hours.
Is swimming or boating allowed?
Swimming is not recommended: the water stays around 6–10 °C even in summer. Boat rental is available at Kolsai-1 in the warm months and life jackets are provided.
Are there restaurants near the lake?
Yes, small cafés and guesthouses near Kolsai-1 serve Kazakh dishes and tea. Choice is limited, so we also recommend bringing snacks and water.
Do I need a ticket for the national park?
Yes, Kolsai Lakes National Park charges an entrance fee at the gate. It is included in your tour price and your guide handles it; the park itself takes cash only.
Can I stay overnight at the lake?
Yes. There are eco-guesthouses, yurts and small lodges near the first lake and in Saty village. They fill up on weekends and holidays, so tell us early if you want a two-day trip and we will book ahead.
Can I ride horses at Kolsai?
Yes, local horses are available at the first lake in season, either for a short ride along the shore or for the trail towards Kolsai-2. Paid on site.
How do I book and pay?
Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp or through the contact form, and say whether you want Kaindy added. We confirm within 24 hours. Group tours usually need no deposit; private tours are confirmed with a deposit, and the balance is paid on the day of the tour.
Related tours
- Kaindy Lake tourThe sunken forest, 30 km from Kolsai
- Charyn Canyon tourOn the same road east, ideal as a second day
- 3 Canyons tourCharyn, Black and Moon Canyon
- Issyk Lake tourA closer mountain lake, shorter day
Book your Kolsai Lakes trip
Tell us your date, number of travellers and whether you want Kaindy Lake on the same route. We reply with availability and a price the same day.
WhatsApp +7 707 717 71 01 info@almatytourkz.comAlmaty Tour KZ · 22 Zenkov Street, Medeu District, Almaty · Local tour operator
Kolsai Lakes · alpine lakes of the Tian Shan See the lakes before you book
Filmed on one of our own departures — the road through the mountain villages, the first lake and the trail along the shore. No stock footage.
Get your price for this tour today
Tell us your dates and group size. We come back with availability and an exact price — usually within a couple of hours.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- Answer within 24 hours
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours
- English · Russian · Turkish
