Things to Do in Kolsai Lakes, Қазақстан

Kolsai Lakes, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan, represents one of the country's most spectacular natural treasures. This pristine alpine lake system consists of three stunning turquoise lakes surrounded by dense spruce forests and towering snow-capped peaks, earning it the nickname 'Pearls of the Tian Shan.' Located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Almaty, these glacial lakes offer visitors an untouched wilderness experience with crystal-clear waters that perfectly mirror the surrounding mountain landscape. The area has become increasingly popular among nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers seeking to explore Kazakhstan's remarkable biodiversity and dramatic mountain scenery. Each lake sits at a different elevation, creating diverse ecosystems and offering varying levels of hiking difficulty, from gentle walks around the lower lake to challenging treks to the remote upper lakes. The region provides an authentic escape into Central Asian wilderness, where visitors can experience traditional Kazakh hospitality while enjoying some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the former Soviet Union.

Top Things to Do in Kolsai Lakes

Hiking to Upper Kolsai Lakes

Trek through pristine alpine terrain to reach the second and third Kolsai Lakes, each offering increasingly dramatic mountain vistas. The challenging 6-8 hour round trip hike to the upper lakes rewards adventurers with untouched wilderness, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Tian Shan range.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides for $30-50 per day, especially for upper lake treks. Best attempted June-September when trails are accessible. Book accommodation in advance as guesthouses fill quickly during peak season.

Horseback Riding Adventures

Explore the mountain valleys and lake shores on traditional Kazakh horses, following ancient nomadic routes through the stunning landscape. Experienced guides lead riders through diverse terrain, from lakeside paths to high mountain meadows filled with wildflowers during summer months.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local guesthouses for $25-40 per day including guide. No prior experience necessary, but inform operators of your skill level. Best weather conditions are May through September.

Photography Tours

Capture the ethereal beauty of the Kolsai Lakes system with specialized photography expeditions led by local experts who know the best vantage points and lighting conditions. These tours focus on landscape photography, wildlife spotting, and traditional Kazakh culture in the surrounding villages.

Booking Tip: Book specialized photo tours for $60-100 per day through Almaty operators. Golden hour shoots require early morning starts. Bring extra batteries as cold temperatures drain power quickly.

Fishing Expeditions

Try your luck fishing for rainbow trout in the pristine waters of the lower Kolsai Lake, where the clear mountain water provides excellent fishing conditions. Local guides provide equipment and share traditional fishing techniques while ensuring sustainable practices to preserve the lake's ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Obtain fishing permits through local authorities for $10-15. Hire guides with equipment for $30-40 per day. Best fishing is early morning and evening during summer months.

Cultural Village Visits

Experience authentic Kazakh nomadic culture by visiting local villages near the lakes, where families maintain traditional lifestyles. Participate in daily activities like milking cows, making traditional dairy products, and learning about the region's rich cultural heritage and customs.

Booking Tip: Arrange homestays through local operators for $20-30 per night including meals. Learn basic Russian or Kazakh phrases for better interaction. Bring small gifts for host families as a gesture of respect.

Getting There

Reaching Kolsai Lakes requires traveling from Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, which serves as the main gateway. The journey involves a 4-5 hour drive southeast via the town of Saty, with the route passing through dramatic mountain scenery and traditional Kazakh villages. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or hire private drivers with 4WD vehicles, as the final stretch involves rough mountain roads. Public transportation options are limited, though shared taxis occasionally run from Almaty to Saty village, from where local transport can be arranged to reach the lakes.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Kolsai Lakes area relies primarily on hiking, horseback riding, or 4WD vehicles for accessing different lake levels and viewpoints. The lower lake is easily accessible by car, while the middle and upper lakes require hiking or horseback riding along mountain trails. Local guesthouses can arrange transportation between different areas, and many visitors choose to stay in one location and explore on foot. During winter months, access becomes extremely limited due to snow and ice, with some areas completely inaccessible.

Where to Stay

Saty Village Guesthouses

Kolsai Lake Camping Areas

Traditional Yurt Camps

Eco-lodges near Lower Lake

Homestays in Local Villages

Mountain Huts for Trekkers

Food & Dining

Dining options around Kolsai Lakes center on traditional Kazakh cuisine served in local guesthouses and family-run establishments in nearby villages. Visitors can expect hearty mountain fare including fresh trout from the lakes, traditional horse meat dishes, fermented mare's milk (kumys), and various dairy products made by local families. Most accommodations include meals featuring homemade bread, mutton, beef, and seasonal vegetables. The remote location means limited restaurant options, so most dining experiences are communal affairs in guesthouses where travelers share meals with hosts and fellow visitors, creating an authentic cultural exchange over traditional Kazakh hospitality.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Kolsai Lakes is from late May through early October when mountain passes are accessible and weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest temperatures, wildflower blooms, and full accessibility to all three lakes, though this is also the busiest period. Early autumn (September-October) provides stunning fall colors and fewer crowds, while late spring offers snow-capped mountain views and emerging vegetation. Winter visits are extremely challenging due to heavy snowfall, sub-zero temperatures, and road closures, though the frozen lakes create a magical winter wonderland for the most adventurous travelers.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing even in summer as mountain temperatures drop dramatically at night and weather can change quickly

Pack cash in Kazakhstani tenge as there are no ATMs in the area and most services operate on cash-only basis

Learn basic Russian phrases as English is rarely spoken, and download offline maps since cell phone coverage is sporadic in the mountains

Things to Do in Kolsai Lakes