Things to Do in Kolsai Lakes

Hiking the trail between the first and second lakes

Hiking the trail between the first and second lakes gives you the full measure of this place. The path climbs steadily through sun-dappled spruce groves, the ground soft with fallen needles underfoot. You will cross wooden bridges where the sound of rushing water fills the air, and around each bend, a new vista of turquoise water backed by stern gray cliffs opens up.

Spending a night at Lake Kaindy

Spending a night at Lake Kaindy is a journey into the surreal. The lake itself is a cold, clear blue. But what you see beneath the surface is a sunken forest of ghostly, needle-less spruce trunks, preserved by the icy water. The air is noticeably colder here, and the quiet is absolute once the day-trippers leave.

A horseback ride from Saty village to the lower lake

A horseback ride from Saty village to the lower lake has a different perspective. The clip-clop of hooves on the dirt track is a steady rhythm as you pass herds of grazing horses and simple wooden cabins, the smell of woodsmoke and wild herbs hanging in the air. This tends to be a more budget-friendly way to cover the initial distance if you are not up for the full walk.

Simply sitting by the shores of the first lake

Simply sitting by the shores of the first lake is an activity in itself. Find a smooth, sun-warmed boulder and watch the light change on the water, from a brilliant midday azure to a softer, deeper green in the late afternoon shadows. You will hear the gentle lap of small waves and the occasional call of a bird echoing across the basin.

Walking the perimeter of the first lake on the relatively flat path

Walking the perimeter of the first lake on the relatively flat path lets you absorb the details. You will feel the cool spray from the small waterfall at the lake's outlet and catch the tangy scent of wild raspberries growing in the clearings. The view back towards the village, with the green meadows and distant peaks, is unexpectedly impressive.

Saty village is the practical hub, a scattered collection of family homes and guesthouses where you can arrange everything from meals to horses.

The lakeside zone, just outside the park gate, has a handful of simple cabins and campgrounds placing you right at the trailhead.

Kaindy basin offers the most remote feel, with just a few basic shelters for those who want to wake up to that sunken forest.

Guesthouses along the Kegen River valley, before Saty, are surrounded by rolling green pastures and offer a quieter, more pastoral setting.

For a touch more comfort, look to the small town of Zharkent a bit further east, which has proper hotels but adds significant drive time.

True adventurers sometimes base themselves in the tiny settlement of Toguz Bulak for access to more rugged, less-traveled trails.