Things to Do in Kolsai Lakes

Hike from Lake One to Lake Two

The 7 km trail climbs gently through larch and pine, your boots crunching on soft needles while horses trot past carrying empty saddles. Sunlight flickers across your face as you skirt the shore, and every bend opens a new angle of water so clear you can count the stones eight metres down.

Overnight in a Saty homestay

You'll sleep on a felt mat, wake to clattering milk pails and the smell of fresh nan bread baking in a cast-iron pot. The hostess might pour kumys, fermented mare's milk that tastes tart and slightly fizzy, while her grandson tunes a dombra by the stove.

Horse trek to Lake Three

The saddle creaks as you climb past scree fields. Hooves send shale clattering downhill. From 2 800 m the air feels thin and cold. But the view back over the lower lakes is worth the numb thumbs. Three stepped jewels glint between walls of dark spruce.

Sunrise at Lake One viewpoint

A 20-minute scramble above the guesthouses lands you on a mossy ledge. First light paints the peaks peach, the lake below steams gently, and you can hear nothing but your own breathing until a cuckoo calls from the far side of the bowl.

Wildflower walk around Lake Two marshes

In late June the wetlands bloom with forget-me-nots and cobalt gentians. Bees drone loud enough to drown your footsteps. The boardwalk sags in places, cold water seeping through the planks to kiss your ankles while cotton-grass seeds drift like light snow.

Saty village homestays. Wood stoves, outdoor toilets, cows munching outside your window.

Lake One yurt camp. Felt tents right on the shoreline, milky way spills overhead at night.

Guesthouses above Saty orchard - apple trees perfume the yard in September

Lake Two basic shelters. No showers but a killer dawn reflection five steps from your door.

Saty eco-lodge. Solar showers, pine-clad dorms, a library of Soviet mountaineering books.

Camping at Lake Three. Bring a four-season bag, frost feathers the grass by August dawn.