Destination 》Asia 》Central Asia 》Kazakhstan 》Kolsai Lake
Year Visited: 2019 – August
During my travel through Kazakhstan, I made 3-days trip from Almaty to Kaindy and Kolsai lakes. With help with few local friends, I contacted a local tour organizer going to Kaindy and Kolsai lakes for a weekend trip, leaving Almaty on Friday evening coming back on Sunday late at night. Though I was the only non-Kazakh or Russian speaker on the bus, I had an amazing time and made so many new friends.
As a part of a weekend organized tour, we hiked to Lake Kaindy the day before and some fun times in the evening. The Drive to Lake Kolsai was on a paved road, not as exciting as 4×4 ride to Lake Kaindy.
Kolsai (Kolsay) Lake is a glacial lake high in the Tian Shan Mountains Range, often referred to as “Pearls of Tian Shan”. The Kolsai Lakes National park is one of the most beautiful place in Kazakhstan. Kolsai Lake sees more tourists compare to Lake Kaindy due to its easier access. Kolsai Lakes is only ten kilometers from the border of Kyrgyzstan. Unfortunately, you can’t cross over there.
After an amazing weekend at the lakes and making new friends, it was time to go back to Almaty If you ever visit Kazakhstan and are a nature lover, both lakes should absolutely be on your bucket list.
Window on the World 