The Kolsai Lakes (Көлсай көлдері, Kólsаı kolderi) are a breathtaking system of three alpine lakes nestled in the northern Tian Shan mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan. Often referred to as the “Pearls of the Northern Tian Shan,” these stunning lakes are located within the Kolsai Lakes National Park. Formed by landslides that dammed the Kolsai River, the lakes are famous for their crystal-clear, deep turquoise water, which perfectly mirrors the surrounding landscape of steep, pine-forested slopes and snow-capped peaks. They are a pristine natural wonder and one of Kazakhstan’s most cherished destinations for hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

Name and Address

• Name: Kolsai Lakes.
• Address: Located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park, Raiymbek District, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan, approximately 300 kilometers (185 miles) by road southeast of Almaty, near the border with Kyrgyzstan.

How to Get There

Reaching the Kolsai Lakes requires a significant journey from Almaty into the mountains, but the scenic drive is part of the experience.

• Starting Point: The village of Saty is the main gateway to the Kolsai Lakes. The drive from Almaty to Saty takes about 4-6 hours.
• By Car/Taxi (Recommended): Renting a car (preferably a 4×4 for exploring the wider region) or hiring a private taxi is the most flexible option. The road to the first Kolsai Lake is paved and accessible by standard car.
• By Guided Tour: This is the easiest and most popular method. Tour operators in Almaty offer two or three-day tours that combine a visit to the Kolsai Lakes with the nearby Lake Kaindy and Charyn Canyon, handling all transportation and accommodation in guesthouses in Saty.
• Visitor Tip: A visit requires at least two days to fully appreciate the area. Accommodation is typically in traditional guesthouses in the village of Saty. An entrance fee is required to enter the Kolsai Lakes National Park.

Landscape and Architecture

The “architecture” of the Kolsai Lakes is its stunning natural landscape, a perfect example of a pristine alpine environment.

• A Cascade of Three Lakes: The lakes form a natural cascade at different altitudes:
  • Lower Kolsai Lake (Kolsai 1): The largest and most accessible lake, located at an altitude of 1,818 meters. It is reachable by car and is the main hub for visitors, with guesthouses, campsites, and boat rentals.
  • Middle Kolsai Lake (Kolsai 2): Considered by many to be the most beautiful of the three, it is located at 2,252 meters. It can only be reached via a steep, 8-kilometer (5-mile) hike or horseback ride from the lower lake.
  • Upper Kolsai Lake (Kolsai 3): The smallest and most remote lake, situated at 2,850 meters. It is a further hike from the middle lake, close to the Kyrgyz border.
• Alpine Scenery: The lakes are set in a deep gorge, surrounded by steep mountain slopes covered in dense forests of majestic Tian Shan spruce trees. The water is exceptionally clear and cold, fed by glacial melt from the Kolsai River.
• Rich Biodiversity: The national park is an ecologically clean area rich in flora and fauna. The forests and alpine meadows are home to a variety of plants, including rare species like the Alberta iris, and animals such as the Tian Shan brown bear, ibex, and numerous species of birds.

What Makes It Famous

The Kolsai Lakes are famous for their picture-perfect, pristine alpine beauty and for offering one of the best trekking experiences in Kazakhstan.

• The “Pearls of the Tian Shan”: The lakes are renowned for their stunning beauty. The deep, vibrant turquoise and emerald colors of the water, set against the dark green of the spruce forests and the white of the mountain peaks, create a breathtaking and highly photogenic landscape.
• A Hiker’s Paradise: The trail connecting the three lakes is one of the most popular and beautiful hiking routes in the country. The trek from the first to the second lake is a challenging but rewarding experience that takes visitors deep into the pristine wilderness.
• A Tranquil Escape: Due to their remote location, the lakes (especially the middle and upper ones) offer a profound sense of peace and tranquility, a complete escape into untouched nature.

Differences from Other Wonders

The Kolsai Lakes offer a classic alpine lake experience that is distinct from the other unique natural wonders in the region.

• Classic Alpine Beauty vs. a Surreal Anomaly: While the nearby Lake Kaindy is famous for its bizarre and haunting “sunken forest,” the Kolsai Lakes are celebrated for their classic, pristine, and picture-perfect alpine beauty. They are the idyllic mountain lakes of imagination.
• A Lush, Forested Gorge vs. an Arid Canyon: The Kolsai Lakes are located in a lush, green, and forested mountain gorge. This is a complete contrast to the arid, red-rock landscape of Charyn Canyon. Kolsai is an oasis of water and forest, while Charyn is a monument of dry, eroded rock.
• A Multi-Lake System: The experience at Kolsai is about a journey through a system of three distinct lakes, each at a different elevation and with its own character. This is different from visiting a single, standalone natural feature.