Kolsai Lakes:
How to Visit from AlmatyКольсайские озёра: как добраться
Everything you need to plan your trip
By Nomad Outfitters · Updated 30 October 2026
About 300 km east of Almaty
The lakes are about 280 to 300 km from Almaty, a drive of about 4 to 5 hours through Shelek and Kegen to Saty village, the base for both Kolsai and Kaindy. Most people spend a night or two in Saty: we use trusted guest houses with private rooms and bathrooms, and on request a traditional Kazakh yurt.
One drive, one hike, one far climb
Kolsai 1, also called Saty Lake, sits at about 1,800 m and the road ends at its shore. Kolsai 2, Mynzhylky, is about 2,250 m up and reached on foot. Kolsai 3 lies higher still, at about 2,640 m, close to the border with Kyrgyzstan.
About 7 km to the second lake
The trail climbs about 470 m through spruce forest, usually 3 to 4 hours up and about 2 down. Rather not walk? Each person can ride a horse instead, led and controlled by a professional from start to finish.
Swimming is not allowed
The park charges a daily fee per person and per car. Swimming is banned, motor boats are not allowed and tents go only at marked sites. Slow boat trips are possible on the first lake.
Late May to mid-October
The park and the road are open all year. Late May to mid-October is the best time: the water is at its bluest and the trail to the second lake is clear. In winter the lakes freeze and the mountains turn white.
Best months
Sources: Kolsai Lakes National Park: tickets; park rules; Tengrinews (distance); Trekking Club (altitudes, trail); Kazakh Tourism (Kolsai 3).
Charyn, Kolsai and KaindyЧарын, Кольсай и Каинды
Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake, with a night in Saty village.
- 2 daysone night in Saty
- Privateyour own guide and car
- Guest houseprivate room and bathroom
- Three meals a day
- Park fees and drinking water
- Free cancellation
What you will see
The lakes and what is near them. Our tours stop at the first lake; the hiking tour goes on to the second.
Kolsai 1 (Saty Lake)
The lowest lake, at about 1,800 m, with a shore path and slow boat trips.
Kolsai 2 (Mynzhylky)
About 2,250 m up, reached on a forest trail of about 7 km, or on horseback.
Kaindy Lake
The sunken forest, about 11 km from Saty, usually visited on the same trip.
Kolsai Lakes questions
How far is Kolsai from Almaty?
About 280 to 300 km, a drive of about 4 to 5 hours to Saty village, the base for the lakes.
Can you swim in the Kolsai lakes?
No. The national park does not allow swimming. Slow boat trips are possible on the first lake.
How long is the hike to the second lake?
About 7 km each way with about 470 m of climbing, usually 3 to 4 hours up and about 2 down.
Can I ride a horse instead of walking?
Yes. Each person gets their own horse, led and controlled by a professional from start to finish.
Is Kolsai open in winter?
Yes. The park and the road are open all year. In winter the lakes freeze and the mountains turn white.
Where do people stay?
In Saty village. Our tours use trusted guest houses with private rooms and bathrooms; on request we can arrange a yurt.
Tours that visit the Kolsai Lakes
2 days2 дняPopularПопулярныйCharyn, Kolsai and KaindyЧарын, Кольсай и Каинды
A canyon, a lake and a drowned forest in two days.Каньон, озеро и затопленный лес за два дня.
from $200 per personот $200 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
1 day1 деньKolsai, Kaindy and Charyn in One DayКольсай, Каинды и Чарын за один день
Two lakes, a drowned forest and canyons in one day.Два озера, затопленный лес и каньоны за один день.
from $130 per personот $130 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняPopularПопулярныйCharyn and Kolsai Lakes HikeЧарын и поход к Кольсайским озёрам
Canyons and alpine lakes, with more time on foot.Каньоны и горные озёра, больше времени на тропе.
from $375 per personот $375 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
5 days5 днейPopularПопулярныйGolden Ring of ZhetysuЗолотое кольцо Жетысу
Our most complete route across Zhetysu.Наш самый полный маршрут по Жетысу.
from $660 per personот $660 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняGolden Ring of ZhetysuЗолотое кольцо Жетысу
The same national parks, in three days.Те же нацпарки за три дня.
from $450 per personот $450 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняGreat Almaty LoopБольшое кольцо Алматы
Seven highlights around Almaty in three days.Семь главных мест вокруг Алматы за три дня.
from $400 per personот $400 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре