Kolsai Lakes

Location: From Almaty to Saty village is about 280 kilometers. The lower lake is 10 kilometers away from Saty village. You can get there by SUV. Weekend tours to the lakes are available from Almaty travel agencies all year round.

What’s interesting about it?

The three Kolsai lakes are called the “pearls” of the northern Tien Shan. They are located in a cascade, starting at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. The lakes are surrounded by protected forests. There, you can meet such animals as the Turkestan lynx, snow leopard, Tien Shan bear, bluebird, kumai, and bearded vulture, which live in the surrounding forests. The lakes themselves are home to rainbow trout.

What to see?

Lower Lake Kolsai is at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. The next highest one, “Mynzhylky,” is located at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level. Upper Lake Kolsai is 600 meters above it.

What kind of entertainment is there?

Arbors and picnic areas are very comfortable. The observation piers have been renovated recently. Among the available entertainment are hikes between the lakes, horse riding, photo shoots on the piers, boating, and catamaran rides.

When is the best time to visit?

You can admire the picturesque views there all year round.