Turquoise lakes, a sunken forest and majestic Tien Shan mountains

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tour from Almaty

A scenic one-day trip to two of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful mountain lakes with comfortable transport, photo stops and time to enjoy nature.
Tour format

Private Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tour from Almaty

A one-day private route for couples, families, guests of Almaty and travelers who want to see two beautiful mountain lakes in one trip — without a large group, rush or unnecessary stops.

Departure from Almaty 1 day Private route Transport and guide support
1

Early departure from Almaty

We leave the city in the morning by private transport. On the way, we can make short stops for rest, coffee and photos.

2

Scenic road to the Kolsai area

The route passes through beautiful places in Almaty Region: mountain landscapes, valleys, villages and scenic natural views along the way.

3

Kolsai Lake

A walk near Kolsai Lake with free time to relax, take photos and enjoy one of the most famous natural locations in Kazakhstan.

4

Kaindy Lake

Visit the famous Kaindy Lake, known for its unusual sunken forest. This mountain lake is one of the most atmospheric places for photos, fresh air and a peaceful walk.

5

Return to Almaty

After visiting the main locations, we return to the city. The tour is designed for 1 day and follows a private, comfortable pace.

Trip format

One-Day Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tour

We will help you choose a comfortable trip format based on your travel date, group size and preferred pace. This is a full-day tour with departure from Almaty.

Departure from Almaty

We leave the city in the morning by private transport. On the way, we can make stops for rest, coffee and beautiful photos.

Kolsai and Kaindy in one day

During one trip, we visit both Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lake: easy walks, photo stops, beautiful mountain views and free time at the main locations.

Private route

The trip is organized only for your group: comfortable transport, guide support, a flexible pace and stops based on your preferences.

Kolsai and Kaindy: The Jewels of the Kazakh Mountains
Escape from Almaty to the breathtaking turquoise lakes, lush pine forests, and dramatic peaks of the Tien Shan mountains. This tour is perfect for those looking to experience the mystical sunken forest of Lake Kaindy and the serene beauty of Lake Kolsai, all in one unforgettable journey.
One-day itinerary

Tour program

The timing is approximate and may change depending on the season, weather, road conditions and guests’ preferences.

06:00

Departure from Almaty

Start the trip by comfortable transport towards the Kolsai Lakes area and Kaindy Lake.

10:30

Arrival at Kaindy Lake

Discover one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural places — a mountain lake famous for its sunken forest.

11:00

Walk and photo time by the lake

Free time for a walk, beautiful photos and a relaxed break surrounded by mountains, pine forest and turquoise water.

13:00

Lunch in Saty village

A stop for lunch and a short rest before continuing to Kolsai Lake.

14:30

Visit to Kolsai Lake

A walk near the first Kolsai Lake, panoramic mountain views, photo stops and time to enjoy nature.

17:00

Free time for walks and rest

Take a calm walk by the lake, capture more photos and enjoy the mountain atmosphere without unnecessary rush.

18:00

Return drive to Almaty

We start the drive back to the city along a scenic road through mountain and steppe landscapes of Almaty Region.

22:00

Arrival in Almaty

Approximate arrival back in the city in the evening.

What is included in the price

Comfortable transfer

Driver service

Guide support in Russian and English

Drinking water

Photo stops

All transport expenses

National park tickets included in the price

What is not included in the price

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Lunch at a café optional

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Personal expenses

×

Horse rental optional

×

Catamarans and boats optional

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Tour price

Tour price

Private Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tour from Almaty

Price per group of up to 3 people 240,000 KZT

This is a private tour for your group only, without joining other tourists. One vehicle can accommodate up to 3 guests.

Book this tour

What is included in the price

Transfer from Almaty and back
Group up to 3 guests
Guide RU / EN
Format private tour
Tour route

Almaty → Kaindy Lake → Kolsai Lake → Almaty

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Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lakes tour from Almaty with turquoise water, sunken forest, pine mountains and scenic landscapes in Kazakhstan
Turquoise Kaindy Lake with a sunken forest, pine-covered slopes and scenic mountain landscapes of the Kolsai Lakes area

Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tour from Almaty: Complete Travel Guide

A Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes tour from Almaty is one of the most beautiful nature trips you can take in Kazakhstan. This route is perfect for travelers who want to see turquoise mountain lakes, dramatic Tian Shan landscapes, quiet forest roads, and one of the most unusual natural sights in the country — the famous sunken forest of Lake Kaindy.

Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy are located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, in the mountain area not far from the border with Kyrgyzstan. The region is known for fresh air, alpine scenery, deep forests, clear water, and peaceful village life. For many visitors, this tour becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their trip to Kazakhstan.

This private tour from Almaty is designed for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and a personal approach. You do not have to join a large group or follow a strict standard route with many people. The trip is arranged for your group only, with comfortable transportation, local guidance, and enough time to enjoy the main highlights of the area.

During the tour, you will visit Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Lake, enjoy scenic photo stops, walk near the water, and take in the atmosphere of the Tian Shan mountains. Depending on the season, road conditions, weather, and guests’ preferences, the order of visits may change to make the trip more comfortable and safe.

This is not just a transfer from Almaty to the lakes. It is a full travel experience that combines mountain views, natural beauty, local atmosphere, and the feeling of discovering one of the most stunning places in Kazakhstan with people who know the route.

Why Visit Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy?

Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy are among the most famous natural attractions in Kazakhstan. They are often called the pearls of the Northern Tian Shan because of their beauty, mountain setting, and crystal-clear water. The combination of green forests, high peaks, fresh air, and bright blue lakes creates a landscape that feels peaceful, wild, and unforgettable. Kolsai Lakes are a system of mountain lakes surrounded by forests and slopes. The most accessible and popular one is Lower Kolsai Lake, which is usually visited during a day tour from Almaty. It is a wonderful place for walking, photography, relaxing near the water, and enjoying the scenery. The lake changes its color depending on the light, the weather, and the season. Lake Kaindy is completely different but equally impressive. It is famous for its sunken forest — tall tree trunks rising directly from the water. This unusual view makes Lake Kaindy one of the most photographed places in Kazakhstan. The lake was formed after a natural landslide blocked the gorge and filled the valley with mountain water. Together, Kolsai and Kaindy offer two different sides of Kazakhstan’s mountain beauty. Kolsai is wide, calm, and scenic. Kaindy is mysterious, unusual, and dramatic. Visiting both places in one trip gives travelers a full impression of this incredible mountain region.

Private Kolsai and Kaindy Tour from Almaty

Our Kolsai and Kaindy tour from Almaty is a private trip created for travelers who prefer comfort, flexibility, and a more personal travel experience. You do not have to join a large group, follow a strict bus schedule, or share the vehicle with other tourists. The tour is arranged only for your group, which makes the journey more relaxed and convenient.

The trip starts in Almaty and takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in southeastern Kazakhstan. Along the way, you will see open countryside, mountain views, local villages, and natural scenery that changes as you move farther from the city. The road itself is part of the experience, especially for travelers who want to see more of Kazakhstan beyond Almaty.

During the tour, we help organize the route, timing, stops, and practical details. Depending on the season, weather conditions, road situation, and guests’ preferences, the order of visits may be adjusted. This flexibility is especially important for mountain routes, where conditions can change during the day.

A private Kolsai and Kaindy tour is a good choice for couples, families, friends, and small groups who want to enjoy the lakes at their own pace. You can take time for photos, enjoy short walks, ask questions, and experience the trip in a more comfortable way.

This tour is not just transportation to Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Lake. It is a carefully organized nature trip with local support, beautiful views, and a comfortable travel format designed to help you enjoy one of the most famous routes from Almaty.

What You Will See During the Tour

During this Kolsai and Kaindy tour from Almaty, you will visit two of the most beautiful and famous natural places in southeastern Kazakhstan. The route combines mountain scenery, clear lakes, forest landscapes, and peaceful views that make this area one of the most popular nature destinations near Almaty.

One of the main highlights of the trip is Lake Kaindy. This lake is famous for its unusual sunken forest — tall tree trunks rising directly from the water. The view is very different from other mountain lakes and creates a mysterious, almost magical atmosphere. Lake Kaindy is a perfect place for photography, short walks, and quiet moments surrounded by nature.

The tour also includes a visit to Kolsai Lake, known for its calm turquoise water and beautiful mountain setting. Lower Kolsai Lake is surrounded by forests and slopes, making it a wonderful place to walk, relax, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The color of the lake changes depending on the light, season, and weather, which makes every visit feel slightly different.

Along the way, you will also see rural landscapes, mountain roads, open valleys, and small villages. The drive from Almaty to Kolsai and Kaindy is long, but it is part of the experience. For many travelers, the road itself becomes a memorable part of the tour because it shows the natural diversity of Kazakhstan outside the city.

We include scenic photo stops whenever it is safe and possible. Depending on the weather, road conditions, season, and guests’ preferences, the timing and order of visits may be adjusted. The goal is to make the trip comfortable, beautiful, and well-organized while giving you enough time to enjoy the main highlights of the route.

Best Time to Visit Kolsai and Kaindy

Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy are beautiful in different seasons, and the best time to visit depends on the type of experience you want. Spring and summer are popular because the landscapes become green, the weather is usually more comfortable, and the lakes are surrounded by fresh mountain scenery. This is a good time for walking, photography, and enjoying longer daylight hours.

Summer is one of the most convenient seasons for a Kolsai and Kaindy tour from Almaty. The road conditions are usually easier, the days are longer, and the mountain views are bright and open. During this season, the area can be more popular with visitors, especially on weekends and holidays, but it is also one of the best times to enjoy the full beauty of the region.

Autumn is especially picturesque. The forests around the lakes turn golden, the air becomes fresh, and the mountain landscapes look very atmospheric. Many travelers choose autumn for photography because the colors around Kolsai Lake and Lake Kaindy create beautiful natural contrasts.

Winter can also be impressive, with snow, quiet forests, and a completely different mood. However, winter tours depend more on weather, road conditions, and access to the locations. Before planning a winter trip, it is important to check the route in advance.

Mountain weather can change quickly at any time of year. Even if it is warm in Almaty, it may be cooler near the lakes. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing warm layers, and preparing for a long day trip. The route may be adjusted depending on the season, weather conditions, road situation, and guests’ comfort.
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Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the main questions about the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes tour: tour duration, meals, route, price and trip format.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, documents, personal items, a phone charger and some cash for personal expenses. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it is better to take an extra sweater or jacket.

Can I travel with children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for a family trip. Since the route is private, the pace can be adjusted to your children’s age, rest stops and your family’s comfort.

How long does the tour take?

The tour is designed for one day. Usually, the trip lasts from around 06:00 to 22:00. The timing may change depending on the season, weather, road conditions and guests’ preferences.

What is included in the price?

The price includes comfortable round-trip transfer from Almaty, driver service, guide support in Russian or English, drinking water, photo stops and national park tickets.

Where will lunch be?

Lunch can be arranged in Saty village during the route. Meals are paid separately and are not included in the tour price.

Can the route be changed?

Yes. Since this is a private tour, we can adjust the departure time, the order of locations, stops and the overall pace of the trip based on your preferences.

Is this tour only for our group?

Yes, the tour is organized only for your group, without joining other tourists. One vehicle can accommodate up to 3 guests.

Still have questions about the tour?

Contact us on WhatsApp
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Important information
The tour program and route may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, road conditions, the season, traffic situation and the operating rules of natural parks. If there are route restrictions or unfavorable conditions, we may change the order of visiting locations, adjust stop times or suggest an alternative trip option. The safety and comfort of our guests are always the main priority.
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