Kolsai Lakes Tour

Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)

Season: January - December

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Almaty - Kolsai Lakes

Departure from Almaty at 07:00. Arrival at Kolsai Lakes at approximately 12:00. Lunch. Transfer to Kaindy Lake. Sightseeing.

Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forests at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to a powerful earthquake that triggered a landslide, which blocked the valley with a natural dam, causing water to flood the area.

The water in the lake is very cold; therefore, the needles of the submerged trees are well preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface. The dry trunks of fir trees rising above the water resemble the masts of a submerged fleet. It is impossible to fully describe the mystical beauty of this lake in words — it must be experienced in person.

Transfer to Saty settlement. Accommodation in a guest house. Dinner. Overnight in the guest house.

Day 2: Kolsai Lakes

Wake up at 07:00, followed by breakfast. Trekking from Kolsai Lake 1 to Kolsai Lake 2. Lunch on the way.

Kolsai Lakes, known as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan," form a cascade of three lakes. The first lake is easily accessible and is the largest. It is known for its natural beauty, minimal human impact, and abundance of mushrooms. Horseback riding is available for visitors.

The highest lake is smaller and lies between forested areas and alpine meadows, offering stunning alpine scenery along with rich flora and fauna.

The altitude difference between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The first lake can be reached by car, but visiting the second and third lakes requires hiking along mountain trails. Tourists can enjoy a peaceful experience here, including berry picking, mushroom gathering, and fishing.

The lakes are home to rainbow trout, which thrive in clean, cold water. Wildlife such as marals (red deer), mountain goats, wolves, and even bears can occasionally be seen in the area.

Return to the guest house. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 3: Kolsai Lakes - Almaty

Breakfast. Departure for Almaty at 09:00. Visit Charyn Canyon en route. Sightseeing at the Valley of Castles.

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during the Paleogene period and resembles the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in North America, although it is smaller in size. The steep canyon slopes reach heights of 150–300 meters.

The terrain is highly rugged, with numerous ravines forming a dense and chaotic network. Wind and water have shaped the famous "Valley of Castles," where you are surrounded by fascinating rock formations resembling towers made of sedimentary rocks. The valley stretches for more than 2 km, with widths ranging from 20 to 80 meters.

Over millions of years, nature has created this extraordinary landscape. You can spend hours exploring these formations, amazed by the creativity of nature.

Arrival in Almaty at approximately 19:00.

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE:

Please contact.

TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Transportation as per the program in comfortable vehicles

Accommodation in a guest house in Saty settlement

Sightseeing as per the program with an English-speaking guide

All environmental fees during the tour

Meals: Lunch and dinner on Day 1; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 2; breakfast and lunch on Day 3

Drinking water (1 liter per person per day)

TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Accommodation in Almaty, if required

Meals not specified in the program or not included in the tour price

Single accommodation supplement in the guest house

Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan, if required

Personal expenses and other costs not mentioned in the program