Kolsai Lakes

The Kolsai Lakes are a chain of three lakes strung along a forested valley in the northern Tien Shan, about five hours from Almaty. The first and largest, a short walk from the car park, is a deep blue-green mirror between slopes thick with Tien Shan spruce.

You can hire a rowing boat, walk the shoreline paths or ride a horse up the valley; keen walkers can continue to the second lake, a few hours’ hike further up. Families in Saty and nearby villages run simple guesthouses where you eat home-cooked meals and sleep under starry skies.

Nights are cold even in summer, so pack warm clothing. Kolsai pairs naturally with Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon on a two-day trip.