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Lake description
Lake Kaindy (in Kazakh means "birch") is one of the most astonishing and mysterious natural wonders of Kazakhstan. In 1911, the powerful Kemin earthquake caused a gigantic rockfall that blocked the Kaiyndy River gorge. The resulting natural dam gradually filled with water, inundating the centuries-old spruce grove growing in the gorge.
Today, Kaindy is a surreal landscape, where the dry trunks of submerged spruce trees rise from the crystal-clear turquoise water like the masts of sunken ships.
Today, Kaindy is a surreal landscape, where the dry trunks of submerged spruce trees rise from the crystal-clear turquoise water like the masts of sunken ships.
The Sunken Forest is Kaindy's calling card. Underwater, at depth, the trunks of Tien Shan Schrenk spruce trees, complete with branches and even needles, are preserved. The icy water (4 to 6°C) acts as a natural preservative. Dry, intricately curved treetops, reaching heights of 10-15 meters, protrude above the surface. The lake's depth in some places exceeds 20 meters.
The lake's water has an incredible turquoise-milky hue.
Although the lake itself is not birch, it received its name, "Kaindy" ("birch"), from the birch grove growing at the entrance to the gorge.
The lake's water has an incredible turquoise-milky hue.
Although the lake itself is not birch, it received its name, "Kaindy" ("birch"), from the birch grove growing at the entrance to the gorge.
Organized tours and excursions
Organized tours and excursions
Cost for a One-Day Tour to the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy
We offer organized one-day and two-day tours to Charyn Canyon. This is a convenient way to visit the canyon, as the tours typically include transportation, a guide, and often meals. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the area and its history from professional guides.
Choosing an organized tour is especially convenient for those who prefer to avoid the challenges of navigating and planning the trip on their own. The best option for you will depend on your preferences, budget, and whether you want to explore the area independently or as part of a group.
Choosing an organized tour is especially convenient for those who prefer to avoid the challenges of navigating and planning the trip on their own. The best option for you will depend on your preferences, budget, and whether you want to explore the area independently or as part of a group.
Distance from Almaty. How to get there?
Distance from Almaty. How to get there?
The main starting point is Almaty. Your guide will not only take you to your destination but also show you the best viewpoints and share fascinating facts about the history and geology of this amazing place.
Be prepared for a long drive: the round-trip from Almaty to Lake Kolsai, including the sightseeing, takes a full day – approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Directions by car from Almaty:
Be prepared for a long drive: the round-trip from Almaty to Lake Kolsai, including the sightseeing, takes a full day – approximately 10 to 12 hours.
Directions by car from Almaty:
- Leave Almaty on the Kuldzha Highway (A351).
- Drive to the village of Saty (approximately 180 km from Almaty).
- In Saty, follow the signs for Kolsai Lakes/Lake Kaiyndy.
- Important: The road from Saty to Lake Kaiyndy (approximately 12 km) is a steep mountain dirt road. Access is ONLY possible with a high-clearance SUV with all-wheel drive. Passenger cars will not be able to make it.
- There's a barrier and a forester's house at the entrance to the lake. An environmental fee must be paid here.
- From the parking lot to Lake Kaiyndy itself, a walking trail approximately 1.5 km long (15-20 minutes) leads. The trail is easy, but comfortable shoes are required.
Temperature and best time, season to visit
Temperature and best time, season to visit
July-August: The best season. The weather is consistently warm (18-23°C during the day), with minimal rainfall. The water is at its clearest, making it ideal for snorkeling and photography, as well as for observing the underwater forest.
September: A wonderful time to visit. The heat subsides, the mountain slopes turn golden, and there are fewer tourists. However, be prepared for cool nights (temperatures down to -5°C are possible).
September: A wonderful time to visit. The heat subsides, the mountain slopes turn golden, and there are fewer tourists. However, be prepared for cool nights (temperatures down to -5°C are possible).
Winter (December-March): The lake freezes over, and the dry tree trunks are covered in a thick layer of frost, creating a magical but very harsh landscape. Temperatures can drop below -25°C, making the trail extremely challenging. Suitable for well-prepared and equipped travelers only.
May-June (early): Spring is the time of nature's awakening and active snowmelt. Flooding and washed-out roads are possible in some areas. Suitable footwear, vigilance on the trail, and tick protection (repellent, protective clothing) are recommended.
May-June (early): Spring is the time of nature's awakening and active snowmelt. Flooding and washed-out roads are possible in some areas. Suitable footwear, vigilance on the trail, and tick protection (repellent, protective clothing) are recommended.
What to take to Lake Kaindy
What to take to Lake Kaindy
Drinking water - You can get tired during the hike, so we recommend bringing 0.5 liters of water per person.
Sunscreen - A lotion, cream, or spray with a maximum SPF (50+) is essential to protect your skin from the sun and prevent burns and dryness.
Clothing - Comfortable, breathable clothing (cotton) that allows for movement. Lightweight clothing in summer; a warm layer under a windbreaker in spring/fall. Bring a raincoat - the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Warm clothing (if it's cooler in the evening):
Warm windproof jacket. Hat, gloves, scarf (especially useful from October to April and for evening walks). Warm pants (thermal underwear, ski pants in cold weather).
Sunscreen - A lotion, cream, or spray with a maximum SPF (50+) is essential to protect your skin from the sun and prevent burns and dryness.
Clothing - Comfortable, breathable clothing (cotton) that allows for movement. Lightweight clothing in summer; a warm layer under a windbreaker in spring/fall. Bring a raincoat - the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Warm clothing (if it's cooler in the evening):
Warm windproof jacket. Hat, gloves, scarf (especially useful from October to April and for evening walks). Warm pants (thermal underwear, ski pants in cold weather).
Footwear - Most important! Sturdy hiking boots or sneakers with a stiff sole and pronounced tread. The roads and trails are rocky, and there may be mud and snow even on the climbs in summer.
Backpack - A small, comfortable backpack for carrying water, food, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and personal items.
Cash - For park entrance fees, small purchases from locals (if encountered), or for jeep hire for the descent.
Additional (recommended):
Flashlight or headlamp (if you plan to stay until dark).
Power bank for charging devices (service may not always be available).
Small first aid kit (bandages, painkillers, antiseptic).
Backpack - A small, comfortable backpack for carrying water, food, sunscreen, a first aid kit, and personal items.
Cash - For park entrance fees, small purchases from locals (if encountered), or for jeep hire for the descent.
Additional (recommended):
Flashlight or headlamp (if you plan to stay until dark).
Power bank for charging devices (service may not always be available).
Small first aid kit (bandages, painkillers, antiseptic).
Kolsay-1 (Lower Kolsay Lake): Guesthouses and campsites (approximately 12 km from Kaindy along a difficult road). This is an option for those who want to combine visits to both places.
Tent: Wild camping is possible in designated areas (check at the checkpoint). Strict fire safety regulations must be observed and ALL trash must be removed.
Saty Village: Several guesthouses and mini-hotels. Convenient as a base for visiting Kolsay and Lake Kaindy.
Tent: Wild camping is possible in designated areas (check at the checkpoint). Strict fire safety regulations must be observed and ALL trash must be removed.
Saty Village: Several guesthouses and mini-hotels. Convenient as a base for visiting Kolsay and Lake Kaindy.
Kolsay-1 (Lower Lake):
There's a cafe/canteen here with basic hot meals (usually simple Kazakh and European dishes).
Small vendors selling drinks and snacks may also be available.
There are equipped picnic areas where you can prepare your own food (if you bring your own).
Saty Village: Small cafes and shops are available in Saty Village (12 km from the Kolsay-1 checkpoint), which serves as a transit point.
There's a cafe/canteen here with basic hot meals (usually simple Kazakh and European dishes).
Small vendors selling drinks and snacks may also be available.
There are equipped picnic areas where you can prepare your own food (if you bring your own).
Saty Village: Small cafes and shops are available in Saty Village (12 km from the Kolsay-1 checkpoint), which serves as a transit point.
Lake Kaindy is located just 12 km (as the crow flies, further along the road) from Kolsai-1 (Lower Kolsai Lake). Therefore, visits to the two are almost always combined. One- or two-day tours "Kaindy + Kolsai-1" are popular.
Kaindy is also often included in the larger "Three Pearls" itinerary: Kolsai Lake + Kaindy Lake + Charyn Canyon, designed for 2-3 days.
Kaindy is also often included in the larger "Three Pearls" itinerary: Kolsai Lake + Kaindy Lake + Charyn Canyon, designed for 2-3 days.
Climbing dry tree trunks is prohibited! They are very fragile and can easily break, which is dangerous and damages the natural monument.
The water is very cold even in summer; swimming is not recommended due to the risk of hypothermia.
During snowmelt or after heavy rains (May-June), there is a risk of mudslides. Check the forecast and road conditions.
Be extremely careful on the road from Saty to the lake. If you are not experienced in driving on difficult mountain terrain, it is better to choose a tour.
Felling trees, lighting fires outside designated picnic areas (near the parking lot), leaving any litter, and vandalism (writing on rocks or trees) are prohibited.
There is no mobile phone or internet service at the lake or along most of the road leading to it. Service is available only in the village of Saty and occasionally at the checkpoint. Inform your loved ones of your route and expected return time.
The water is very cold even in summer; swimming is not recommended due to the risk of hypothermia.
During snowmelt or after heavy rains (May-June), there is a risk of mudslides. Check the forecast and road conditions.
Be extremely careful on the road from Saty to the lake. If you are not experienced in driving on difficult mountain terrain, it is better to choose a tour.
Felling trees, lighting fires outside designated picnic areas (near the parking lot), leaving any litter, and vandalism (writing on rocks or trees) are prohibited.
There is no mobile phone or internet service at the lake or along most of the road leading to it. Service is available only in the village of Saty and occasionally at the checkpoint. Inform your loved ones of your route and expected return time.
Snorkeling and Diving: The ultimate adventure! Observing the sunken forest underwater is a unique experience. A mask and snorkel are sufficient for snorkeling. Diving (due to the extremely cold water (6°C)) requires specialized equipment (dry suit) and experience. Equipment rental is usually not available on site; you must bring your own.
Kayindy is a photographer's paradise. The most atmospheric shots are captured at dawn, when fog rolls across the water, or in winter, when the trees are covered with frost.
Be sure to climb to the "Panorama" observation deck (the trail up from the lake) – the view from the top is breathtaking.
Walk the trails around the lake and along the shore, enjoying the views and the clean mountain air.
Picnics are available at the designated area near the parking lot (below the lake). Important: remove all trash to preserve the cleanliness of this unique place.
You can sometimes rent a horse from local residents or at the checkpoint for a ride through the surrounding gorges.
Kayindy is a photographer's paradise. The most atmospheric shots are captured at dawn, when fog rolls across the water, or in winter, when the trees are covered with frost.
Be sure to climb to the "Panorama" observation deck (the trail up from the lake) – the view from the top is breathtaking.
Walk the trails around the lake and along the shore, enjoying the views and the clean mountain air.
Picnics are available at the designated area near the parking lot (below the lake). Important: remove all trash to preserve the cleanliness of this unique place.
You can sometimes rent a horse from local residents or at the checkpoint for a ride through the surrounding gorges.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Lake Kaiyndy is a unique natural phenomenon, a frozen moment of geological catastrophe transformed into an incredibly picturesque and slightly mystical landscape. Its flooded spruce trees, like silent witnesses to the past, create an atmosphere difficult to describe. To experience the full magic of Kaiyndy, arrive at dawn, when mist swirls over the turquoise surface, blurring the boundaries between reality and dream. This place leaves a sense of touching something ancient and powerful, a reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of human creation. Kaiyndy is a must-see for any traveler exploring Kazakhstan's natural treasures.
«Standing by Lake Kaindy, you understand: nature is the best artist, capable of turning even destruction into a masterpiece.»
1-2-3 days tours
Target tours
