Kolsay Lake

1 day
from $ 225
Northern Tien Shan

Kolsay is a "natural mirror" in which the sky and trees are reflected. There is a beautiful legend about this "Pearl of the Tien Shan". It is said that the God of Heaven, Tengri, had a daughter named Umai. All the animals admired her incredible beauty. And only Umai complained that she didn't know how beautiful she was. Then, at her request, Tengri created Lake Kolsai, in the reflection of which everyone will see their face and everything around them.

Kolsay is a fascinating place. You can see everything in it: tall fir trees, small birch twigs, trout playing, and even every feature of your face you will see in this magic mirror.

About Kolsay lake
Kolsay Lakes is a system of three lakes located on 3 levels in Kolsay, in the northern Tien Shan. Here Kungei-Alatau connects with the Trans-Ili Alatau.

  • After our guide meets you in the lobby of your hotel, your path will be directed to the East.
  • In 1.5 hours we will reach the sanitary stop in Bayseit. You will visit an open market. You can buy drinks, dry snacks, fruits, samsa…
  • After driving for about another 1 hour, there will be a turn to Charyn. We often combine this tour with Lake Kolsay (and in summer with Kayinda - when the daylight is longer), because everything is on the way. The excursion to Charyn will take 1.5 - 2 hours. If you are limited in time or want to save your strength, then you can use the transfer on the canyon (10min one way)
  • We will continue our journey further - 1.5 hours to the village of Saty. On the way we will stop to see the panorama of Black Canyon. It will take 10-15 minutes, the view will amaze you and leave impressions for a long time.
  • The road to Saty lies through a picturesque pass and residential settlements. Herds of horses, flocks of sheep.. Unforgettable landscapes.
  • Dastarkhan - a hearty lunch - will be waiting for us at the Saty Guest House. We will eat, drink tea in Kazakh, and experience the famous Kazakh hospitality. We will want to stay and lie down and repeat again ..., but the lake is waiting for us).
  • About 18 km of comfortable road to the lake. Descending the stairs. You can take a boat and see everything around, or you can walk around the lake. Our guide will show you the best views.
  • In summer and spring it will be possible to drink koumiss in a yurt. In the village you can buy honey, koumiss, kurt.
  • The return trip to the city will take 3.5 hours.
Price for the trip

The price includes; comfortable transport, professional guide, entrance tickets to the facilities, lunch.

What should you take with?
  • High Quality
    Passport
  • Camera or phone
    Accessories for a photo shoot.
  • Clothes
    It is always cooler on the lake than in the city at 7°C.
  • Sun protection
Photo of Kolsay Lake
Book a tour and get a free airoport pick up from us!
What is included in service of Kazia Tour?
Meeting at airport if booking 2 tours
Transfer to the location
Guide support
Free cancelation policy
Free cancelation of tour is available until 24 hours before your tour starts
Testimonials
  • Steven
    UK

    ★★★★★

    We became friends!

    We had an amazing four-day adventure, made all the more enjoyable by Gulzat's personality. Through discussion, we arrived at the perfect bespoke four-day road trip. We did everything that we wanted to do and it was fantastic that we could return to the Charyn Canyon to take photographs in better light....

  • Reka
    Hungary
    ★★★★★
    See you in Budapest!
    We spent teo days with her! She was so nice and plesent and helpful. I always felt safe. She was helpful! We spoke so much about our familiy and culture, we learned a lot from Kazakhstan! Thank you for the unfogetable experience! I recommend her to anyone! It was amazing how she can speak on three language...
  • Nao
    Japan
    ★★★★★
    We spent a great day!
    I had a great experience with my guide, Gulzat. She is very polite, kind and caring person. She replied me very quick any time. I came to Almaty from Japan alone. I was a little bit nervous before but I was very relieved by her support. She invited me to a nice riverside lunch on the way to Big Almaty Lake. I had an amazing afternoon. The lake was beautiful ....
Kolsay Lakes are a series of three interconnected lakes located in the mountains of the northern Tien Shan in the south-east of Kazakhstan in the Almaty region, Rayymbek district, 330 km from Almaty. The border of Kyrgyzstan is only 10 km away. The height of Lower Kolsay is 1800 m, Middle Kolsai is 2250 m, Upper Kolsai is 2850 m.

The second name is "Pearls of Northern Tien Shan". The depth reaches 50m. Rainbow trout live here. The lake is surrounded by rich flora and fauna. The mountain slopes are decorated with dense forests of blue Tien Shan spruce.

The first lake, Kolsay-1 (Mynzhylgy), is the highest and most secluded of the three lakes. The water in the lakes is crystal clear and has a blue-green hue, which varies depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
The second lake, Kolsay-2, is the largest and most popular among visitors.
The third lake, Kolsay-3, is the smallest and is located at the lowest altitude.

Small Lake Kolsay, also known as Kolsay-3, is a stunning Alpine lake located in the mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. The lake is part of Kolsay Lakes National Park, a protected area known for its natural beauty and biodiversity.
The lake is located at an altitude of 1800 meters and is surrounded by lush forests and high mountains. It feeds on melted glacial water and has a bright turquoise color, which is truly breathtaking.
Visitors can hike to the small Kolsai Lake along a well-marked trail that starts at the entrance to the Kolsai Lakes National Park. The hike takes about 2-3 hours and is moderately challenging, with several steep sections along the way.
In addition to the most beautiful lake, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, lynxes and wild boars, as well as a wide range of bird species.
In general, Small Kolsay Lake is a miracle of nature, which is worth visiting for everyone who travels around the region. It offers stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures and the opportunity to experience the beauty of the wild nature of Kazakhstan.

Kolsay Lakes are a popular tourist destination, especially for hiking, camping, fishing and horseback riding. There are also several trails that lead to the lakes from nearby villages and towns, including the Kolsay Lakes National Park, which was created in 2007 to protect the unique natural beauty of the area.

In general, the Kolsay Lakes offer visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Tien Shan Mountains and immerse themselves in the tranquility and tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

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