Kolsai Lake
Kolsai Lake
4.5
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- Soudamini MBengaluru, India1,584 contributionsLake surrounded by mountainsKolsai Lake and it's surroundings is like a dreamland. The lake is surrounded by high mountains. The reflection of the trees and mountains in the blue water of the lake is an added attraction. The trip to the lake is usually combined with the Charyn canyon. A day trip from Almaty will take more than 12 hours. Alternatively one can stay overnight in the Saty village near the lake.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2023
- RahMehMumbai, India71 contributionsCalm & SerenePeace and tranquility! Those are the only words to describe the feelings when visiting Kolsai Lakes. Too far from the Almaty City, but is worth visiting. They have boat ride and few other activities to enjoy the prestin waters & serene mountain around. For us, it was just the fresh snow of the season and we enjoyed it a lot. However, start very early so to get a good time at the spot. It takes around 4+ hrs one-way.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 8, 2023
- omegonBangkok, Thailand280 contributionsGreat hike but terrible trailsI did the hike from Kolsai 1 to 2. The trail is around 17 KM round trip with an altitude gain of over 700 meters. The trail starts all fairly easy and very nice along the first lake. After 4.5 KM into the hike, it gets much steeper and will continue to be like that until last 500 meters. The biggest problem is that at most points hikers share the same trail with horses that take people all the way up there, making the trip extremely muddy and hard to walk, which you can get really bad after or during a rain. So definitely be prepared for a lot of mud even during the summer times. Also be prepared for changes in weather, which seems to happen often in the area. Alternatively, you can also take a horse up there, but I am not sure of the cost, but I expect it to be pretty expensive. Kolsai 2 is very nice and much quieter. Despite all these challenges, it is one of my favorite hikes.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 26, 2024
- dyennipurr villanova singAstana, Kazakhstan5 contributionsSummer thrillFantastic view of the lake and mountains. There were some water activities like canoeing and catamaran rides . We also hiked a little. The only set back was the lack of hygienic restrooms. The trip was long and tiring but well worth it.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 26, 2024
- WPLandryFairfax, Virginia592 contributionsStunning sceneryThe lakes are incredible to visit. The scenery is so picturesque that it's hard to believe it's real. The lower lake is easy to access and there are restaurants and other amenities nearby. The upper lake is more challenging, you can ride a horse or make the trek on foot.Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 30, 2024
- Bozeman-DublinTrim, Ireland11,389 contributionsAmazing BeautyWe had a fantastic couple of days in and around Saty exploring the Kolsai Lakes National Park. A 4WD is essential, ours was arranged and hired from Saty. The Sunken Forest was the highlight, a hauntingly beautiful and serene place. But the other Lakes were well worth a visit too. We saw a lot of people doing the trails on one side of the lake on horseback, but we used a mixture of 4WD and hiking on foot. A very special area this, well worth incorporating into your itinerary if you are doing Charyn Canyon or crossing to or from Kyrgyzstan.Visited August 2024Traveled with friendsWritten August 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Mikey P
Norwich, UK3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Me and 3 friends turned up to the lake car park at about 6pm as it started to get dark. 2 tour guides with horses took us up to the lake on horse back. We got to the lake ridge, then one of the tour guides pulled a knife out and threatened us with the knife and held it against my chest. He was asking for money, we gave him all the money we had but they still demanded more. We then decided to run back to our car (about 2km) whilst they chased us on their horses. This sounds like a made up story… but it’s completely genuine. Make sure you use an official tour guide and don’t use the people who lives in the huts on the way up to the car park.
Written March 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VinnieLondon
London, UK12,782 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Around 3-3.5 hours drive from Almaty through some stunning landscapes. This is a forested mountainous area with 3 lakes comprising the set of Kolsai lakes. There is a large car park at the top of the first (lower) lake which effectively is the end of the road. There are food places and some great panoramic view points here. It’s a fairly steep walk down via initially a road then steps then trail to the lake (quite arduous coming back up). There are vans and horses for hire that can take you up and down.There are lots of boats for hire on the lake. The setting is really stunning with great photo opportunities. The second lake is a further 8km via a mountainside trail and the top lake a further 4km so the three combined are really a full day trek (there are no real facilities at the second and third lake but up can camp). At the car park there are lots of Yurts and cabins for hire to make an overnight stay comfortable to enjoy the fantastic clean and clear mountain air. Well worth a day or better still, overnight trip out from Almaty.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrc282
World9,495 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
i have mixed feelings about this lake.
on one hand, it is a much easier drive than lake kaindy (20 min from saty village, paved all the way, except the final 500 m stretch). any 2wd sedan can make the drive. but this is the double edge sword. any rando from almaty can visit here now, and anytime they wish.
it is also very commercialized. hotels galore, food stalls every corner, falcon photo hawking, boating, etc. oh boy, just writing about it makes my head spin.
once you arrive, you can walk down to the lake and access the board walk path along both sides of lake shore. or you can also use the white minivan (200 tenge one way) or buhanka (500 tenge one way) to get down (and up) from the lake shore. the difference is the minivan only get you half way down/up, while the buhanka gets you all the way down/up (4x4 is needed for the final stretch) .
you can also use the lake kaindy ticket on a visit to lake kolsai. or vice versa. i know it works for same calendar day visit, but unsure if it stays valid beyond 24h
on one hand, it is a much easier drive than lake kaindy (20 min from saty village, paved all the way, except the final 500 m stretch). any 2wd sedan can make the drive. but this is the double edge sword. any rando from almaty can visit here now, and anytime they wish.
it is also very commercialized. hotels galore, food stalls every corner, falcon photo hawking, boating, etc. oh boy, just writing about it makes my head spin.
once you arrive, you can walk down to the lake and access the board walk path along both sides of lake shore. or you can also use the white minivan (200 tenge one way) or buhanka (500 tenge one way) to get down (and up) from the lake shore. the difference is the minivan only get you half way down/up, while the buhanka gets you all the way down/up (4x4 is needed for the final stretch) .
you can also use the lake kaindy ticket on a visit to lake kolsai. or vice versa. i know it works for same calendar day visit, but unsure if it stays valid beyond 24h
Written August 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin C
1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Couples
It was wonderful tour in my life. We were on a beautiful lake (even despite the fact that it was under the snow), around the most beautiful Tien Shan firs, clean air, horses, a mountain river, drank tea with a local forester. It was very cool and unusual! And most importantly, we were the only ones there!! And it’s just awesome! The guide gives all the best, tries very hard. Thank you very much for your kind approach! It’s very nice when they try so hard for you!!
Last day back to Almaty we have seen Charyn Canyon. And the most cosmic – it was under the stars all alone to get out of the canyon! This blocked all other emotions, although there were enough of them:) Totally everything organised very well. I want to come back again with my friends .
Thank you “Pegas Adventure” team and see you in summer!!!
Last day back to Almaty we have seen Charyn Canyon. And the most cosmic – it was under the stars all alone to get out of the canyon! This blocked all other emotions, although there were enough of them:) Totally everything organised very well. I want to come back again with my friends .
Thank you “Pegas Adventure” team and see you in summer!!!
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soudamini M
Bengaluru, India1,584 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Kolsai Lake and it's surroundings is like a dreamland. The lake is surrounded by high mountains. The reflection of the trees and mountains in the blue water of the lake is an added attraction. The trip to the lake is usually combined with the Charyn canyon. A day trip from Almaty will take more than 12 hours. Alternatively one can stay overnight in the Saty village near the lake.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,444 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
We visited the Lower Kolsai Lake as part of a 2-day tour to Kolsai Lakes National Park and Charyn Canyon. The lake is located at 1800 meters, is about 1.5 km long with a depth of 40 meters, and is surrounded by high mountains (snow on the mountains when we visited in September). The lakes were formed after an 1887 earthquake caused landslides that dammed the stream. The view of the lake is undoubtedly spectacular in good weather, but it was rainy and cloudy most of the time we visited so the experience was less than ideal. The area around the lower lake is more developed than we expected, with paved trails leading down to the lake, paddle boats for rent, and a modern restaurant near the viewpoint. Still a beautiful spot though!
Written October 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atrem2017
Moscow, Russia50 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
In February I visited Lake Kelsay. The views are stunning and there is trout fishing on the lake. As a fisherman, this was very interesting to me. This is not my first trip to these places, so I don’t even know what to focus on. Perhaps the greatest impression is the views with mountain slopes and peaks, coniferous vegetation, ice sparkling in the sun, and in cloudy weather stunning monochrome (excellent contrasts in black and white) views. The trip, as always, was organized by my friend - an excellent guide and an amazing person who can show, tell, accommodate (including overnight stays), treat, impress! His name is Vladislav, tel.: plus seven seven hundred seven seven hundred seventy one twenty nine seventy nine. Call, you won't regret it!
Written March 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
omegon
Bangkok, Thailand280 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I did the hike from Kolsai 1 to 2. The trail is around 17 KM round trip with an altitude gain of over 700 meters.
The trail starts all fairly easy and very nice along the first lake. After 4.5 KM into the hike, it gets much steeper and will continue to be like that until last 500 meters.
The biggest problem is that at most points hikers share the same trail with horses that take people all the way up there, making the trip extremely muddy and hard to walk, which you can get really bad after or during a rain. So definitely be prepared for a lot of mud even during the summer times. Also be prepared for changes in weather, which seems to happen often in the area.
Alternatively, you can also take a horse up there, but I am not sure of the cost, but I expect it to be pretty expensive.
Kolsai 2 is very nice and much quieter. Despite all these challenges, it is one of my favorite hikes.
The trail starts all fairly easy and very nice along the first lake. After 4.5 KM into the hike, it gets much steeper and will continue to be like that until last 500 meters.
The biggest problem is that at most points hikers share the same trail with horses that take people all the way up there, making the trip extremely muddy and hard to walk, which you can get really bad after or during a rain. So definitely be prepared for a lot of mud even during the summer times. Also be prepared for changes in weather, which seems to happen often in the area.
Alternatively, you can also take a horse up there, but I am not sure of the cost, but I expect it to be pretty expensive.
Kolsai 2 is very nice and much quieter. Despite all these challenges, it is one of my favorite hikes.
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YasmineofJuly
Dubai, United Arab Emirates275 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
A picturesque fairy tale lake in the mountains.
The water is ice cold because the water is from the melting glassiers at the top of the mountains. It's not good for swimming but there are water activities like a boat and a water bicycle to rent. You will have to explore a bit of off-road while reaching to the lake from the parking. There is a lovely coffee shop with the great views by the lake. Be ready to walk quite a distance through the forest and off-road ways to and from the lake. Feel free to ask any questions on my insta Yasmine of July
The water is ice cold because the water is from the melting glassiers at the top of the mountains. It's not good for swimming but there are water activities like a boat and a water bicycle to rent. You will have to explore a bit of off-road while reaching to the lake from the parking. There is a lovely coffee shop with the great views by the lake. Be ready to walk quite a distance through the forest and off-road ways to and from the lake. Feel free to ask any questions on my insta Yasmine of July
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WPLandry
Fairfax, VA592 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
The lakes are incredible to visit. The scenery is so picturesque that it's hard to believe it's real. The lower lake is easy to access and there are restaurants and other amenities nearby. The upper lake is more challenging, you can ride a horse or make the trek on foot.
Written August 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When is the best time to visit? How about December to February?
Written August 31, 2022
Hi, December to February will be a snowy beautiful lake to see. The road and transportation should be checked ahead because the lake is in the mountains. The roads can be closed during a bad weather, rains, storms, snowfall.
Written September 2, 2022
May I know the prices of guest house in Saty Village before go to Kolsai Lake? Where can I find the information about accommodation in Saty Village?
Written November 29, 2018
We paid around 2500 tenge (6€)/day/person in guest house (double bed). We didn't reserve anything, we just went there and knock on the door of the guest house, but we were there in the end of September when the tourist season isn't high.
You can find information about the accommodation in booking.
Written November 30, 2018
Сколько там на берут за ночевку в юрте? Мест для всех интересующихся ест? Нужно ли заранее заказывать или можно там по приезду?
Спасибо большое!
Written August 9, 2018
Что касается проживания, то с едой получилось 15-25$ в зависимости от количество трапез (завтрак обед, ужин)
Мест вроде как хватает для ночлег.
Так или иначе лучше конечно созвониться.
Written August 10, 2018
Ηello.
How much money need to go in Kolsai Lakes?
I book a house there or from a site in internet??
If i will go there i can book a house there for some days?
Written May 8, 2018
first of all take some cash.
If you want something fancy and a real hotel you need to book in advance.
if you dont mind and are ready to live with locals (great host) then dont book anything.
Written July 19, 2018
Hello
I'm looking to visit the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes this September (and also Charyn Canyon).
I notice that these sites are located close to the borders with Kyrgyzstan and China, and I hear that some border zones in Kazakhstan are closed to foreigners. Can anyone please confirm whether or not there are any restrictions on visiting these areas, and whether or not I would need to arrange any special permits to visit them?
Many thanks
Written April 4, 2018
Especially the Kolsai lakes are close to the border, the mountains next to it are belong to Kirgizistan, but you do not need any extra permission to reach and visit these sites. Charyn canyon and the lakes I mentioned are fully located in Kazakhstan, so you can go there with Kazakh visa (if you need). The areas above are popular tourist attractions so you can be sure that these are opened.
Written April 5, 2018
Would you suggest staying at Kolsai Lakes? or there is no accommodation available, tourists normally take a day-trip there and stay hereby say Almaty?
Written March 24, 2018
I definitely suggest staying near Kolsai lake. Clarity of night sky and stars are really amazing.
Accommodation is available in a nearest town called Sati if you are in a two-day organized tour. We had really good time there since we brought a lot of beer from Almaty.
Written March 26, 2018
Usama K
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Generally public transportation is cheap or expensive in almathy ? And are these transporters are offering services and taking these tourists to every corner? People can speak and understand basic english to communicate?
Written January 25, 2018
I tend to agree with Jing H. We hired transport via Internet before arriving in Almaty and consequently ended up paying way too much for a very friendly driver who barely spoke English.
We ordered a tour incl Kolsaï lakes.
Written January 29, 2018
hi. could anyone please tell me what is the best way to get from Almaty to Charyn canyon and from there to Saty ( by public transport) on the same day? Is that even possible? thank you in advance!
Written July 30, 2017
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