Kaindy and Kolsay Lake Tour

Experience the Natural Beauty of Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes: What You Need to Know

The Kaindy and Kolsay Lake Tour offers a full day of scenic mountain vistas, unique geological formations, and tranquil lakes just outside Almaty, Kazakhstan. For around $52 per person, you get a 16-hour journey that takes you from the city’s hustle into the serene alpine landscape, with stops at the iconic Kaindy Lake and the picturesque Kolsay Lakes. The tour features a sizable group, with up to 50 travelers, and includes transportation, admission fees, and some activities.

Two aspects stand out immediately. First, you’ll appreciate the spectacular sights—the submerged forest of Kaindy Lake with its sunken trees rising from turquoise waters, and the peaceful reflections on the Kolsay Lakes. Second, the value for money is a selling point, especially given the inclusion of transport and entrance fees. However, it’s worth noting that the long travel hours and crowded bus conditions may not suit everyone.

A key consideration is the duration and travel time—around 4.5 hours each way. This makes it a demanding day, especially if you’re not used to long bus rides or a packed schedule. If you prefer more relaxed, smaller-group experiences or want to explore at your own pace, this tour might feel rushed or overly crowded. But if you’re after a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s highlights in one day, and don’t mind the journey, this can be a practical option.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value value for money and are eager to see these iconic lakes despite the lengthy travel. It’s an efficient way to tick two major natural attractions off your list, especially if you’re short on time and want a guided experience.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Be prepared for awe-inspiring views of submerged trees and mountain lakes.
• Cost-effective: Includes transportation and entrance fees, making it a good budget option.
• Long day: Expect about 9 hours of travel time, with approximately 4.5 hours each way.
• Crowded experience: The tour groups can be large, with up to 50 travelers, which might impact comfort and intimacy.
• Limited free time: Stops are designed for quick visits; you won’t have much time to linger.
• All ages: Suitable for most travelers, but the long bus ride can be tiring for some.

A Detailed Look at the Kaindy & Kolsay Lake Tour

The Journey Begins Early

Starting at 6:00 am from Zharokov Street in Almaty, the tour kicks off with a prompt departure. The early start is necessary to make the most of the day, given the 4.5-hour drive each way. We loved the way the bus ride offers a window into the countryside, with rolling hills and changing landscapes. However, the downside is that the large group size, often up to 50 people, can make the trip feel cramped and noisy. One traveler shared, “You’re basically cramped in a bus with 60 other people for 12 hours total, it’s just overall really just not worth it,” highlighting that comfort might be compromised.

First Stop: Lake Kaindy

After nearly four hours on the road, you arrive at the famous Kaindy Lake, known for its sunken forest. The lake, about 400 meters long, reaches depths of around 30 meters and contains trunks of submerged Picea trees that shoot vertically from the water. The limestone deposits give the lake a vivid bluish-green hue, creating a surreal scene. Expect to spend about 4 hours here, which is enough to snap some photos and marvel at the unusual landscape.

The water’s high mineral content helps maintain its vibrant color, and the sight of the reeled-in trees rising from the lake surface feels almost otherworldly. Visitors love the unique geological formation, but some note that the visit is relatively brief—just enough time to take in the spectacle before heading back to the bus. Since there’s no additional cost for admission, this stop is a highlight for many, though some might wish for a little more time to explore or photograph.

Lunch Break and Travel to Kolsay

The tour includes a midday stop for lunch, which is typically quick and functional—expect packing your own or grabbing a snack on the go. After lunch, the journey continues to the Kolsay Lakes, a group of three stunning mountain lakes at different elevations—Verkhneye (Upper), Mynzholki (Middle), and Nizhneye (Lower). These are accessible and less crowded, and the area offers peaceful walking opportunities along the shorelines.

Exploring Kolsay Lakes

The Lower Kolsay Lake is the most accessible and popular among visitors, providing a tranquil setting with mountain reflections that are perfect for photos. The lakes sit at varying altitudes between 1,800 and 2,700 meters, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky peaks. The tour allocates about 3 hours here, which is enough to enjoy a relaxed walk and take in the natural beauty.

Many travelers find this part of the trip the most peaceful and authentic, with fewer crowds and more time to breathe in the fresh mountain air. The lakes are a favorite for their natural charm and stunning scenery—if you prefer unhurried exploration, you might find this stop more rewarding than Kaindy.

Return Journey and Reflection

The return trip takes about the same length as the drive out—another 4.5 hours—meaning a total of approximately 9 hours in transit. We appreciate the logistical efficiency of fitting both lakes into a single day, but it does make for a very long day on a bus. As one review notes, “Most travelers can participate,” but the prolonged sitting and the crowded conditions can be draining after a while.

Additional Options and Costs

Extras like boat riding and horse riding are available for an additional $25 each, but they are not included in the tour price. These options could enhance your experience if you have extra time and want a more interactive adventure, though they also add to the overall cost.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour works best for budget-conscious travelers eager for a broad overview of the region’s highlights. It’s suitable for those who don’t mind long hours on a bus and large group settings. However, if you prioritize comfort, small-group experiences, or more flexible timings, this might not be your ideal choice.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Kaindy and Kolsay Lake Tour offers a straightforward, cost-effective way to see some of Kazakhstan’s most photographed natural sights in a single day. The scenic beauty of the lakes, especially Kaindy’s sunken forest, makes it a memorable experience, and the included transportation and entrance fees provide clear value. On the downside, the lengthy travel time and crowded bus environment can diminish the experience for some travelers, especially those who prefer more leisurely, intimate excursions.

If you’re flexible and excited about ticking off major sights in one go, this tour delivers the essentials with minimal fuss. However, if you’re looking for a quiet, unrushed experience or want to explore at your own pace, you might find the long hours and large group setting less appealing.

In summary, this tour is an efficient, budget-friendly option for those eager to see the surreal waters of Kaindy and the peaceful Kolsay Lakes but should be approached with an understanding of its long day and crowded conditions. It’s best suited for travelers who value value for money and are okay with a full, sometimes tiring, adventure.

FAQ

How long is the total trip?
The trip lasts approximately 16 hours, with about 4.5 hours each way of travel, plus time spent at the lakes.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes admission fees to Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes, transportation by UAZ vehicle to Kaindy, and guided visits. Extras like boat and horse riding are optional and paid separately.

What is the starting time?
The tour departs at 6:00 am from Zharokov Street in Almaty.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the long bus ride might be tiring, especially for young children or elderly travelers.

Can I buy additional activities during the tour?
Yes, boat riding and horse riding are available for an extra $25 each, but they are not included in the base price.

What are the main sights I will see?
You’ll see Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest and the three Kolsay Lakes, with their mountain scenery and peaceful environments.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes, water, sun protection, and perhaps a camera to capture the surreal landscapes. Since time is limited, packing snacks might also be advisable.

Final Recommendation

This tour is a solid pick if your priority is seeing two iconic lakes with a reasonable budget. The spectacle of Kaindy’s submerged forest and the tranquility of Kolsay make for memorable photos and stories. However, be prepared for a long day of travel and large group dynamics. If you’re after a more intimate, relaxed experience, consider other options or private tours, especially if you want more time to explore each site. For those willing to endure the journey, the sights will reward your effort, and you’ll come away with a genuine appreciation for Kazakhstan’s natural beauty.