★4.9Aidos Serikov
Senior guide, mountain routes
One-day tour · Lakes and Mountains
In one day, you'll see the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan — Lake Kolsai. The route passes through picturesque canyons and gorges, and the turquoise water of the lake will leave no one indifferent. Ideal for those who want to escape the city without an overnight stay.
Program
We meet in the city center, board a comfortable minibus, and set off.
A short stop for photos and stretching, enjoying mountain landscapes.
We get off at the shore of the first lake, free time for a walk and photo session.
Lunch at a lakeside cafe (national cuisine dishes at extra cost or your own packed lunch).
Those interested can hike the trail to Lake Kolsai-2, while others relax on the shore.
We gather, board the bus, and head back.
Estimated return time, drop-off in the city center.
What's included
Already included in the tour price
Optional, on site
To make the day comfortable
Team
Routes are led by working guides and instructors. The same people answer in WhatsApp and accompany groups on tour.
★4.9Aidos Serikov
Senior guide, mountain routes
★5Dinara Kassymova
Guide-lecturer in Almaty
★4.8Marat Zhunussov
Trekking instructor
★4.9Oleg Kim
Driver-guide, jeep tours
★4.8Zhanna Abenova
Tour manager
★4.9Timur Beketov
Multi-day tour guide
★5Aliya Nurlan
Group coordinator
★4.8Sergey Volkov
Instructor, ski tours
Reviews
We gathered as a big group for the weekend, wanting to get away from the city hustle. Friends had long recommended this route, so we finally decided. The weather was great, sunny, the lake water was warm, we even swam. The road took quite a while, but it was worth it. We especially enjoyed the walk to the upper lakes, the views are simply incredible. The guide told us many interesting things about the mountains along the way. We returned late, a bit tired, but with lots of impressions. We will definitely go again.
In July we went to Kolsai with our family. We gathered at half past six in the morning, Aliya told us exactly where to meet and kept in touch along the way. The minibus is comfortable, and even though the road is long, we didn't get tired. In Turgen Gorge we took photos and rested. The lake water is clear, the color is azure, the nature is amazing. We had lunch at a cafe by the lake. Later we walked to the upper lake, and since the day was hot, I recommend taking water and a hat. In the evening we arrived safely in Almaty.
We took it with my wife for our anniversary, wanted to unwind without an overnight stay. In July it's cool at the lake, we took jackets.
We gathered with colleagues on the weekend to disconnect from work. Aidos told us a lot about the mountains on the way, thanks to him. In June it was warm, but at the upper lake it was windy.
We went in June with colleagues, Aidos told a lot about the mountains and the route. The road is long but interesting, the lake is very beautiful. I liked that there's no overnight stay.
We went in June, it was hot, but at the lake it's cool and windy. I liked the walk to the upper lakes, though the trail is a bit steep. Organization is top-notch.
We had long wanted to see Kolsai as a family, and finally made it in June. We took a weekend tour so we wouldn't have to take leave. The weather was warm, even hot, good thing we took water and caps. We liked the walk to the upper lakes, but the trail is a bit steep. We returned late, but happy.
We went spontaneously with a friend, wanted to see the turquoise water. In June the water is cold but the views are worth it.
We took the tour as a family to show the mountains to the children. In August it was hot in Almaty but comfortable at the lake. The guide told us everything, the bus was on time.
The trip to Kolsai in May left a mixed impression. On one hand, the nature is beautiful, the lake is turquoise, but the weather was cool and windy, so without a jacket it would have been uncomfortable. The 6:30 AM gathering was a bit stressful, but the minibus arrived on time. The guide told interesting stories, but sometimes he was hard to hear at the back of the bus. Lunch at the cafe by the lake — the dishes are tasty, but the prices are a bit higher than in the city. The walk to the upper lakes took longer than expected, but the views are worth it. We returned to Almaty around eight in the evening, tired but happy.
We chose this tour to celebrate our anniversary with my husband without an overnight stay. Aliya met the group in the center and explained everything clearly about the timing. In October it's already cool at Kolsai, but there are few people and it's very quiet.
We chose this tour spontaneously to celebrate our anniversary with my husband. In July the heat was unbearable, but at the lake it was cooler, and we swam. The road took about three hours with a stop at the Turgen gorge. The guide talked about nature, but sometimes switched to general topics. Lunch at the cafe by the lake — national dishes, but we took our own snack. The walk to the upper lakes turned out longer than expected, but the views are stunning. We returned late, tired, but with lots of impressions. I recommend it for those who want a break from the city.
I had long wanted to see Kolsai, and finally went with a friend. Aliya called the day before, reminded me about the meeting, explained everything clearly. In the morning we gathered in the center, the bus arrived on time. On the way the guide told us about the Turgen gorge, it was interesting. At the lake we were given free time, we took plenty of photos. Lunch at the cafe — tasty, but a bit expensive. On the way back we were tired, but happy. The only thing, I would have liked a bit more time at the upper lakes.
Poehali s sestroy na vyhodnye, chtoby otvlechsya ot goroda. Vse normalno, no obed dorogovato.
I chose the tour for a one-day getaway from the city. In May there was still snow at the upper lakes, but we reached the first one calmly.
We went to Kolsai in October, the nature is very beautiful. But the trip was long, we got tired.
In October we went to Kolsai, the weather was cool. The lake view is wonderful, but it was windy. We liked the trip.
My friend and I decided to go in October before the season closes. Aliya wrote where and what time we gather, everything is clear. At the lake it's cool, windy, but beautiful.
In October we went with a friend, took a thermos and warm clothes, didn't regret it. At the lake it was fresh, but beautiful. The bus arrived on time, the guide organized everything.
We chose it with friends for the weekend to unwind. The guide helped book spots and explained everything. The trip went well, the lake is beautiful, the weather was pleasing. The only thing is the road turned out to be a bit long, but that's minor.
We went in August, the weather is great, the water is cold but refreshing. Organization is clear, we returned on time.
In August we took a tour to Kolsai to show the mountains to my parents. We went as a whole family, the bus is comfortable, but the road is long. At the lake it's hot, the water is cold, but the views are excellent. Lunch at the cafe by the lake is okay, but you could also bring your own snack.
I called Zhanna, she picked a date and arranged everything. We went with my wife on the weekend, everything went smoothly.
In May my wife and I decided to go to Kolsai, we had wanted to for a long time. Zhanna helped choose a date and told everything about the meeting. The road took about four hours, there was a stop in Turgen Gorge. At the lake it's still cool, but the views are very beautiful, the water is turquoise. We got back to the city around half past seven.
FAQ
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Ask a questionWe meet in the centre of Almaty at 06:30 and set off straight away. We arrive back in the city at approximately 19:30, and drop-off is also in the centre — Saturday evening remains free. The exact time may shift slightly due to the road, and the guide will keep you informed along the way.
There is no mandatory strenuous walking: at the first lake you stroll and take photos at your own pace, and the trail to Kolsai-2 is only for those who want it. No special training is needed, but comfortable walking shoes will come in handy. If you are unsure about your stamina, you can stay on the shore.
Yes, there is no overnight stay, and the day is spent on the bus and on the lake shore, so families often travel together. Children and older relatives can relax peacefully by the first lake while the others walk to the upper ones. If there are any health considerations, message us on WhatsApp — we will advise how to plan the day more comfortably.
It is cooler in the mountains than in Almaty, so a warm jacket or windbreaker, a hat and sunscreen will be useful. Choose comfortable walking shoes, and bring a snack and water — water on the bus will also be provided. A camera or phone will come in handy for the views of the turquoise water.
Lunch at the cafe by the lake is not included and is paid separately, as are personal expenses. The $49 per person already covers the road there and back, the guide's work, eco fees and water on the bus. You can bring your own snack — that is convenient if you do not want to wait for the cafe.
This tour is a group tour, with various tourists on the bus, so a separate departure just for your company is not guaranteed. Message us on WhatsApp with the date and number of people — we will check what can realistically be offered. We hold the booking without prepayment, payment is on the day of the trip, and cancellation is free.