★5Senior guide, hiking & jeep-tour organizer
Auto-hiking tour · 2 days
Tour to Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy from Almaty
4.8 · 24 reviews
In two days you will see the gems of the Northern Tien Shan: the Lower and Middle Kolsai lakes and the submerged forest of Kaindy. The route is designed to leisurely enjoy the views, stay overnight at a tourist base, and return to Almaty with full memory cards.
WhenFri, Sat, Sun
Duration2 days / 1 night
StartAlmaty
Pricefrom $89/person
Program
Hourly itinerary for the Kolsai and Kaindy tour
07:00
Meeting and departure from Almaty
We meet at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. Transfer by comfortable minibus to the Kolsai gorge (about 4 hours). A short stop in the village of Saty along the way.
11:00
Arrival at Kolsai-1
We go to the shore of the Lower Lake. Here you will have a hike along the lake to the observation deck (about 1.5 km). Photos against the backdrop of emerald water and spruce forest.
13:00
Lunch
Lunch at a cafe by the lake (hot dish, salad, tea). Those who wish can swim in the crystal clear water.
14:30
Walk to Kolsai-2
Hike to the Middle Lake (about 2 km). The water here has a rich blue hue. Return to the bus.
17:00
Check-in at the tourist base
Accommodation in cottages at the Kolsai tourist base (amenities on site). Free time: you can walk to the lake, go fishing, or just relax.
19:00
Dinner
Dinner at the cafe (included in the price). In the evening — gatherings around the campfire (weather permitting).
08:00
Breakfast and departure to Kaindy
Breakfast at the base. Transfer to Lake Kaindy (about 1 hour). Along the way — a scenic pass.
10:00
Walk along Lake Kaindy
Descent to the lake and walk along the shore. You will see the submerged spruce forest — trunks sticking straight out of the water. You can take the most spectacular photos.
12:30
Lunch
Lunch at a cafe by the lake (included in the price). Then free time for a walk.
14:00
Return to Almaty
Departure back. Along the way, a stop at an observation deck with a panorama of the canyon. Estimated arrival in Almaty at 19:00.
What's included
What is included in the cost of the Kolsai and Kaindy tour
Included in Price
Already included in the tour price
- Transfer from Almaty and back in a comfortable minibus
- Services of a guide-escort
- Accommodation at the Kolsai tourist base (1 night)
- Meals: lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast and lunch on the second day
- Organizational and environmental fees
Paid separately
Optional, on site
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Fishing gear rental (optional)
- Accident insurance (recommended)
What to Bring
To make the day comfortable
- Comfortable trekking shoes and a waterproof jacket
- Warm clothing (it's cool in the evenings even in summer)
- Swimsuit/trunks (if you plan to swim)
- Camera and spare batteries
- Personal first aid kit and mosquito repellent
Team
Our team — guides and instructors from Almaty
Routes are led by working guides and instructors. The same people answer in WhatsApp and accompany groups on tour.
★5
★4.52Alexander Пашкин
Driver-guide, инструктор по трекингу
★4.74Andrey Шевелёв
Driver-guide
★4.27Анжелика Чвыкова
Гид-фотограф
★4.27Ильяс Дарбеков
Гид-переводчик
★4.55Мадина Данина
Организатор туров
★4.49Сергей Бабичев
Personal guide-водитель
Reviews
Reviews of the tour to Kolsai and Kaindy
4.9 ★
Our rating · 312 reviews
4.8 ★
Google · 540
4.9 ★
Yandex · 268
4.8 ★
2GIS · 197
1317
Total reviews
Damir I.
Our website ·
★★★★★We organized a trip to the lakes, got a lot of impressions. The guide toured us around the lakes, told us many things. Wonderful! We went on vacation with friends, felt the tranquility of nature. The water in Kaindy is clear, the pine trees at the bottom look amazing. We strolled around Kolsai and breathed the fresh air. Lunch was tasty, especially liked the soup. Only the road was long, we got tired, but the views we saw made us forget everything. Thanks!
Gulnara A.
Our website ·
★★★★★S kem poedem v etot tur? Ya uzhe byla, vse kruto. Sovetuyu vsem. Ochen' krasivye ozera i les pod vodoy. Rekomenduyu
Nikolay B.
Our website ·
★★★★★I had long wanted to go to the mountains and chose this tour. I wasn't wrong. The photos turned out gorgeous. A small downside was the queue at the viewpoint, but we weren't in a hurry.
Pavel Kh.
Google ·
★★★★★The tour is good, but the road is long and bumpy. But the mountains and lakes are a fairy tale. The guide kept us informed of all the details and answered questions.
Inna Yu.
Google ·
★★★★★I had long dreamed of seeing Kaindy, and it finally happened. The lake is an unreal color. The guide suggested the best angles for photos. We went with my sister, we both love nature. At Kolsai we got a bit tired from the climb, but the views are worth it. Lunch was tasty, especially the hot tea in the fresh air was a delight. At night at the tourist base it was cool, but the cabin was warm. The only downside is the queue at the viewpoint, we had to wait. Overall, the impressions are excellent, I recommend it!
Asel N.
Yandex ·
★★★★★Amazing tour! Liked everything. The lake views are stunning. Aleksandr told many stories on the way, thanks! We went on vacation with our family, both the kids and we liked it. The water in Lake Kaindy is clear, you can clearly see the pine trees underneath. When we went to Kolsai, the climb up the mountain was a bit difficult, but the view from the top made us forget all the fatigue. The overnight stay at the tourist base was comfortable, the food tasty. Just a small note to the organizers: the bus was late, but everything ended well.
Lyazzat K.
Google ·
★★★★★We went with the kids, they really liked it. The Kolsai lakes and Kaindy are a natural wonder. Thanks to the guide, he explained everything.
Oksana D.
Google ·
★★★★★The vacation was a success! The views are so beautiful that you don't want to leave. We went with our family for the weekend to escape the city bustle. What impressed us most was Lake Kaindy — the flooded forest looks magical, and the photos turned out amazing. At Kolsai, we climbed to the viewpoint, which offers a stunning panorama of the turquoise water. At night at the tourist base it was quiet and calm, we even managed to sit by the campfire. Only the departure was delayed by half an hour, but they warned us. Overall, I recommend it to anyone who wants to recharge.
Ruslan N.
Google ·
★★★★★We went with a friend, we had long wanted to see the mountains. First time in the Tian Shan, tons of impressions. Kaindy is a unique place, the water is clear, you can see the trunks. Madina is pleasant, she told us everything about the dates and booking. We got a bit tired from the climb, but the views are worth it.
Aidos B.
Our website ·
★★★★★My friends and I went to celebrate a birthday. The program was packed, the uphill trekking was a bit tough but beautiful. There was a slight delay in departure, but nothing critical.
Raushan B.
Our website ·
★★★★★Tur ochen' khoroshiy, vse organizovano. My ochen' dovol'ny. Otdel'no spasibo Sergeyu za interesnye rasskazy.
Elena Ts.
Yandex ·
★★★★★I went alone, but it was fun in the group. I met interesting people. The lakes are a wonder of nature, especially Kaindy with its flooded forest. The guide was very caring, told us everything and helped with photos.
Viktor P.
Our website ·
★★★★★I'm happy with the tour, but I would have liked more time at the lakes themselves. The nature is amazing. Thanks to the guide for his patience.
Aliya S.
2GIS ·
★★★★★The lakes are beautiful, especially the water of Kaindy is crystal clear blue. Ilyas was the guide, he told us everything. Thank you!
Oleg Z.
Google ·
★★★★★Kolsai i Kaindy - eto prosto bombu. My voshishany! Mne ochen' ponravilsya marshrut. Rekomenduyu vsem, kto lyubit gory. Andrey byl krasavchik, vse ob'yasnil.
Dima K.
Our website ·
★★★★★The tour was super, I liked everything. The guide organized everything, good job. The lakes are turquoise, the photos are fire.
Ivan G.
Yandex ·
★★★★★I wanted to see the sunken forest of Kaindy, and it was just wow. The road was tough, but it was worth it.
Dmitry Ch.
Our website ·
★★★★★We chose this tour because of the reviews, and it exceeded expectations. Kaindy is a unique lake with a flooded forest. Trekking in the Tian Shan mountains gave unforgettable emotions. Thanks to the guide for patience and humor.
Zhanna P.
Google ·
★★★★★We went with our class, really liked it. Madina helped organize everything clearly. The lakes are unreal, the water color is like in paradise. Especially memorable was the walk along Kaindy — the spruce trunks stick right out of the water, like movie decorations. At Kolsai we managed to swim, the water is invigorating but refreshing. Lunch was simple but tasty, everyone ate their fill. We got a bit tired from the long road, but it was worth it. Thanks for the adventure!
Tatyana V.
Google ·
★★★★★We went with the family, the kids liked it. The tourist camp is comfortable. The guide explained everything about the route, thanks.
Marat D.
Our website ·
★★★★★Great tour, but the road was bumpy. However, the views were worth it.
Nurgul T.
Our website ·
★★★★★The Kolsai Lakes are a wonder of nature. Aleksandr and I talked, and I learned a lot. I liked it!
Sveta M.
Yandex ·
★★★★★We spent a long time choosing a tour and settled on this one. No regrets! The Tien Shan mountains are mesmerizing. The only downside was waiting at the viewpoint for about 20 minutes.
Aigul K.
Our website ·
★★★★★The lakes are gorgeous, Kaindy's turquoise water is like a fairy tale. Sergey told us a lot of interesting things about the sunken forest.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour to Kolsai and Kaindy
We've collected the questions travelers ask most often. Didn't find your answer? Write to us — a guide will reply in a couple of minutes.
Ask a questionTake comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket — there are walking sections along the lakes on the route. In the evenings at the guesthouse it is cool even in summer, so warm clothing will come in handy. A swimsuit, camera, first-aid kit and something for mosquitoes will also be useful.
The walks are short: on the first day, an ascent along the Lower Lake and a transfer to the Middle Lake; on the second, a descent and a walk along the shore of Kaindy. No special preparation is needed; we go at a calm pace. If you are unsure about your fitness, ask for details for your date on WhatsApp.
The walking sections are short and without difficult terrain, and the night is spent in guesthouse cabins, so the route usually suits both children and older relatives. Just keep the drive in mind: it is about four hours by minibus each way. Message us on WhatsApp for your date and we will tell you honestly whether it will be comfortable for your group.
We meet in Almaty at 07:00 at the Palace of Sports, and depart from there. We return to the city at approximately 19:00 on the second day, but the exact time depends on the road and the group. The guide will tell you before departure how things are going in practice.
The price includes a night at the Kolsai guesthouse and the main meals according to the programme — lunches, dinner and breakfast. Only personal expenses are paid separately: souvenirs, additional drinks, rental of fishing gear and insurance, which we recommend taking out. Environmental and organisational fees are already included.
This tour runs in a group format; whether a separate trip just for your group is possible, we will check on WhatsApp for your date and group size. The price is $89 per person. Booking without prepayment, payment on the day of the trip, free cancellation.
