Often nicknamed the ‘Pearls of the Tien Shan’, the Kolsai Lakes National Park is unquestionably one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets.
Situated in a region that is famed for its rough canyons, secluded desserts and vast steppe terrain, the Kolsai Lakes are completely the opposite and an astonishing place for you to disconnect and experience the Kazakh countryside.
The tranquil lakes are a popular stop along Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle and are flanked by lush alpine forests and hillsides covered with wildflowers and berries, making it a haven for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Though it’s slightly challenging to get there on your own, given its location at roughly 300 kilometres east of Almaty, those who decided to make the relatively exhausting journey will certainly be rewarded.
In this guide, I’ve covered everything you need to know before setting off to the Kolsai Lakes National Park, including how to get there, what to pack and heaps of insider tips too.
Where are the Kolsai Lakes
The Kolsai Lakes National Park is nestled in the northern slope of the Tian Shan Mountain Range in southeast Kazakhstan, roughly 300 kilometres from Almaty.
The gateway to the national park is Saty, a small rural village situated just a short distance away from both the Kolsai Lakes National Park and the border with Kyrgyzstan.
Kolsai Lakes tickets | Entrance fee 2022
When I arrived at the Kolsai Lakes entrance – November 2020, the entrance fee to the Kolsai Lakes National Park was 778 KZT (€1,60) per person.
As with many places in this region, I was offered to pay the entrance fee directly and unofficially to the guard, which saved me some money at 500 KZT (€1,-).
After the payment, it is normal that you receive a receipt, which you’ll need upon leaving the park. To avoid paying the entrance twice, make sure you ask for a receipt at the entrance.
How to get to the Kolsai Lakes
Given its remote location in the southeast corner of Kazakhstan, the Kolsai Lakes National Park can be quite challenging to get to.
While I was fortunate enough to travel in a car with a local friend, I totally realize that this option isn’t available to everyone.
For that reason, I’ve listed down some of the best options to get to the Kolsai Lakes National Park.
JOIN A DAY TOUR | Sure, it’s quite an adventure figuring out how to travel to one of the most remote places in the country, but if you’re looking for a hassle-free option, joining a private day trip from Almaty is by far your safest bet.
Though guided tours are somewhat expensive by Kazakh standards, I sincerely believe that it’s one of the most comfortable ways to experience the Kolsai Lakes and Kazakhstan’s Golden Triangle.
While it’s totally possible to book a tour from one of the tourist companies in Almaty, I’d highly recommend sorting out a tour online and in advance.
For those interested, this 2-day tour brings you to the Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy and Charyn Canyon and includes accommodation, air-conditioned transport, meals and entrance fees.
CAR | The Kolsai lakes National Park is located in Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, where you will also find some of the country’s other major highlights, including Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon and the Altyn-Emel National Park.
Since public transportation is limited and tours are often on the higher price end, renting a car is by far the most convenient option – plus you have all the freedom to craft your hand-tailored Almaty region itinerary and travel at your own pace.
It is for this exact reason that I highly recommend renting a car here.
If you’re looking to visit the Kolsai Lakes National Park by car, I suggest combining your visit with both Kaindy Lake and the Charyn Canyon National Park.
If you’re planning to rent a car yourself, make sure you check out Rentalcars.com, as they have a broad range of cars on offer, additional insurance options, and brilliant overall service.
Upon arrival at the Kolsai Lakes National Park, you’ll have parking facilities free of use.
BUS | Getting to the Kolsai Lakes National Park from Almaty by public transport isn’t by any means a trouble-free experience.
Though it is said that a marshrutka (a local bus) leaves from Almaty’s Sayakhat bus station for Saty at 6 in the morning, there is only little information circulating in terms of the departure place, time schedule and reliability of this journey.
If you do manage to catch this bus (please let me know if it exists), you’ll need to continue the journey to Kolsai Lake by either taking a taxi or using your hitchhiking skills to get a ride from Saty.
The return to Almaty is slightly easier, as most homestays have close contact with the marshrutka driver that travels back to Almaty.
All in all, I believe this option is quite a challenge, yet it will be quite rewarding for those that manage to complete the exhausting, yet adventurous journey.
What to see and do at the Kolsai Lakes
Take a walk around the first lake
Whether you’re visiting in the morning or at noon, a walk around the clear blue waters of the first Kolsai Lake is an absolute must.
Start the hike by following the dusty path that runs over the slope on the right-hand side of the lake, and find yourself among lush alpine forests while being welcomed by several stunning vantage points along the way.
Though it’s totally possible to return via the other side of the lake, I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s significantly more challenging, since the trail on the left side is overgrown with all kinds of greenery.
All in all, you should note that the hike takes around 3 to 4 hours out and back.
Head out on the water
If you’re looking for a unique perspective of both the first Kolsai Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range, make sure you rent yourself a boat and head out on the water.
For boat rental, simply walk down to the waterfront, where you’ll stumble upon a few vendors that will rent out boats by the hour at 10.000 KZT (roughly €20,-).
The boats themselves are easy to navigate and a paddle around the lake is done in about one to two hours if you take it easy, which I highly recommend you to do.
Do note that if you visit the Kolsai Lakes during the weekend, there might be a chance that you have to wait until there’s a boat available.
Spent the night at the Kolsai Lakes
Whether you’re pitching out your tent next to one of the lakes, having a local experience in a traditional yurt overlooking the first Kolsai Lake, or staying in the Jibek Jolly Guesthouse, spending a night within the Kolsai Lakes National Park is in many ways an incredible adventure.
Off all of the above options, camping is by far the most popular option, especially among locals.
If you’re keen to go camping, your best option is to hike to the second lake, where you’ll find plenty of space to set up your camp. Alternatively, there are a few grassy areas around the first lake too.
It is worth mentioning that you have to pay a small additional fee at the entrance if you’re planning to go camping within the national park.
Alternatively, you will also find several private yurts on the hillside of the first lake, with prices ranging from 7.000 – 10.000 KZT (€14,60 – 20,90) per yurt per night. Do keep in mind that these yurts are most likely only available for rent during the summer months.
Those after some more comfort can also opt for the slightly more pricey Jibek Jolly Guesthouse, a cosy guest house nestled in the hills of the first Kolsai Lake.
Hike to the second and third lake
While the first lake is usually spectacular enough for most of the visitors to the Kolsai Lakes National Park, there’s actually also a great hiking trail that brings you to lakes two and three.
Running straight through lush alpine forests and hillsides covered with wildflowers and berries, this trail is truly a pleasure to follow.
However, hiking this gorgeous trail comes with a few side notes.
First, there is the time that you have within the park, given it takes at least three to four hours to get to the second lake.
Then there is the fact that this area is close to the border of Kyrgyzstan, which means you’ll have to obtain a special permit before making your way any further – so make sure you have one before starting the hike.
Don’t consider that you can easily hike the area without a permit, as there are guards that patrol the area between the second and third lakes.
All in all, the hike between the first and the second lake is extremely beautiful and a round trip should take around six to seven hours to complete.
Unfortunately, during my trip here, I had to discontinue the hike to the second lake midway due to the wintry weather conditions that approached from the mountains.
Where to stay near the Kolsai Lakes
As mentioned before, the gateway to the Kolsai Lakes is Saty, a small rural village with no shortage of traditional Kazakh homestays.
Though you will not find the most luxurious of stays in this neck of the woods, I can assure you that you will have one of the most authentic local experiences instead – which to me, made my trip to the Kolsai Lakes so much more memorable.
Also, it is worth mentioning that the Kolsai Lakes are extremely popular during the weekends, so if you’re planning to make it there in the weekend, make sure you book your accommodation in advance.
If you’re looking to book your accommodation in advance, make sure you explore the available options in Saty on Booking.com.
Best time of year to visit the Kolsai Lakes
Given the Almaty region experiences fiery heat during the summer and freezing colds during the winter, I believe the best time to visit the Kolsai Lakes is during the shoulder months of April – June, and September – October.
Besides the comfortable weather during these time frames, you will also have an easier time getting there by car or as part of a guided tour from Almaty.
I visited the Kolsai Lakes early in November and was fortunate enough to spend two days here, which granted me the opportunity to see it both on a sunny and a snowy day.
Best time of day to the Kolsai Lakes
As with most natural sceneries in the world, the Kolsai Lakes are stunningly beautiful at sunrise, meaning you might want to set off on an early morning adventure.
However, since the Kolsai Lakes are pretty far from Almaty, it is essential to visit the lakes as part of a multiple-day trip to reap the benefits of an early visit.
While it’s absolutely possible to visit the Kolsai Lakes at any time of day, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting at noon – especially if you’re into serious photography, as the harsh light and reflections on the lake will make shooting here a tad challenging.
Also, given the Kolsai Lakes are part of Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, the lakes do become quite crowded during the weekends.
What to pack for the Kolsai Lakes
As with any adventure in this neck of the woods, I believe it’s essential that you travel with the right type of kit.
To avoid surprises when travelling to this remote corner of the country, I’d highly suggest packing the following items:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | One travel essential that I carry with me at all times is the Grayl Geopress. This reusable water purification bottle allows me to fill up water from nearly every water source, making it one of my best investments to date.
HIKING BOOTS OR A GOOD PAIR OF SNEAKERS | The terrain at the Kolsai Lakes National Park can be a tad slippery and muddy. While you don’t necessarily need hiking boots, I’d highly recommend wearing a sturdy pair of sneakers.
WEAR LAYERS | Although it may be warm in Almaty, the weather out here in the mountains is a totally different experience. For that reason, make sure you wear layers just in case.
YOUR PASSPORT | From what I’ve heard, there is now a checkpoint at Saty where they will ask you for your documents before entering the village.
SNACKS | Since there are not many facilities within the national park, I suggest bringing lunch and a few snacks to fuel your adventures around the lakes.
CASH | Even though there’s only one restaurant in the area, it’s always good to carry enough money with you just to be sure.
SUN PROTECTION | Most parts around the lakes are fully exposed to the sun, and for that reason, I’d highly recommend packing yourself some sunscreen and a hat.
A CAMERA | It is safe to say that the Kolsai Lakes are one of the best things to see in Kazakhstan, so you’re going to snap loads of photos while you’re there. Make sure you see what’s in my camera bag.
LEAVE NO FOOTPRINTS | As always, remember to respect and appreciate the location, so keep your trash with you at all times.
Onward travel | What’s next
The Kolsai Lakes National Park is part of Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, a trio of major natural sights in southeast Kazakhstan.
Besides the Kolsai Lakes, this famous region is also home to the Charyn Canyon National Park, the Altyn-Emel National Park and the Kaindy Lake, which are all clearly worthy of your time too.
Stay safe in Kazakhstan | Travel insurance
Since travelling in Kazakhstan is all about hiking and off-the-beaten path adventures, I recommend everyone to sort out adequate travel insurance before setting out on their own adventure.
Where we prefer that everything runs smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s a hiking injury, stolen goods or an accident on the road.
For travel insurance, I use Heymondo, as they offer full covid-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy too. Additionally, I also recommend World Nomads.
PLAN YOUR KAZAKHSTAN ADVENTURES WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES
