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Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

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(@marrader)
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Topic starter  

So, as I understand it, there are three Kolsai Lakes plus Kaindy Lake, all located in Kolsai Lakes National Park.

  • How long does it take to get to the park from Almaty?
  • How much time is needed to properly see all four lakes?
  • Are there accommodations in the area? How much do they cost?

   
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(@larole)
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I was there recentrly! The drive from Almaty takes about 4–5 hours. The best route is to head to Saty village, which is 10 km from Kolsai Lakes along a narrow mountain road.

  • You can drive to the first Kolsai Lake.
  • To reach the second lake, it’s a 3-hour hike uphill. We skipped that.

For overnight stays, Saty is a good option. Many homes offer rooms for rent, including homemade meals.

To visit Kaindy Lake:

  • It’s about 12 km of rough road.
  • You’ll need a 4x4! A regular car won’t make it. The road is in a terrible state.

   
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 MSMK
(@msmk)
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Does anyone know if there are now buses from Almaty to Saty village? If yes, which station and what time? If not, what’s the most budget-friendly way to get there? We’re a group of two currently in Almaty and plan to head to the park with a tent in two days.


   
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(@smalljack)
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Not sure about buses, but taxis are no problem (plus, you’ll hear some interesting stories from the driver).

For accommodations:

  • I recommend renting a yurt for an authentic experience. In season, they’re easy to find around Kolsai. Prices range from $30–40, depending on the number of nights.

Road tips:

  • The drive takes a minimum of 5 hours, excluding stops for traffic police or road repairs.
  • Along the way, there are some old Soviet industrial sites (KZOTs) worth a quick look.

Pro tip: Stock up in Almaty on cheap cigarettes and vodka. These will make negotiating horse rentals with the local herders much easier.


   
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(@acherry)
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Posted by: @smalljack

renting a yurt for an authentic experience

What about offseason? We’re planning a trip in January with a group of 10–12 people. The plan is:

  1. Drive from Almaty to the lakes.
  2. Stay overnight.
  3. Visit Charyn Canyon.
  4. Head to Altyn Emel before returning to Almaty.

With short daylight hours in January, returning to Almaty each night isn’t an option. I can’t find accommodations online for these areas. I’m worried we won’t find enough space for everyone. Any advice?


   
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(@zaramag)
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You can visit Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes in winter. For accommodations:

  • Check with local residents—they might have heated housing for rent.
  • Near the lake (on the left side), there are cottages, possibly called “Zhibek Zholy.” Look them up on kolsaylakes.kz_ for contact details and availability.

Regarding Charyn Canyon:

  • You can visit on the way back from Kolsai, but there’s nowhere to stay overnight.

For Altyn Emel:

  • Forget about it in winter. The park requires overnight stays, but the only available guesthouses are suited for warm weather. It’s not suitable for large groups in winter.

   
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(@smalljack)
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Winter there is stunning, though the icy winds can be brutal. If you can, get local contacts in advance and arrange accommodations. In the off-season, any income is a blessing for locals.


   
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(@sammez)
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In winter, you likely won’t get past the first lake. The snow in the mountains is at least a meter deep


   
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(@vorvog)
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Can we find accommodation in Saty without prior booking? We’re traveling with kids, so it’s a bit concerning that no one has replied to our inquiries yet.

Also, is it easy to find transportation locally to the lakes, the canyon, and Bartogai Lake?


   
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(@sammez)
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  • Accommodation: You can usually find a room in Saty without a reservation.
  • Transportation: That’s trickier. Consider booking a tour company—they’ll handle both the transport and lodging.

FYI:

  • Kolsai Lakes (3 in total) and Kaindy Lake are near Saty.
  • Charyn Canyon is about 100 km back toward Almaty, so it’s best to visit on the return trip.
  • Skip Bartogai Reservoir—it’s not worth it if you’ve seen the lakes.

For comfort, stay in one of the lakeside cottages instead of Saty. They’re more expensive but convenient.


   
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(@mirehiko)
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I’m heading to the lakes in spring and want to see Kaindy, Kolsai, and the Charyn Canyon in two days. Staying overnight in a yurt sounds amazing, but I’m unsure where they’re located.

Can I see two lakes in one day if I start early? Any tips on affordable transport between the lakes?


   
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(@sammez)
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If you’re not driving, overnight in Saty—locals rent rooms cheaply.

  • First Kolsai Lake is accessible by regular cars.
  • Kaindy Lake requires a jeep.

Seeing two lakes in one day is possible but rushed. Remember, Kolsai has three lakes. To explore all three, you’ll need at least two days.

From Saty to Charyn: hire a local driver. Hitchhiking is unlikely, and the canyon is 10 km off the main road.


   
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(@mirehiko)
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Thanks! That’s exactly the info I needed. I’ll focus on Kaindy if transport isn’t available—its submerged trees are unique.


   
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(@sammez)
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Good choice! Kaindy is one-of-a-kind with its sunken forest.

  • You’ll need a 4x4 to get there. From the parking area, it’s a 15-minute walk downhill.
  • For Kolsai, any car will do. It’s a 5–10 minute walk to the first lake, which takes about 1.5 hours to circle.

Enjoy your trip!


   
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