We'll be travelling from Almaty with only one full day available. Originally we planned to visit both Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, but after looking at the map we're beginning to wonder if that's too ambitious. If you had to choose, which one would you recommend?
If possible, I'd still try to see both because they're completely different experiences.
Kolsai is all about peaceful mountain scenery. The first lake is surrounded by forests, and it's one of those places where you can spend hours simply walking along the shore. The reflections on a calm morning are beautiful, and the whole area feels incredibly relaxing.
Kaindy, on the other hand, is unlike anywhere else I've visited. Looking across the water at the dead spruce trunks rising vertically from the lake almost feels surreal. Under the surface, the trees are still preserved by the cold water, creating one of the most unusual landscapes in Central Asia.
But if you only had time for one, which would leave the stronger impression?
That's actually difficult because they appeal to different people.
If you enjoy hiking, picnics and spending time in nature, I'd probably choose Kolsai. You can easily spend half a day walking around the lake without feeling rushed.
If you're looking for something unique that you won't see anywhere else, Kaindy wins. The flooded forest is extraordinary and immediately recognisable.
Personally, if I had only one opportunity to visit the region, I'd make every effort to include both.
I'd make every effort to include both.
That's exactly what we did. It was a long day, but we never regretted it.
One thing I'd mention is that reaching Kaindy often involves transferring to a local vehicle for the final section, depending on current road conditions. It wasn't difficult, but it was slower than we'd expected. Build some flexibility into your schedule rather than planning every hour too tightly.
We stayed overnight near Saty, and I'd recommend doing the same if your itinerary allows. It completely changed the experience. Instead of rushing from one lake to the next, we had time to enjoy both at a relaxed pace, have dinner in a guesthouse and explore again the following morning before driving back to Almaty.
Don't forget that the weather can make a huge difference to the colours of the lakes. We arrived under heavy cloud and the water looked dark green. An hour later the sun came out and suddenly everything turned bright turquoise. If the conditions aren't perfect when you arrive, don't assume they'll stay that way.