Kolsai Lakes (Kolsay): Hiking Lake 1 to 2, Photos & Map

The Kolsai Lakes — spelled Kolsai or Kolsay on different maps and signs, from the Kazakh Көлсай — are three alpine lakes stacked up a single valley in the Northern Tien Shan, close to the Kyrgyz border. You can drive to the first one, walk to the second in about three hours, and reach the upper lake only with a full day and some altitude tolerance. Which of the three you aim for is the single decision that shapes a trip here.

The lakes sit above Saty village, the same base used for Lake Kaindy and its underwater forest, which is why almost nobody visits just one of them.

Kolsai Lakes at a glance

Where: Kolsai Lakes National Park, Almaty Region, about 10km south of Saty village — see the map
From Almaty: about 280km by road to Saty, 4–5 hours
Lower (first) lake: 1,818m, reached by road
Middle (second) lake: 2,252m, about 8km and 2.5–3.5 hours on foot from the lower lake
Upper (third) lake: about 2,850m, a further 6km and 3–4 hours
Best time: June–September

Created by ancient landslides that dammed the Kolsai River, these lakes sit like steps on a giant's staircase ascending through ecosystems from coniferous forest to alpine meadows. The pristine waters shift from deep blue to emerald green depending on season and sunlight, perfectly reflecting the surrounding peaks and forests. The lakes have been protected as Kolsai Lakes National Park (Kolsay Kolderi) since 2007; the park covers about 1,600 square kilometres and also includes Lake Kaindy.

The Three Lakes: Which One to Hike To

The three Kolsai lakes lie in a line up the same valley, each higher, colder and emptier than the last. Times below are one way, from the first lake, at an unhurried pace.

First (Lower) Kolsai Lake, 1,818m — reached by road. Boats, guesthouses, cafes. Busy at weekends. No hike required.
Second (Middle) Kolsai Lake, 2,252m — about 8km and 2.5–3.5 hours up a forest trail (about 430m of net climbing), or around 2 hours on a hired horse. The classic day out and the most photographed of the three.
Third (Upper) Kolsai Lake, 2,850m — a further 6km and 3–4 hours above the second lake, close to the Kyrgyz border. A long day from the first lake, or an overnight at the second. Snow can linger here into June.

Border note: the upper lake is inside the border zone with Kyrgyzstan. Carry your passport and be prepared to show it. The Sary-Bulak pass beyond it is not an official border crossing, so do not continue into Kyrgyzstan.

Lower Kolsai Lake from the road above Saty — The lower lake from above, where the road from Saty ends and the trail to the middle lake begins. Photo: Katariyakartikey / CC0

Middle Kolsai Lake with driftwood and spruce forest — The middle (second) lake in August, the reward for the 8km hike up from the lower lake. Photo: Jjm2311 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Lower Kolsai Lake (First Lake)

Elevation: 1,818m | Length: 1km | Depth: up to 80m

The most accessible of the three, surrounded by spruce forest and meadows. A well-maintained trail circles the lake (1-hour walk), offering multiple viewpoints and picnic spots. The eastern shore features the main facilities: parking, guesthouses, boat rental, and camping areas. This lake sees the most visitors but remains peaceful outside weekends.

Activities: Boat rental (2,000₸/hour), fishing (permit required), horseback riding (3,000₸/hour), easy hiking trails

Facilities: Toilets, changing cabins, cafes (summer), equipment rental

Middle Kolsai Lake (Mynzhylgy/Second Lake)

Elevation: 2,252m | Distance from First Lake: about 8km on the trail | Hiking time: 2.5–3.5 hours one way

The most photogenic lake, reached via a moderate forest trail with about 430m of net elevation gain. The turquoise waters are framed by vertical cliffs and dense spruce forests. Less crowded than the first lake, it offers superior scenery and tranquility. The trail provides stunning viewpoints, especially at the halfway point where both lakes are visible.

Trail conditions: Well-marked path, some steep sections, stream crossings on logs

Camping: Designated areas with fire pits, no facilities

Best time: Early morning for mirror-like reflections

Upper Kolsai Lake (Third Lake)

Elevation: about 2,850m | Distance from Second Lake: about 6km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours one way

The smallest and highest lake requires a challenging hike through alpine meadows and scree. The trail becomes less distinct, requiring route-finding skills. At this elevation, you're above the tree line with panoramic views of the Kungey Alatau ridge. The lake often remains partially frozen until July.

Important: From here, a 6km trail leads to Sary-Bulak Pass (3,278m) and into Kyrgyzstan (not an official border crossing — do not cross into Kyrgyzstan)

Preparation: Start early, bring warm clothes, consider altitude effects

Hiking & Trekking

Day Hikes

Lake Circuit (Easy): 3km loop around First Lake, 1 hour, suitable for families
To Second Lake (Moderate): 16km return, 5-7 hours, most popular trek
Panorama Point (Easy-Moderate): 2km from First Lake, great sunrise spot

Multi-Day Treks

Three Lakes Trek: 2 days, camp at Second Lake
Longer treks: routes linking the Kolsai valley with neighbouring valleys, including towards Kaindy, are possible with a local guide
Sary-Bulak pass (3,278m): a day beyond the upper lake; the trail continues towards Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, but this is not a legal border crossing

Trail Conditions by Season

June: Snow patches above 2,500m, wildflowers beginning
July-August: Perfect conditions, all lakes accessible, peak season
September: Golden autumn colors, cold nights, fewer visitors
October-May: Snow-covered, First Lake accessible, others require winter gear

Getting There

From Almaty (280km, 4-5 hours)

By Car

Route: Almaty → Chilik → Baiseit → Saty village → Kolsai Lakes (10km from Saty)
Road conditions: Paved to Saty, then gravel road to lakes (suitable for regular cars in summer)
Fuel: Last station in Baiseit (fill up here)

Public Transport

Bus to Saty: from Sayakhat bus station (limited, often weekends only; roughly 2,500–3,500₸, about 5 hours)
Marshrutka: to Chilik (Shelek), then a taxi for the rest of the way; schedules change, so check at the bus station
From Saty: Local taxi to lakes (3,000-5,000₸) or hitchhike

Organized Tours

Day trip: 8,000-12,000₸/person (transport, guide, lunch)
2-day tour: 20,000-30,000₸/person (includes Kaindy Lake, accommodation)
Private car with driver: 25,000-35,000₸/day

Accommodation

At the Lakes

Kolsai Lakes Guesthouse: Basic rooms near First Lake (8,000-12,000₸)
Yurt camps: Traditional accommodation, meals included (6,000-10,000₸/person)
Camping: Designated areas (1,000₸/tent), bring all equipment

Saty Village (10km from lakes)

Guesthouses: Family-run, meals included (5,000-8,000₸/person)
Saty Village Hotel: Best option in village (15,000₸/room)
Homestays: Authentic experience (4,000-6,000₸ with breakfast)

Booking: Essential in July-August; can usually find space other times

Park Regulations & Fees

Entry Fees (indicative — check at the checkpoint)

Park entry: 750₸/person
Vehicle: 1,000₸
Camping: 1,000₸/tent/night
Fishing permit: 2,000₸/day (catch limits apply)

Rules

No swimming in lakes (cold and protected)
Fires only in designated areas
Pack out all trash
No loud music or generators
Drone flights require permission
Stay on marked trails

Activities

Summer (June-September)

Hiking: Main attraction, trails for all levels
Horseback riding: 3,000-5,000₸/hour, guided trips available
Mountain biking: Bring your own or rent in Almaty
Fishing: Trout in all lakes (permit required)
Photography: Best light early morning and golden hour
Birdwatching: 200+ species including golden eagles

Winter (December-March)

Snowshoeing: To frozen First Lake
Cross-country skiing: Bring equipment
Ice fishing: Local guides recommended
Winter camping: For experienced only

Combining with Kaindy Lake

Most visitors combine Kolsai with Lake Kaindy and its sunken forest, about 11km east of the lower lake in the next valley. By road you go back through Saty:

By car: about an hour from the lower Kolsai car park to the Kaindy car park; the last 11km from Saty is a rough track (4WD recommended)
From Saty: local 4WD taxis and horses run to Kaindy (see the Kaindy guide for options and prices)
Best plan: Day 1: Kaindy in the afternoon after driving from Almaty; Day 2: hike to the middle Kolsai lake

What to Bring

Essential

Sturdy hiking boots (trails can be muddy)
Warm layers (cold at altitude even in summer)
Rain jacket (afternoon storms common)
Sun protection (high altitude sun)
Water bottles (and a way to treat stream water)
Snacks and lunch for hiking
Cash (no ATMs in area)

Practical Tips

Best time: July-August for weather, June for wildflowers, September for autumn colors
Avoid: Weekends in summer (crowded), October-May (snow)
Altitude: Acclimatize in Almaty first, ascend slowly
Weather: Changes quickly; always prepare for rain and cold
Mobile signal: Limited to First Lake area only
Guides: Not required but helpful for multi-day treks
Water: treat stream water before drinking; don’t drink from the lakes
Wildlife: Bears present but rarely seen; make noise while hiking
Photography: Sunrise/sunset best; bring extra batteries (cold drains them)

Nearby Attractions

Kaindy Lake: sunken forest lake, about 11km from Saty
Charyn Canyon: about 100km away, often combined in 3-day trips
Tekes Waterfall: 30km from Saty, requires 4WD
Karakara Valley: Remote valley with petroglyphs

Kolsai Lakes: Questions Travellers Ask

How far is it from Kolsai lake 1 to lake 2?

About 8km one way on the trail from the lower-lake car park to the middle lake (roughly 5km up the valley in a straight line). The trail climbs from 1,818m to 2,252m, a net gain of about 430m, with some extra up and down along the way. Allow 2.5–3.5 hours up and 2–2.5 hours back, or about 2 hours each way on a hired horse.

How long is the hike from lake 2 to the upper Kolsai lake?

The upper (third) lake is about 6km beyond the middle lake and around 600m higher, at roughly 2,850m. Allow 3–4 hours one way on a fainter trail through alpine meadow and scree. From the lower lake that makes a very long day, so most people camp at the middle lake.

Is it Kolsai or Kolsay?

Both are correct transliterations of the Kazakh Көлсай. Kolsai is the most common spelling in English, Kolsay appears on many maps and in the official park name, and you will also see “Kolsay Kolderi”, which simply means “Kolsay lakes”.

Are the Kolsai Lakes a national park?

Yes. The lakes are the centre of Kolsai Lakes National Park (Kolsay Kolderi), created in 2007 and covering about 1,600 square kilometres of the Kungey Alatau. Lake Kaindy is in the same park. Entry fees are collected at the park checkpoint.

Can you drive to the lower Kolsai lake?

Yes. A road runs about 10km from Saty village to the car park at the lower (first) lake, and ordinary cars manage it in summer. The middle and upper lakes can only be reached on foot or on horseback.

How far are the Kolsai Lakes from Almaty?

About 280km by road to Saty village, 4–5 hours, then another 10km to the lower lake. Most visitors stay at least one night in Saty and combine the lakes with Lake Kaindy.

Can you swim in the Kolsai Lakes?

Swimming is not allowed in the lakes, which are protected and very cold. Rowing boats can be hired on the lower lake in summer.

Kolsai Lakes (Kolsay), Kazakhstan