A mountain lake

Kazakhstan

Kolsai & Kaindy Escape

2 Days / 1 NightPrivate2–6 guestsMay–October

Tour at a Glance

Duration
2 days / 1 night
Route
Kolsai Lake · Saty Village · Kaindy Lake
Tour type
Private
Group size
2–6 guests
Start / finish
Almaty
Language
English
Accommodation
1 night in Saty / Kolsai area
Best season
May–October
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Family-friendly
Yes

Escape Almaty for two days and discover two of the most beautiful mountain lakes in southeastern Kazakhstan.

Spend the first day surrounded by the forested slopes and calm waters of Kolsai Lake, stay overnight near Saty village, and visit the extraordinary sunken forest of Kaindy Lake the following morning.

This journey is designed for travellers who prefer to slow down, enjoy the scenery and avoid trying to see too many places in one day.

Highlights

  • The journey east
  • Kolsai Lake
  • Evening in Saty
  • Towards Kaindy
  • Kaindy Lake
  • Return to Almaty

Day by day

Day 1Almaty → Kolsai Lake → Saty

Into the mountains

The journey east

Leave Almaty in the morning and travel east through the changing landscapes of the Almaty Region. There will be comfort and photo stops along the way.

Kolsai Lake

Arrive at Lower Kolsai Lake, surrounded by forested mountain slopes. Unlike a rushed day trip, this itinerary gives you several hours to enjoy the lake at an easy pace.

  • Walk along the lakeshore
  • Enjoy panoramic viewpoints
  • Take photographs
  • Relax by the water
  • Have lunch overlooking the surrounding landscape
  • Take an optional boat or horse ride if available

Evening in Saty

Enjoy a quiet evening away from the city. Depending on the accommodation, guests can relax outdoors, enjoy a traditional dinner or simply rest before the next morning’s journey.

Suggested schedule

  1. 07:30Hotel pick-up in Almaty
  2. 10:00–10:30Comfort stop during the journey
  3. 12:00 approx.Arrival at Kolsai Lake
  4. 12:00–13:00Lunch
  5. 13:00–17:00Kolsai Lake experience
  6. 17:00Transfer towards Saty
  7. 18:00 approx.Check-in
  8. 19:00Dinner

Overnight: Saty / Kolsai area. The noon arrival and the evening check-in are approximate. Boat and horse rides are optional and not included.

Day 2Kaindy Lake → Almaty

The Sunken Forest

Towards Kaindy

After breakfast, travel towards Kaindy Lake, one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural attractions. Kaindy is famous for the trunks of submerged spruce trees rising from the mountain water. The final section of the route can be rough, so suitable local 4WD transport will be arranged when road conditions require it.

Kaindy Lake

Enjoy time to walk, explore viewpoints and photograph the lake. The programme is intentionally unhurried. Optional horse riding may also be available locally.

Return to Almaty

After lunch, depart towards Almaty. Comfort stop during the return journey. Hotel drop-off. End of journey.

Suggested schedule

  1. 08:00Breakfast
  2. 09:00Depart for Kaindy
  3. 10:00 approx.Arrival at Kaindy area
  4. 10:00–12:30Lake walk, viewpoints & free time
  5. 13:00Lunch
  6. 14:00Depart towards Almaty
  7. Comfort stop during the return journey
  8. 19:00–20:00 approx.Arrival in Almaty
  9. Hotel drop-off

The morning arrival at Kaindy and the evening arrival in Almaty are approximate. Horse riding is optional and not included.

What’s included

  • Private transport from/to Almaty
  • Professional driver
  • English-speaking guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • 1 night accommodation in Saty / Kolsai area
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner in Saty
  • National park entrance fees
  • Local 4WD transport to Kaindy when required
  • Bottled water

Not included

  • Lunches unless specifically stated
  • Optional horse riding
  • Boat rental or other optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips

Travelling with children?

This tour works well for families because Kolsai and Kaindy are not combined with another distant attraction. On request we can arrange a child seat, additional road stops, shorter walks, family-friendly meals and flexible departure times. For younger children, the Kaindy section can be adapted according to road and weather conditions.

Why choose this tour?

Two lakes, two days

You have enough time to enjoy both destinations rather than rushing through them.

One countryside overnight

Experience the quieter side of the Almaty Region and avoid returning to the city late at night after Day 1.

Private from 2 guests

Your own vehicle, your own guide and a flexible schedule.

Ready to explore?

Tell us your preferred dates and group size. We'll confirm availability and final arrangements.