About the place
An alpine lake framed by Tien Shan spruce; Lower Kolsai is road-accessible, while the upper lakes require trekking.
Three lakes among Tian Shan spruce forests
Kolsai is a chain of Lower, Middle and Upper lakes in a mountain gorge. The national park describes their origins as natural dams formed by rockfalls and landslides. Water enclosed by forested slopes reveals another side of the Almaty region, where woodland, terrain and changing reflections define the scenery.
For a first visit, focus on Lower Kolsai and an accessible stretch of shoreline. Walking to the next lake needs a separate allowance of time and energy; do not automatically add it to the long journey from Almaty. Staying near Saty can make the trip less rushed than returning that evening.