Lakes of Almaty!

Part 2

Trip – Day 2 : Lake – 1

Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes are very famous spots of Kazakhstan. It is a crime missing this beauties.

We had booked a 2day tour which covered these lakes and canyons. We tried our best to plan these visits via public transport, but local commute to these places is not possible. Hence, booking via tours is best option. We went through Banana Tours. We left Almaty around 9.30 pm and travelled through bus and reached outskirts of Saty Village by 2.00 am. Rested in out homestay for the night and got up at 6.00 am.

Kaindy Lake : The Sunken Forest

Early trip we started to Kaindy. The route was adventurous with beautiful pathways and scenic landscapes. It was complete offroad with never ending bumps, water logged parts, waterfall paths 😀 We reached the parking area in 2 hours. From the parking area there are 3 ways to reach the Lake at 3kms: Taxi (500 tenge/seat), Horse (6000 tenge), Foot (FREE)

We moved on foot to enjoy the trails and have our fun. We reached the lake. This Lake is a beauty to behold in our eyes.

The lake was formed as the result of a limestone landslide triggered by the 1911 Kebin earthquake forming a natural dam. It blocked the gorge and was filled by mountain river water. Altered by limestone deposits, the water maintains a bluish-green color. The lake contains trunks of submerged Picea schrenkiana trees that rise above the surface of the lake. The area is often referred to as a “sunken forest” because you can see the tree somewhat preserved below the water and the upper part of the trees protruding from the water lost their side branches and bark, and the wood turned white. This strange color is caused by lime and other minerals that were in the water a hundred years ago. But as soon as you get closer to the lake, the water becomes crystal clear, and sometimes you can even see trout in it.

Kolsay Lake

This Lake is situated quite far from the village. The journey was enchanting with Lavender fields. Kolsay Lake has 3 levels. 1st level is accessible to all and tourist friendly but you still need to walk for 2 kms to enjoy it. Lake 2 and 3 are trekker friendly 😛 We wanted to go there, but time limits didn’t permit us. We enjoyed our time around the Lake and admiring the beauty. Crystal water, green mountains colorful flowers surrounding it. Some glimpses of Kolsay below.