{"id":5597,"date":"2026-10-29T22:53:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/panda-travel.kz\/en\/blog\/kolsai-lakes-first-second-third\/"},"modified":"2026-10-29T22:53:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:53:23","slug":"kolsai-lakes-first-second-third","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/panda-travel.kz\/en\/blog\/kolsai-lakes-first-second-third\/","title":{"rendered":"Kolsai Lakes: First, Second and Third"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Kolsai Lakes are a cascade of three mountain lakes in the Kungei Alatau range: the first, second and third lake lie at different altitudes and are linked by a hiking trail. You can drive to the first lake, and it is the one shown on our Kolsai Lakes day tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article covers the altitude of each lake, the trails, travel times, gear, safety and the typical mistakes hikers make.<\/p>\n

Where the Kolsai Lakes are<\/h2>\n

The lakes lie near Saty village, about 300 km east of Almaty, in Kolsai Kolderi National Park. The drive takes 4-5 hours one way. They are surrounded by Tian Shan spruces, alpine meadows and streams, and the water changes from light blue to deep emerald depending on the sun and the depth.<\/p>\n

Lake Kaindy with its sunken spruce forest is in the same valley, and Charyn Canyon is on the way from Almaty. That is why Kolsai is rarely visited on its own: it is usually combined with the canyons in one route. The road to Charyn is covered in detail in our guide on how to get to Charyn Canyon<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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3 lakes<\/b>in a cascade at different altitudes<\/span><\/div>\n
\u2248 1,800 m<\/b>altitude of the first lake<\/span><\/div>\n
\u2248 300 km<\/b>from Almaty to Saty village<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

First, second and third Kolsai lake compared<\/h2>\n

The three Kolsai Lakes differ in altitude, accessibility and the number of people on the shore. The higher the lake, the longer the walk and the quieter it gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Lake<\/th>\nAltitude<\/th>\nHow to get there<\/th>\nBest for<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
First (lower)<\/td>\n\u2248 1,800 m<\/td>\nby car to the shore<\/td>\neveryone, including families with children<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Second (middle)<\/td>\n\u2248 2,250 m<\/td>\non foot or on horseback, about 8 km one way<\/td>\nthose ready for a full-day hike<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Third (upper)<\/td>\n\u2248 2,700 m<\/td>\non foot beyond the second lake<\/td>\nexperienced hikers with an overnight stay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The first Kolsai lake<\/h2>\n

The lower lake lies at about 1,800 metres. The paved road runs right to the shore, and every tour group comes here. A path follows the water, boat hire and picnic areas operate in season, and there are guesthouses in Saty and at the park entrance.<\/p>\n

The first lake is where a day trip ends and the hiking route uphill begins. Groups spend about two hours on the shore, which is enough for a walk along the path, lunch and photos. The water is cold even in July, and very few people swim.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/figure>\n

The second Kolsai lake (Kolsai 2)<\/h2>\n

The second Kolsai lake lies higher, at about 2,250 metres. Cars cannot get there. The trail from the first lake is about 8 km long and climbs through the forest along the river, in places over stones and tree roots. The height gain between the lakes is about 450 metres.<\/p>\n

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\u2248 8 km<\/b>trail from the first lake<\/span><\/div>\n
\u2248 450 m<\/b>height gain to the second lake<\/span><\/div>\n
\u2248 2,250 m<\/b>altitude of the second lake<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

How long the hike to the second Kolsai lake takes<\/h3>\n

The ascent takes several hours, and the way back is a little faster. The round trip takes all the daylight hours, so set off at dawn. You cannot combine the second lake with the drive from Almaty on the same day: there is not enough time left for the trail.<\/p>\n

On foot or on horseback<\/h3>\n

In season, horse rides with a guide are offered at the first lake. This option suits those who are not ready for a long climb on foot. Terms and prices are agreed on the spot.<\/p>\n

The second lake is loved for its quiet: there are far fewer people than at the lower lake, the shore is surrounded by forest and the water is calm and clear.<\/p>\n

The third Kolsai lake<\/h2>\n

The third Kolsai lake is the upper one, at about 2,700 metres, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. The forest thins out here, giving way to alpine meadows and rocky slopes. The trail from the second lake is steeper and less clearly marked.<\/p>\n

Even an experienced hiker cannot reach the third lake and return to Saty in one day. The hike is planned with a night in a tent at the second lake. Because the border is close, check with the park administration before you set off whether you need a border zone permit.<\/p>\n

Which Kolsai lake you can see in one day<\/h2>\n

On a day trip from Almaty you will see the first lake: the drive takes 4-5 hours one way, which leaves no time for the trail to the second lake. Group tours add Charyn, the Black Canyon and Kaindy to Kolsai. An overnight stay in Saty gives you more time by the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Format<\/th>\nWhat is included besides Kolsai<\/th>\nTime at the lake<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
6-location day tour<\/a><\/td>\nValley of Castles, Charyn River, Black Canyon, Kaindy<\/td>\nabout 2 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VIP 7-location tour<\/a><\/td>\nthe same plus the Moon Canyon<\/td>\nabout 2 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Two-day tour with a night in Saty<\/a><\/td>\nCharyn on day one, Kaindy, the Black Canyon and the Moon Canyon on day two<\/td>\nabout 3 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

On the 6-location day tour, the off-road ride to Kaindy is by UAZ 4x4; it is optional and paid on the spot, 2,500 KZT per person. If you do not want to go to Kaindy, you can stay at the first Kolsai lake and get a couple more hours by the water. On the VIP and two-day tours the UAZ ride is already included.<\/p>\n

Getting to Kolsai on your own and where to stay<\/h2>\n

Driving to the Kolsai Lakes<\/h3>\n

From Almaty, drive east along the highway towards Charyn, then turn onto the mountain road to Saty village. The last stretch goes over passes and through villages, and in places the asphalt gives way to gravel. In the rain and in early spring the road to the lakes gets slippery, so choose a car with good ground clearance.<\/p>\n

At the national park entrance you pay an eco fee per person and per car. The car park is at the first lake, and above it there is only the hiking trail. There is no public transport to the lakes: minibuses go to neighbouring villages, and from there you take a taxi or hitchhike. Travellers without a car usually choose a group trip with transport, a guide and fees included.<\/p>\n

Staying overnight in Saty and at the second lake<\/h3>\n

The main base for an overnight stay is Saty village. It has guesthouses and small hotels, and both the first lake and Kaindy are a short drive away. A night in Saty gives you a morning at an empty lake and an early start on the trail to the second lake.<\/p>\n

At the second lake people camp in tents. Pitches are limited, and campfires are allowed only in designated spots. Nights at this altitude are cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag even in August.<\/p>\n

What to pack for the Kolsai Lakes<\/h2>\n