Lan Wandered

“Kolsai Lake is definitely one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan, featuring a beautiful lake with stunning mountain peak views.”

One of the places I was very excited to see when I visited Almaty, Kazakhstan, was the Kolsai Lake. I imagine this place similar to the picture I see for Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada. As of this moment, I know that it is difficult for me to visit yet in Canada, so visiting Kazakhstan’s beautiful lake gives me a satisfaction feeling. The lake with beautiful mountain peak’s view did not disappoint me. Kolsai Lake is just spectacular and majestic, especially in winter. I might come again to see this lake in the summer for the turquoise lake vibe. I’ve seen photos in the summer and spring seasons, and they look amazing.

So, if you want to feel the magic, thrill and adventurous vibe, I strongly suggest not forgetting to join this activity along with charyn, Black Canyon and kandy Lake when you visit Almaty, Kazakhstan.

About Kolsai Lake

Kolsai Lake National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations, featuring an amazing lake with an Alpine meadow and mountain pastures, located 300 km east of Almaty. The lake is nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, not far from the border with Kyrgyzstan. It has three systems of lakes and is sometimes called “The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.”

How to get to Kolsai Lake?

Kolsai Lake is about 300 kilometers away from Almaty and took almost 4 hours before reaching this place. Subsequently, I suggest joining a group tour when traveling to this lake, since it is difficult to reach. However, if you have your own car and have local friends in Kazakhstan that will guide you, I believe it’s feasible to travel DIY.

Tours with transfer: For convenience, join a day trip from Almaty available at any travel agency offering this experience to reduce your cost. You can check Trip Advisor (viator.com), Get your guide website. I believed the cost is around 60 to 80 USD package, depending on the date and tour agency.

If you are curious, in my case, I booked in viator.com catered by Kazakhstan tour agency. I usually, read reviews first before booking, hence, I found their costumer comments positive. After I experience this, I can also attest that their tour was amazing, with a tour guide which is very thoughtful to the needs of the tourist in the group. Local food was also great which is included in the tour. The package tour includes charyn canyon, black canyon, kandy & kolsai lake.

My Experience

If you read already my blog article for kandy Lake, charyn and Black Canyon, this trip is a continuation of the day trip as I joined the package tour. From the city of Almaty, we visited first the Charyn Canyon, then the Black Canyon, and Lake kandy. The last on the tour is the Kolsai Lake. I would say that all of these places are exceptional and highly recommended. I just hope I stay more and explore this wonderful place. Since kolsai is the last on the tour, the time was a bit rushed since we need to return to Almaty before 5 pm. As you know, the travel time from Kolsai Lake to Almaty is about 4 hours, and it is winter, so the sun goes down early. Anyhow, regardless of the time, I still enjoy the view of the lake and was amazed at how beautiful it was. I actually compare it to Moraine Lake in Canada. At least I was able to reach one of the most beautiful lakes that Kazakhstan has to offer, and it did not disappoint me.

When is the best time to visit Kolsai Lake?

Depending on your chosen dates, I believed, kolsai lake is exceptional either spring, summer, autumn or winter. However, similar with kandy lake it is most visited during summer from June to August when the lake is clear and has a turquoise color. But take note, that it is also the time when many tourist flocks in this area. So, if you like meeting new people, this is a great time to experience the beautiful lake of Kazakhstan.

In my case, I visited this lake during winter at the second week of December along with lake kandy. Expect frozen lake during this season. During my visit, the sun is about to go down when we reach this lake, so I was not able to explore the area. From a far I can see the beautiful lake frozen and starting to melt. It was amazing though; I just hope that I walk more in this lake area. Perhaps next time if I come back in spring or summer, I will choose to join the 2-day tour to have more time and no rush in the trip.

If you want to see the lake with halfway snowing on the top of the mountain. Visit in springtime. This time, the flowers start to bloom, and trees start to regain its natural green beauty again. I believed, its also one of the amazing seasons to visit this lake.

For colorful vibes, visit in Autumn season from September to October. At this time, few tourists are visiting this place so, you would have a great time exploring this place. The lake is also beautiful at this time as the color is greenish blue and water is clear.

Below are the months season in Almaty for reference:

• Spring: End of March to End of May
• Summer: June to August
• Autumn: September to early November
• Winter: December to February

How many days required to visit Kolsai Lake?

A day trip from Almaty is enough to see this beautiful lake. Usually, the tour starts at 5:30 am in Almaty and return back at 9pm. Don’t worry, they pick you up and will drop you in your hotel accommodation.

But if you like to experience exploring more of the lake without rush, I suggest booking a 2-day tour bundled with charyn, black canyon, kandy & kolsai lake available in viator or get your guide website.

Where to stay?

If you are planning to join this tour, staying in Almaty city is recommended as the tour will return you back in Almaty in the evening. But if you join a 2-day tour, usually, the accommodation is in the local village called Saty Village near the Kandy Lake area.

Travel Tips when planning to visit this amazing lake.

Below are some tips you should consider when visiting to this unique and beautiful lake.

• Please wear with many layers suitable for winter as the temperature here reach below –10 Degree Celsius. A good winter shoes is also recommended.
• Don’t forget to wear thermal cloth, I did 4 layers by the way for my winter outfit to protect me from extreme cold weather.
• Wake up early in the morning as the tour starts at 5:30 am
• Remember that weekends are the busiest day in the resort, so if you are coming as a tourist, better to avoid this day and schedule your tour in weekdays instead.
• Remember to bring small bill/coins to be used for paying in Comfort Room/Washroom just in case required.
• If you are traveling solo, bring your own selfie stick stand to capture solo video and photos. I was alone in this tour, so, I know how difficult it was to capture good photos and videos including myself.
• If you have more cash, you can opt to take drone shot for about 10,000 Tenge. There are photographers with drone equipment in the lake area that you can approach if interested.
• Be updated of the weather forecast before traveling to this place.
• Be a responsible traveler and keep kolsai lake clean.
• Take only memories, leave only footprints. 

Budget when travelling to Kolsai Lake

Overall, I spent around 80 USD, this includes my tour in kandy lake, charyn and black canyon.

For the itinerary, kindly check my blog article for Charyn & Black Canyon for more details.

What to bring.

• Money in Cash (Kazakhstan tenge) or credit card (note that in Almaty, Kazakhstan online payment is common, only in small store or in rural area you are required to use cash.
• Comfortable shoes depends on the season you will visit
• Please wear winter shoes if you are traveling in the month of December to February
• For foreigners always bring your passport and kept it in safe bag.
• Sunscreen for skin protection
• Bottle of water, always stay hydrated during your travel.
• Sun glass
• Light Snacks
• Cap for head & face sun protection
• Jacket applicable for summer or winter depends on season
• Power bank for your phone

So, have you been to Kolsai Lake? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.

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