Kolsay lake
One of the most beautiful places in the Kazakh nature, the lake is called the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan. Three high-mountainous lakes which is often called the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan with a cool, pine-covered slopes are located in spurs of Kungei-Alatau. These unique lakes which are conventionally called Kolsay-1, Kolsai-2 and Kolsai-3, located respectively at an altitude of 1700, 2252 and 2650 meters above sea level. Impressive and the depth of the lake: the deepest place on first lake is 80 m, the second – about 50 m. The lake was formed as a result of landslides on the bottom of the gorge, where the rapid mountain river stalled its run have suddenly arisen in her way of dams. Water in all the lakes dark. The lake is flowing, interconnected river Kolsai. Trout found in the lakes in abundance, except the third, the cold lake. The warm season lasts from April until the end of September. Kolsay is a great place for camping, Hiking, traveling on horseback and mountain bikes. The most interesting place for tourists is the so-called Valley of Castles. In the bosom of the canyon has preserved a grove of relict ash-tree, a survivor of the epoch of glaciation. Another similar grove is only in North America. The landscape variety of Charyn canyon causes diversity of flora and fauna. Charyn canyon resembles the Grand canyon in North America, although inferior to him in size, but the beauty of the “Valley of castles” is unique.
Tour Itinerary: Kolsay Lake and Valley of Castles
- Departure from Almaty Early in the morning, around 6-7 AM, the driver will pick you up from your designated address, and you will head to Kolsay Lake (300 km, approximately 5 hours). On the way, there will be a stop at the market in the village of Baisheit, where you can buy snacks and drinks.
- Arrival at Kolsay Lake Upon arrival, the tour will begin at the parking lot (approximately 1.5-2 hours). You will enjoy a 3 km trek to the lake, the viewing platform, and the river where it flows into the lake. Here, you can swim if you wish – the water is very cold, about 6°C, so if you’re brave enough, feel free to bring your swimsuit.
- Departure to the Village of Saty Optionally, you can head to the village of Saty (14 km, about 30 minutes), where you can have lunch at a guesthouse.
- Departure to Charyn Canyon After lunch, you will travel to Castle Valley (100 km, about 1.5-2 hours). Upon arrival, the tour will begin at the parking lot (approximately 2 hours). You will enjoy a 3 km trek (one way) along the canyon floor. At the end of the valley, the Charyn River flows, where you can cool off on a hot day. If you don’t want to walk back, you can take an eco-taxi, which will drive you back to the staircase.
- Return to Almaty After the walk in Charyn Canyon, you will head back to Almaty (220 km, approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, the driver will drop you off at any location in the city.
Tour price: Kolsay lake and Castle valley
- From 130,000 KZT or 265 USD
- The proposed tour price is based on a group of up to 6 pax in one vehicle
- Please check the details of the pricing with our manager.
- Several SUVs, buses or minivans could be proposed for the big groups
- Meals are optional (not included in the tour price)
Included in the tour price: Individual transfer on a comfortable SUV up to 6 pax , guided tour program in english, water on road, entrance fees to the national parks. Tour reservations must be made in advance.
Please place your order online.
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