Kolsai Lake: Discover a Marvelous Gem in Kazakhstan
Kolsai Lake is a treasure that lies in Kazakhstan’s Tien Shan Mountains range. It is often titled Pearls of Tien Shan. You will be blessed with awe-inspiring landscapes when you see this jewel within the Kolsai Lake National Park.
Kolsai translates to Valley Lake in the Kazakh language. There are three other lakes located in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains 300 km from Almaty- Verkhneye(upper), Mynzholki(middle), and Nizhneye(lower). These three lakes are located at an altitude of 2700, 2250, and 1800 meters above sea level, respectively. The Kolsai Lakes are known for their depth, up to 80 meters at Lower Lake and 50 meters at Middle Lake.
If you are in Kazakhstan or planning to visit, you must visit Lake Kolsai. For that, you must follow this guide for a fulfilling experience. We have included everything you need to know about Kolsai Lake, Almaty.
About Kolsai Lake National Park
Lake Kolsai Park is nestled on the northern slope of the Tien Shan Mountains, southeast Kazakhstan, captivating traveler's attention at large. This national park is an unmissable attraction in Kazakhstan, filled with alpine meadows, turquoise mirror-like waters, green forests, and beautiful lakes.
Kolsai Lake National Park is only 13% open to the public, and the rest is preserved by the government. However, the limited open area is enough to make you fall in love with this place. The unconditional beauty of this place cannot be hidden.
Lake Kolsai is ecologically rich in unique plants and wild animal species. You can find 704 species of plants. Among these, 12 are classified as rare. The rare plants include hawthorn, Alberta iris, apricot, ili barberry, etc. Moreover, there are over 200 species of animals & birds. These rare and unseen species include snow Leopard, Tien Shan Brown Bear, Turskestan Iynx, green toad, stone marten, etc.
You may find it slightly far from the city center in Kazakhstan, but once you are here, you will be rewarded with never-seen-before landscapes. So, don’t miss this alluring location on your Almaty tour.
What is the Ideal Time to Visit Lake Kolsai?
Lake Kolsai National Park is beautiful all year round. No matter when you visit, you will get to capture the best side of Lake Kolsai. However, it is necessary to note the ideal time to travel here to make the most of your time.
For most travelers, the best time to visit Kolsai Lake is from June to September. The weather conditions during this period are significantly favourable and pleasant. It allows travelers to drink the unprecedented beauty and adrenaline adventures. Moreover, the lake and national park capture many tourists, making this place crowded.
To avoid a crowded season, visit Lake Kolsai National Park in the spring. Between April and May, the lake remains at its best. Embellished with green surroundings, blooming flowers, and crystal-clear water, Kolsai Lake offers majestic vistas worth photographing. It provides a perfect backdrop for your Instagram-worthy pictures.
Things to Enjoy Near Kolsai Lake, Kazakhstan
Lake Kolsai offers various adventurous opportunities for thrill-seekers to indulge in. If you don’t know about these outdoor activities, here is a list for you:
• Sail a Boat on Kolsai Lake
Kolsai Lake and its surrounding peaks offer perfect scenery for travelers to take boat rides. You should take a boat and head out in the lake water. As you sail through the lake, you will witness some jaw-dropping landscapes worth capturing in your heart and device forever. These serene scenes are enough to make you relax and connect with nature. The boat rides are cheap and highly recommended if you want to see a different side of Kolsai Valley.
• Engage in a Hike to Second & Third Lake
As you know, the Kolsai Lake National Park has three lakes you can explore. These lakes offer exciting hiking opportunities for travelers who seek adrenaline adventure. The first lake unquestionably provides pleasing views, which lead to great hiking trails to second and third lakes.
Walking through the alpine forests and lush hillsides covered with beautiful wildflowers & berries is truly a heaven to follow. Once you complete the trek, the view from the lakes will be worth every step you take. If you love hiking, there is no better place to trek than the Kolsai Lakes.
• Stroll Around the First Lake
No matter what kind of experience you seek, just taking a pleasant walk around the lake will offer you absolute peace. Strolling around the peaceful blue water, bright green surroundings, and verdant peaks will fill your heart with tranquility that will rejuvenate your soul. The mesmerizing surroundings will offer you many photography opportunities that will stay with you as lifelong memories.
• Spend a Night Near Kolsai Lake
Who doesn’t want to spend a night by nature? Of course, everyone does. If you are coming to Kolsai National Park, you will get this incredible experience. The best way to live this experience is to stay in a yurt overlooking the Kolsai Lake or a guesthouse near the lake. It is an off-beat adventure that you should experience here.
If you love camping, it is also a plausible way to spend a night by the Kolsai Lake. There is a lot of grassy land near the lake where you can set up your camp and enjoy a beautiful night. Please note that you will have to pay some entrance fee for camping within the park.
• Visit a Surreal Kaindy Lake
Kaindy Lake, often known as the sunken forest, is one of the significant tourist attractions near the Kolsai Lakes. This bizarre lake is quite deep and was formed after a devastating earthquake. Filled with dead spruced trees, Kaindy Lake offers a scenic sight. If you are at Kolsai National Park, you must visit Kaindy Lake for an enchanting experience.
Be a Spectator of Kolsai Lake’s Natural Beauty with Dook!
Kolsai Lake is a must-visit spot in Kazakhstan that captivates the attention of many tourists. If you want to be one of them, take the help of Dook International. We have a wide range of Kazakhstan holiday packages that include Kolsai Tours. Our travel packages are handcrafted, keeping in mind the preferences of travelers.
We ensure our travelers enjoy a great trip without any last-minute hassle. One of the best things about our holiday packages is its pocket-friendly prices. If this sounds perfect for you, get in touch with our travel specialists and book your quaint getaway to Kolsai Lake.
Know More About Kazakhstan:
10 Best Cities in Kazakhstan to Visit
10 Delicious Kazakh Dishes to Try
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
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