Kolsai lakes, which will impress anyone, are a system of three small reservoirs. They are located near the Tien Shan mountain system, which unites several Asian countries at once. The lakes themselves cover only the territory of one state - Kazakhstan. The Kulsay system (as these reservoirs are also called) is located 10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan. The environment has very impressive views, as there is a coniferous forest and beautiful mountains. The greatest depth reaches up to 50 m. The fauna is represented mainly by trout (mikizhy).
Kolsai lakes were formed due to the natural deepening in the ridges, where the water flow currently flows. Those who come to admire the area can set up a small camp or settle in special village houses. It is possible to rent a room in a hotel, which is located on the territory of the national park. Cottages and yurts were built near one of the reservoirs.
Location of lakes
At the moment, the Kolsai lakes (reviews of which are mostly positive) are divided into three full-fledged reservoirs:
- Upper Kolsai is located at an altitude of 2850 m.
- The second lake has two names - Mynzhylgy and Kolsai. Due to its size, it has become the largest in the system.
- The third body of water is small (400 m wide, 1 km long, and 80 m deep), so it has not been named.
Kolsai lakes have become an object of tourism quite recently; very close to them is another reservoir - Kaindy. Due to the influx of tourists, guest houses and various recreational facilities began to be built near the system. For lovers of hiking, companies offer special routes for 25 km. The total duration of such excursions is about 3 days, if you use horses - a day. The traveler will meet on his way such a huge and famous lake as Issyk-Kul, as well as the Sary-Bulak pass.
Tourism on the lake
Almaty region has magnificent landscapes, and few people can forget a trip to this area. The lakes are dark blue; they lie near sheer cliffs, fragrant coniferous plantings and alpine meadows.
Many travelers call the system a real gem! Unfortunately, only extreme sportsmen can swim in the first lake. It is too cold even in summer - no more than 8 degrees.
A small path leads to the second lake. It greets tourists with a beautiful landscape - a dam of fir trees and a lawn withflowers.
The third body of water is the smallest, so it hides perfectly between small rocks.
According to the reviews of travelers, it can be clarified that the water changes its color depending on the weather: the sky appeared - and the Kolsai Lakes immediately became dark blue, and as soon as the clouds hid it, the color changed to emerald green. With such characteristics, animals should be just as “royal”. Rainbow trout is a joy for fishermen. However, the happiness of lovers of such a holiday is short-lived, since it is forbidden to catch prey.
Visiting lakes
Almaty region constantly receives tourists. But the Kolsai Lakes system is best visited from May to September. In summer, you should take protective equipment with you - ticks are especially active at this time.
The path to the lakes
From the city of Almaty (aka Alma-Ata and the southern capital) to the lakes 4-5 hours drive: they are separated by a path of 300 km. When traveling by own transport, it should be taken into account that already the last 50 km cease to be a comfortable road, and it is impossible to get to the coast by car at all.
Looking at the map of Kazakhstan, you can see that after Almaty, you need to move east to the village of Malovodny. Here you should be especially careful, as you can skip the right fork. On it there is a need to turn right, there will be a bridge, after which you should again turn in the same direction.
The next fork in the road will be narrowerafter two villages. Hot springs should be crossed. If the traffic continues in the right direction, the driver will notice that the asph alt has changed to gravel.
After the pass, which has the name Toraigyr, you should turn right again. Further, the road becomes too winding, with drops and gorges, but, in principle, it has a normal appearance, so you won’t have to drive along it for a long time.
The last point to pass is Saty. Kolsai lakes are located 10 km from the village. When you meet a fork, you should not turn. At the end of the road there will be an ecological park.
Recreation and tourist accommodation
The National Park offers the following types of hikes:
- On foot. You can go on a trip around the entire lake system, but the road is very difficult and takes several days.
- Water. You can ride on the lake thanks to boats and catamarans.
- Equestrian. Horses are rented for 2 thousand tenge, and thanks to the animals, you can go around all the lakes in one day.
- Hiking. If a tourist does not like long trips over long distances, then he can go to the forest for berries. Special bicycles are also provided.
