Chasing the Lakes near Almaty
Hello all,
I pray to the almighty that in our desire to achieve something, we just do not become like Santiagos’ sheep, indifferent to new roads, new
seasons, and new fields. The only things that mattered to them were food and water. Are we becoming like them? I hope not. We hope to use all our senses, and we hope to get excited about even small things. We just want our eyes to see the beauty in front of us and our ears to hear the whisper of Mother Nature.
I learned a new word recently. A Japanese word ‘Yugen’ which literally means “dark” or “obscure,”. Poetically, it means beauty that is only partially perceived by the viewer but felt fully and deeply. Beauty makes you aware of the universe and triggers a profound emotional impact on your soul that even words can not describe. We had our Yugen moment at Chandrataal. We were speechless. We were numb. We were stupefied.
Even in Kazakhstan, the region around Almaty city is so alluring that you might get your ‘yugen’ moment while visiting these picturesque lakes.
Big Almaty Lake:
This dreamy lake is one of the most magnificent places near Almaty. It is the source of the Big Almaty River. The water is so pure that it is the primary source of drinking water for Almaty City, so you are not allowed to swim in the lake or even go near its edge. It is also known as Bolshoe Almatinskoy Ozero (the Russian name of the lake BAO). In Kazakh, it is known as Zhasylkol.
We visited this lake recently during our trip to Kazakhstan. Though the name is Big Almaty Lake, the surroundings were so magnificent that the lake felt like a tiny newborn. Those snowy peaks of the Ile Alatau mountains were cradling the lake in their arms and singing a soft lullaby in the form of solid yet soothing winds. And then came the sun. The lake awakens with the first sun ray gently touching its water. He tried to doze off again… but the sun was persistent. Like a caring father, like a loving mother. And finally, The harmony between the sun and the mountains was so graceful that the lake shined like a kid who got a bear hug from both parents.
Folk tales associated with the lake:
The lake is important to the people of Kazakhstan because they consider it sacred. Some folk tales and myths are associated with the lake. One myth is that the lake is formed by the tears of the giant staying in these mountains. This mystery adds more magic to this mystical lake.
Distance from Almaty: 15 km from the city to the base of the mountain and 15 km further to the lake.
How to go:
The best way to go from Almaty is via taxi. We went with a fantastic person named Mr. Nur Sultan. I have mentioned his number below. The drive to the lake is amazing, with picturesque views at each turn. You have to get out of your taxi at one point. Some designated cars will take you to the lake. There are specific times for that, too, so please check before visiting.
Altitude: 2511 meters
Best time to visit:
In summer, the lake is turquoise blue with clean, shiny water. In winter, it freezes completely. When we went, the lake was like a chameleon, with icy blue and shades of green at places, changing with the rising sun.
Avoid weekends as they get overly crowded.
The lake is close to the Kyrgyzstan border, so keep your passports and documents with you. There are patrolling officers around the lake.
Trekking up to and near Big Almaty Lake :
You can find trails in AllTrails under Big Almaty Lake.
There is also trekking around the lake, which is approximately 10 km long. You can also hike in the surrounding peaks. If you are planning this, you might have to get permission from the tourist center as it is a border region.
Kolsai lake:
The three Kolsai lakes, also known as “The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan” are located in the Kosali National Park, appx 300 km away from Almaty. The first Kolsai Lake also known as Nizhny Kolsai Lake or lower Kolsai Lake) is the most visited one, as it is accessible by car and is located about 5 kilometers from Saty.
Altitude:
Kolsai 1 : 1000m
Kolsai 2 : 2500m
Kolsai 3: 2700m
The best way to visit is to book a tour from Almaty. To reach the lower lake, you have to walk downhill from the car park. You can walk around the lake for a couple of hours.
How do we reach the other two lakes?
A well-marked trail leads from the first to the third lake through meadows, forests, and some steep sections.
From first to second: 8 km, it will take approximately three hours to hike
From second to third: 5km.
When we visited this lake in October, it snowed the night before our visit, which made the lake more dreamy. The lake was like a canvas of the mountains and the sky. Though the weather was cloudy, it didn’t prevent the lake from shining bright grey, as if it had decided to enchant all surroundings with its aura. It was as if it had decided to linger in the minds of all living beings for a long, long time. It was as if all ripples were its heartbeats, and we were listening to them and feeling blessed. It was as if the mysterious yogi still lake was questioning our identity. It was as if the lake was gently judging us, nudging us, and guiding us to the secrets of life.
Kaindy lake:
This relatively young lake, also known as a ‘sunken forest,’ was formed in a 1911 earthquake that resulted in massive landslides and eventual natural dam formation in the form of a lake in the gorge of the forest of spruce trees. The water submerged the forest, leaving behind the tall trunks emerging from the lakes, giving an eerie yet scenic appearance. The water is crystal clear, and you can see the needles of the trees under the lake. The trees are naturally frozen due to extreme cold in the region. Even the temperature of the lake water stays within 6 degrees C.
The lake nurtures those trunks, and the trunks, in return, guard the lake like Heimdall, standing tall and proud. Each trunk felt like a shooting star, granting our wishes to visit this beautiful country, enjoy Mother Nature, understand, witness, and imbue ourselves with this purity.
The calm blue water of the lake was synonymous with placidity. That serenity brings one of the most sincere smiles on your face. You also want to dive in that lake, stand with those trunks, and experience that peace. The scenery in front of you is so magnificent that you want to be silent and respect that beauty. The lake is an example of how sometimes destruction can lead to beautiful things.
Altitude: 2000m (6600 ft)
Length: 400m
Depth: 30 m
How to reach there:
You can go to Saty village via public transport. You can also rent a car and drive.
You can visit the lake yourself, but the best way is to book a tour from Almaty. You will definitely need a 4×4 vehicle and a skilled driver.
Once you reach the parking area, there are three options:
- You can take a local 4×4 vehicle, go halfway, and then hike a little, approximately a km or two.
- You can take a horse ride. They usually charge 4000 tenge per person for one way.
- You can hike.
Appx distance: appx 3.5 – 4 km one way.
The hike is along a well-marked trail. Once you reach the base of the lake, you have to cross a small bridge and boardwalk to get the main viewpoint.
Trek gradient: Easy
Best time::
Summer – for the best color of the water. But it will be crowded as it is peak season.
Spring and autumn are best because of the pleasant weather and the smaller crowds.
Issyk lake:
It is also a serene lake in Ile-Alatau National park, 70 km away from Almaty.
Our Tour for Kaindy and Kolsai Lake : Click here
Contact numebr for the Big Almaty Lake Tour: Mr. Nur Sultan +7 777 015 0276
Thank you…
Supperbbb… Extra ordinary. your description for the place is the best. As if the we r already there. Master pirce.👍👌🏻
Thank you so much for kind words…
Nice information 👍👍
Love You four !
Thank you…
The pictures just say one thing
” Slow Down in your Life ! relax “
dr kinjal
So true… thanks…
Wow !
Documented to perfection
Thank you..
Not every lake dreams to be Ocean
Just like your posts after reading them we also feel we have been to the place with You
Thanks for the weekly ride to amazing places in most simple way
Wow! Thank you so much…
I knew kazakistan was beautiful
i never knew it was THIS beautiful
Indeed!! Thanks…
Well scripted doc
Thank you…
Amazing
Thank you…
Awesome
quotes from Alchemist !
Yes!! Thank you..