kolsai tours

How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, The most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan

This article covers all the information you need to know about visiting the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, including how much it costs, how to get there from Almaty, where to stay, and what to do.

Kazakhstan is often described as a land of deserts, vast steppes, yurts, and camels. The country also gets associated with the old caravan routes of the Silk Road, along which were often little but dried-up steppes to keep the travelers entertained during their long journeys.

The overload of nothingness was exhausting while I was driving with my friends from West to East across Kazakhstan for more than 10 days in a row. I can only imagine how fried-up the brains of those travelers must have been as they had to cross the same distance on a camel or horse.

The Southeast region of Kazakhstan was a striking contrast to what we experienced on our road trip.

The natural diversity of this region is amazing – from arid deserts and scenic canyons to lush valleys, snow-peaked mountains and turquoise lakes. This territory is called Zhetisu, which means in Kazakh “Seven Rivers”.

A large number of rivers are flowing down the slopes of the Northern Tien Shan and Dzungar Alatau Mountains, forming stunning lakes along their way.

We visited a few of these lakes in the Kolsai National Park and the nearby sunken forest of Lake Kaindy.

These lakes are part of the “Golden Triangle”, a trio of major natural attractions in Southeast Kazakhstan, which also include the Charyn Canyon and the Altyn-Emel National Park.

In this guide, I focus on the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, but I would also recommend reading my guide to Charyn Canyon as it is worth a visit on your way from or back to Almaty!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kazakhstan Travel Essentials & Resources

• 18 useful things you should know to visit Kazakhstan
• The 26 best places to visit in Kazakhstan
• 15 useful safety tips to travel in Kazakhstan
• Kazakhstan Railway Guide: How to travel in Kazakhstan by train
• Plan your trip: Itinerary Planning for Kazakhstan
• Tours & Experiences: City Tours, Adventure Tours
• Visa: Check the required Kazakhstan travel documents!
• Getting there: Search for flights to Almaty or Nur Sultan
• Where to stay : Find a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or homestay in Kazakhstan
• Travel Insurance: Choose the best travel insurance for Kazakhzstan
• Getting around : Rent a car in Kazakhstan or travel by train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

An introduction to the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy

Why visit kolsai lakes national park.

The Kolsai Lakes National Park houses a system of three lakes, nestled among the hills of the Northern Tien Shan Mountains, approximately 300km east of Almaty.

They are also called “The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan” and after visiting the lakes, you’ll totally get why! The 3 lakes are so clear that, when the sun is out, the surrounding forests, hills, and snowy mountain peaks are mirrored in the water.

The two lower lakes, Kolsai 1 and Kolsai 2 (easy to remember) are surrounded by spruce trees, alpine meadows and mountain pastures.

Kolsai 1 is at an altitude of 1000m while the second lake, being much higher into the mountains, is at an altitude of 2500m. Grassy slopes replace the spruce forests on the hills surrounding the third lake, which is at an altitude of 2700m.

The 26 most beautiful places to visit in Kazakhstan

Kaindy, The underwater forest Lake

Lake Kaindy is at an altitude of 2000m and geologically very young. This 400m long lake was formed in 1911 after an earthquake triggered an enormous limestone landslide, which formed a natural dam in the gorge that was covered by spruce trees.

Water started flooding the basin and submerging the forest. The dried-out trunks of the trees rise above the surface of the water, looking like the masts of sunken ships.

The lake is almost 30 m deep and if you look underwater, which is very easy because the water of the lake is very clear, you can still see the needles on the submerged trunks.

Due to the cold temperatures, the trees were naturally frozen and well preserved in the water. You could go diving in this lake to see its unique beauty, but brace yourself for the cold! The temperature of the lake is a maximum of 6ºC in summer!

Strangely enough, this uncommonly beautiful lake is still quite unknown. The Kolsai Lakes, which are about 36km from Lake Kaindy, are far more popular.

This is probably due to the fact that it’s pretty difficult to get to Kaindy lake if you don’t have a 4×4 at your disposal. But do not despair, I will tell you exactly how you can get there!

Don’t miss out on the Charyn Canyon on your way to or from the lakes!

How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy – Travel Tips

1. how to get to kaindy lake and the kolsai lakes from almaty.

It takes about 6 hours to reach the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy from Almaty.

1.1 How to get to the Kolsai Lakes from Almaty by public transport

Getting to the Kolsai National Park by public transport is probably not your best option.

There should be a bus going from Sayakhat bus station (Almaty) to Saty , the closest village to the lakes but nobody (even locals) seem to know when this bus leaves.

If you’re lucky enough to catch this bus (if you do, please let me know in the comments below), you have to get off in the village of Saty.

From there, it’s a 15km walk before you reach the entrance gate. You could always try to hitchhike that part of the way as there should be a few cars passing by.

Getting back on the same bus will be very hard if you were able to take this bus to get there in the first place!

Your best option to get from Almaty to Lake Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes would be by shared taxi.

Go to Sayakhat bus station and search for the shared taxis that go to Kegen , the name of a village near Saty (the drivers will shout it).

Ask the driver to drop you off at the intersection with Saty (say “ stop Saty povorot ”). The costs of a shared taxi from Almaty to the intersection with Saty should cost $10 per person .

From the intersection, it’s another hour or two to Saty and the entrance of the National Park.

You can try to hitchhike the distance but know that some drivers will ask you for money. You shouldn’t pay more than 3000 tenge so make sure to be clear on the price from the start (so they don’t double or triple the price upon arrival.

Once you arrive in Saty, you can ask your driver to drop you off at the entrance of the park (which will cost you another 1000 tenge ) or you can hope to catch a free ride by hitchhiking.

Getting back from the Kolsai Lakes to Almaty shouldn’t be too hard. You can hitchhike back from Saty (or pay the driver) to Zhalanash or to the intersection with the main road.

Maybe you’re lucky and you’ll get a ride straight to Kokpek or Almaty. In any case, keep the following prices in mind:

• From Saty to the intersection: 3000 tenge .
• From the intersection to Kokpek (see map): 1000 tenge .
• You’ll definitely find a bus or shared taxi from Kokpek to Almaty for 4000 tenge .

Note: these were the prices in 2019. The costs might have gone up since the inflation of 2022. If you have updated info on the price, please let me know in the comments below!

1.2 renting a car in Almaty

A more expensive option is to  rent a car .

If you’re willing to pay the price, you’ll get a lot more time and freedom to explore and drive around the canyon. Try to  rent a 4×4 car  as the road towards the Kolsai lakes is pretty bumpy and the road doesn’t go further than the first Kolsai lake. 

Friends of mine were able to rent a car for  $90 USD  through a local office in Almaty but you might find a cheaper deal online. 

You can also ask fellow travelers in your guesthouse/ hostel if they are up for joining you on this trip and share the costs.

Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty

1.3 Hitchhiking to the Kolsai Lakes

If you have the time, you can definitely get to the Kolsai Lakes by hitchhiking. It won’t cost you much and the trip towards the lakes will probably be an adventure on its own.

Take a mashrutka or shared taxi to get out of the city center and once you reach the highway (A-351), you can start hitchhiking towards Kegen. Don’t miss the turn to Zhalanash/Saty.

Make it clear from the start that you’re not paying for the ride, otherwise you might get some problems. Please read my tips on hitchhiking in Kazakhstan .

1.4 How to get to Lake Kaindy from Almaty

As Lake Kaindy is only 36 kilometers away from the first Kolsai lake, the information above is pretty much the same.

Instead of going all the way to Saty, you will have to turn left one kilometer before the village (see map below). The intersection is near a cemetery and you’ll also see a sign pointing you in the direction of Kaindy Lake.

The road towards the lake is very rough and is often partly flooded so you’ll need a 4×4 to get there. You can hike or try to catch a ride at the turn before Saty as there will be some cars passing by.

You might have to pay 2000 tenge for the ride or maybe you’ll meet a friendly driver who will bring you there for free.

1.5 Tours to Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy

The easiest way to get to the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy would be by booking a tour.

You can check at the offices of local tour companies in Almaty or you can also browse for tours online. Most tours offer a combination of visiting the lakes with Charyn Canyon and even Altyn Emel National Park, which I’d highly recommend!

You can also join my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour as you’ll visit the Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Charyn Canyon and many more!

Join the 10-day Best of Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan Adventure and visit Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Karakol, Son Kul lake, and many more! 

I also recommend the following guided tours, organized by local travel companies in Almaty:

Need help planning your trip to Kazakhstan? See my Central Asia Tour and Itinerary Planning Services!

2. How much does it cost to visit the Kolsai Lakes National Park

You’ll have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Kolsai Lakes and an entrance fee to visit Lake Kaindy, as they work independently.

Before reaching either lake, you will come across an entrance gate. The officer in the little kiosk will ask for your passport, and documents (if you’re driving) and will want to know if you’ll be camping there for the night.

The entrance fee without camping is 806 tenge per person and 100 tenge per car and, if you want to spend the night in your tent, you’ll have to pay another 350 tenge per tent (the prices tend to change, depending on the season). Keep the receipt with you as you’ll have to show it upon exiting .

When we arrived at Kaindy Lake, it was already late in the evening. We noticed that the park guard was drunk. His breath reeked of alcohol and he was having a hard time keeping our money in his hands as he was trying to count it.

He never gave us a receipt and the day after, when we wanted to leave the park, another guard stopped us and asked for it. We tried to explain in the little Russian that we know, that the previous guard hadn’t given us any proof of payment.

When we said that his colleague had been drunk the night before and probably put the money in his pocket, the guard eventually let us leave. Moral of the story: always ask for a receipt so you don’t have to pay twice !

Kazakhstan Travel Guide: 18 useful things to know before you go

3. Hiking in Kolsai National Park

3.1 hiking to the kolsai lakes.

The first Kolsai lake is accessible by car and you can walk around it in just a couple of hours.

If you have more time and you’re up for a good hike, I would definitely suggest hiking up to the second lake and maybe even the third lake. The three lakes are connected by a well-maintained hiking trail, which takes you along meadows, dense forests and steep slopes.

It’s an 8 km walk from the first lake to the second one, which takes about 2 to 3 hours of hiking. Be aware that some parts of the trail are very steep.

Once you reach the second lake and you still have some energy left (I didn’t), you can continue the trail on the left side of Kolsai 2 to the third lake, which is another 5km.

The third lake is only 6km away from the Sary-Bulak Pass (3278m) on the Kyrgyz border. I heard that you can hike up until there and get treated to some superb views over the blue Issyk-Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan.

You can hike to the second lake and back in one day, but it takes at least two days to do the whole trek to the third lake and back.

Most of the trail is very clear to follow with a few signposts and blue arrows here and there. When in doubt, look for horse tracks (and horse poo) to find the right direction (that’s how I did it).

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can always hire a horse  near the first lake for a day to take you up from Kolsai 1 to Kolsai 3. Please be accompanied by a guide, who can help you with getting the animals over any tricky and steep parts of the trail.

If you want to cool down after a long hike, you’re allowed to swim in the lakes.

Important Note : The start of the trail begins on the right side of Kolsai 1. You’ll see armed guards at the entrance and they will ask you to leave your passport with them.

The path leads to the Kyrgyz border and it’s their duty to prevent anyone from crossing this border illegally. Once you’re back at Kolsai 1, they will hand you back your passport. Some of the guards speak some English and they are really nice guys!

3.2 Hiking at Lake Kaindy

Once you arrive at the car park of Lake Kaindy, you won’t have to walk far to see the sunken forest.

It’s about 10 minutes hiking from the car park to the lake but keep in mind that the trail is pretty steep. The lake is only 300 meters long so you can walk along its shore.

If you’re up for a multiple-day hike, you can connect Kaindy Lake with the 3 Kolsai Lakes. Take a topographic map so you won’t get lost!

Hiking in Almaty: The 5 best hikes in the Almaty Mountains

4. Where to stay at the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy

4.1 homestays and guesthouses near kolsai lakes national park.

There are two accommodation options near the Kolsai lakes. You can stay at the yurt camp near the first lake for 7000 tenge per person (breakfast included) or at one of the few homestays and guesthouses in Saty, the closest village near the lakes.

There are a few homestays in Saty where you can show up and ask for availability or you can book a room online to stay at one of the following two guesthouses in Saty:

• Saty Guest House
• Guesthouse Aisha

There are no restaurants or convenience stores near Kolsai 1, so make sure to bring enough food. Some homestays will offer lunch and dinner for 1000 tenge per meal .

Important note: The yurt camps and most homestays are closed from October to May .

There are no lodging options at the other two Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, with the exception of camping.

4.2 Camping at the Kolsai Lakes

If you want to camp at any of the three lakes, you’ll have to pay an extra fee when you enter the park. The prices can change but we had to pay about 350 tenge per tent per night . Keep the receipt with you in case any ranger inquires for it on the campground.

During the summer, at the peak of the tourist season, rangers will show you to a designated camping area as you won’t be the only person camping there. If you prefer to be by yourself, you can always hike to the forest and find a camping spot there.

During the low season (from October to May) you’ll probably be alone as not many people are up for sleeping outdoors in the cold.

Be aware that you’re higher up in the mountains so the nights can be cold, especially if you decide to pitch your tent at Kolsai 2 or Kolsai 3.

We camped at Kolsai 1 in mid-October and the temperature at night dropped below freezing point.

You’re allowed to make a campfire around the lakes but it’s prohibited in the forest. Read my guide on how to prepare for camping in winter if you intend to do the same.

4.3 Camping at Kaindy Lake

You can camp anywhere you want near Kaindy Lake. There is a space near the car park with a few outdoor toilets and picnic benches but you can also pitch your tent along the lake’s shore.

Just as with the Kolsai Lakes, prepare yourself for cold nights as you’re at an altitude of 2000m. Unfortunately, it’s prohibited to make a campfire anywhere near the lake.

5. When is the Best time to visit Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake

The lakes are becoming more popular every year and you’ll find many fellow nature lovers there during summer, between the months of June and September.

Summer is also the best time to camp comfortably but you might have to share the space with others. It’s also the easiest time of the year to hitchhike or take a shared taxi to the lakes as there will be a lot more traffic.

If you want to enjoy the tranquility of the lakes but not freeze your ass off, it’s better to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kainday in late May or late September.

It’ll be still warm enough to spend a lot of time outdoors and the yurts and guesthouses around Kolsai will still be open (they close from October on and open again in May).

There’s going to be a lot less traffic than during the summer but you should still be able to find a ride (paid or free) to the lakes.

There will probably be some snow along the hiking trails and the lakes might be frozen at that time of the year so I wouldn’t recommend camping there unless you’re well-equipped.

Winter (December – March) isn’t the best time to visit the lakes. Winter here is pretty rough and the roads and hiking trails are sometimes closed, due to heavy snowfall. It will also be very hard to find a homestay that is open.

My friends and I visited Kaindy and Kolsai in mid-October and although the weather was nice and sunny during the day, the nights were very cold (below freezing point). We also saw some snow on our way to the second Kolsai Lake.

If you don’t mind camping in these temperatures and you’re well-equipped, it is quite special to be here by yourself!

6. What to Pack to visit Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy

• Bring enough food and water with you for the amount of time you’re going to spend near the lakes since there are only a few convenience stores in the nearby village of Saty.
• Bring a water filter as you can get your water from the rivers and lakes (saves you the extra weight of carrying all those bottles of water).
• Wear proper hiking boots and bring a raincoat in case of sudden showers.
• If you’re planning to spend the night near the lakes, be aware that it can be pretty chilly. Bring a warm sleeping bag and enough clothes to keep you warm at night. You can find more tips about camping in winter here .
• Bring eco-friendly toilet paper and wet wipes as some guesthouses don’t have showers.
• Pack a first-aid kit and make sure to have good travel insurance .

What is the best budget travel insurance? 3 Best Travel Insurance Companies compared!

I hope this guide provided you with all the information you need to have a great time in this stunning area. If you have more questions, let me know in the comments below. Feel free to post tips, photos or stories of your own visit to the lakes.

More KAZAKHSTAN TRAVEL Resources:

• The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
• The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
• Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
• Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
• The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
• Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
• Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
• Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
• Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
• Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
• Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
• A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty

28 thoughts on “How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, The most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan”

I am planning to make a travel to Kazakh and Kyrgyz region and stumbled across with your vlog. Thank you for detailed explanation. I am planning to travel alone and rent an offroad car around next June. Is it safe to travel alone as a male traveller? Also wondering if there was a language barrier with locals? Will it be a good idea to learn basic phrases? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Hi Umutcan, yes, it is safe to travel alone in Kazakhstan. All people in Kazakhstan speak Russian so it good be helpful to learn some basic Russian phrases. Here’s a useful guide for it. Best wishes, Cynthia

Very well laid out information! I am visiting next week and this will certainly be helpful

Enjoy your trip Malik!

Hi, I’m planning to go to the lakes and canyon in 2 weeks. Do you know if you have to book the yurts by the lake in advance? And if so is there a website for them? Thanks so much!

Hi Hannah, I don’t have any online info for the yurts by the lake. You can always ask a tour provider in Almaty about them.

Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning to visit Kazakhstan the first two weeks of April. Do you know if it’s possible to do a day hikes (perhaps to lake 2 and maybe 3) during this time? I’d love to do an overnight, but it seems like the yurts and home stays won’t be open. Thanks – your information is great!

Hi! It’s hard to say as it will depend on the weather and snowfall. Hiking to lake 2 might already be possible and you’ll be able to visit Kaindy lake too but I don’t think lake 3 will be accessible yet in early April. Some homestays might already be open too, depending if there are already other tourists. And thank you 🙂

As always the guides are very detailed and well done ! We ended up staying at guesthouse Aisha and we have been very welcome and the rooms and food were great ! The entrance fee is now the same as Charyn: 806 per person 7 years old and up and 200 for the car. We started with Kolsai, and when we arrived to Kandy they told us the entrance fee covers both lakes, so that’s a good deal ! But don’t forget to keep the proof of payment they give you at the gate. At Kolsai, there was also boat for rent for half and hour or more. 5000 tenge for 30 minutes, the kids really liked it. Even though Kandy is complicated to get to, it’s REALLY worth your while ! After more than a month on Central Asia the whole family agrees it’s one of the most beautiful place we have been to.

Hi Jacquelin, thank you for all the updates! I’m very happy to hear you had such a great trip and that you love Central Asia as well 😀

Hi there Jacquelin – I assume you travelled to the area using a hire car – is that correct? If so what did you hire, from where – and can you remember how much it cost? Gareth

thank you so much for provided feedback. it was very useful considering that I plan to go there next week….

Great to hear Rati! Wishing you a great time at the Kolsai Lakes, it’s absolutely beautiful there!!

guys! How lucky I was to find your blog! so many amazing tips! we are now at Almaty planning our adventure in the east (canyons and the lakes) . Just thank you! Question: we dont want to rent a car so the entire trip will be by bus /hitchhike. Did you see any of this type on the way?

Hi Tais, sorry for the late reply (we were out and about in the mountains). I hope it’s not too late but you might have found your way to the canyon and lakes by now. There aren’t any buses going that way but you can take a shared taxi and/or hitchhike!

Amazing pictures and great tips! I am curious, did you manage to visit Altyn Emel National Park as well? If so what did you think of it? I am visiting Almaty in a couple of months and am definitely interested in visiting Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn Canyon National Park. I would need an additional 2 days to visit Altyn Emel and I am wondering if it is worth it.

Hi Timothy, we haven’t visited Altyn Emel yet but friends of ours did and it’s apparently also very beautiful there. There’s a place in the park called Singing Dunes, which is quite special. If you have 2 extra days on your itinerary, I’d visit it 🙂

I think that the photos talks better that anything else. The crystalline water in contrast with the whitewashed mountains are have an immediate impact on me because is so similar of a lake here in my land in the northeast of Italy. How cool is to travel and find places that seems like your hometown. I love trekking and hope one day to have the chance to visit this amazing land. kisses Ale

We visited the northeast of Italy and saw some gorgeous lakes there also.We’re glad this reminded you of your hometown. Hopefully you have the chance to visit this part of the world one day, we know you will love it!

There’s a lot of beauty also to a deserted scenario, with nothing but plain flat land till the distance your eyes can see. The capture of the Kazakhstan plains with horses taking a run is brilliant and amazingly beautiful. It’s all so adventurous when you can trek, camp and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Thank you for sharing all the details and lovely pictures of the lakes. Now I know how to get there and will soon some day try to be there. Adding this place to my list of must visit 🙂

You are totally right! There is a lot of beauty in deserted and arid places. We both enjoy so much walking in the emptiest deserts. That is the beauty of Kazakhstan, we have access to those remote arid places and at the same time we can see beautiful cities, lakes and forests.

That lake is absolutely stunning, it looks like those lakes in Canada. I would never have thought that it was in Kazakhstan! Thanks for sharing such detailed explanations about how to get there. It’s always something that I appreciate. Hope I can make it there one day!

If you have the chance to visit this part of Kazakhstan, you will be happily surprised. The lakes here do remind us a bit of the ones in Canada.

The Kolsai and Kandy lakes look so ethereal, straight out of the realms of the imagination of a poet or painter. Definitely the stuff that dreams are made of. The landscapes of Kazakhstan are really stunning. Your pictures have captured the beautiful landscapes in stunning style

The landscapes here are indeed stunning! The best part is that in Kazakhstan it’s possible to find absolutely everything; lakes, forests, canyons and deserts.Definitely a place for artists, poets and painters 😀

This is unbelievable! I never quite imagined Kazakhstan had lakes, and that too such stunning ones…mind-blown! Thanks for sharing the details of hiking and camping at the lakes too, rather interesting that you only need to do a short hike of ten minutes to reach the sunken forests…

We were so surprised as well! 🙂 Before coming here, we had no idea that Kazakhstan had so many varied and different landscapes.

Thank you for the very helpful info. Your estimate of 2 hours to walk around Kolsay Lake 1 is about right but it’s worth mentioning that the well-defined path on the East side of the lake is pretty exposed and slippery in places so you need a good head for heights and, ideally, trekking poles. Plus you’ll need to ignore a sign at the North end prohibiting entry. You also need to wade the river at the South end. The main path goes along the West side and is straightforward.

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Suv trip to the kolsai lakes, the tour is very exciting, you will visit the almaty region one of the most beautiful places in kazakhstan, the most beautiful nature, coniferous forests, birch groves, mountains. kolsai lake is an ideal place for hiking, horse riding, for a camp in the mountains. our team kolsaitour.com will be glad to organize a great trip with a professional guide., tour highlights:, tour options: tour duration: 3 days / 2 nights tour format:   road trip / mileage on suv: 850 km tour itinerary: 3 canyons of the charyn river * valley of castles - *lunar canyon - *temirlik canyon (iron) - zhalanash valley - kolsai lake - kaindy lake (flooded forest) level easy / optional / customize the program   trekking: 5-12 km per day overnight in the canyon in a tent / campground comfort + overnight in kazakh yurt / optional / boat rental / cruise horseback riding: optional.

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A definite guide to the kolsai lakes, kazakhstan.

Often nicknamed the ‘Pearls of the Tien Shan’, the Kolsai Lakes National Park is unquestionably one of Central Asia’s best-kept secrets.

Situated in a region that is famed for its rough canyons, secluded desserts and vast steppe terrain, the Kolsai Lakes are completely the opposite and an astonishing place for you to disconnect and experience the Kazakh countryside.

The tranquil lakes are a popular stop along Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle and are flanked by lush alpine forests and hillsides covered with wildflowers and berries, making it a haven for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. 

Though it’s slightly challenging to get there on your own, given its location at roughly 300 kilometres east of Almaty, those who decided to make the relatively exhausting journey will certainly be rewarded.

In this guide, I’ve covered everything you need to know before setting off to the Kolsai Lakes National Park, including how to get there, what to pack and heaps of insider tips too.

Where are the Kolsai Lakes

The Kolsai Lakes National Park is nestled in the northern slope of the Tian Shan Mountain Range in southeast Kazakhstan, roughly 300 kilometres from Almaty .

The gateway to the national park is Saty, a small rural village situated just a short distance away from both the Kolsai Lakes National Park and the border with Kyrgyzstan .

Kolsai Lakes tickets | Entrance fee 2022

When I arrived at the Kolsai Lakes entrance – November 2020, the entrance fee to the Kolsai Lakes National Park was 778 KZT (€1,60) per person. 

As with many places in this region, I was offered to pay the entrance fee directly and unofficially to the guard, which saved me some money at 500 KZT (€1,-).

After the payment, it is normal that you receive a receipt, which you’ll need upon leaving the park. To avoid paying the entrance twice, make sure you ask for a receipt at the entrance.

How to get to the Kolsai Lakes

Given its remote location in the southeast corner of Kazakhstan, the Kolsai Lakes National Park can be quite challenging to get to.

While I was fortunate enough to travel in a car with a local friend, I totally realize that this option isn’t available to everyone.

For that reason, I’ve listed down some of the best options to get to the Kolsai Lakes National Park.

JOIN A DAY TOUR | Sure, it’s quite an adventure figuring out how to travel to one of the most remote places in the country, but if you’re looking for a hassle-free option, joining a private day trip from Almaty is by far your safest bet.

Though guided tours are somewhat expensive by Kazakh standards, I sincerely believe that it’s one of the most comfortable ways to experience the Kolsai Lakes and Kazakhstan’s Golden Triangle.

While it’s totally possible to book a tour from one of the tourist companies in Almaty, I’d highly recommend sorting out a tour online and in advance.

For those interested, this 2-day tour brings you to the Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy and Charyn Canyon and includes accommodation, air-conditioned transport, meals and entrance fees.

CAR | The Kolsai lakes National Park is located in Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, where you will also find some of the country’s other major highlights, including Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon and the Altyn-Emel National Park. 

Since public transportation is limited and tours are often on the higher price end, renting a car is by far the most convenient option – plus you have all the freedom to craft your hand-tailored Almaty region itinerary and travel at your own pace.

It is for this exact reason that I highly recommend renting a car here.

If you’re looking to visit the Kolsai Lakes National Park by car, I suggest combining your visit with both Kaindy Lake and the Charyn Canyon National Park.

If you’re planning to rent a car yourself, make sure you check out Rentalcars.com , as they have a broad range of cars on offer, additional insurance options, and brilliant overall service.

Upon arrival at the Kolsai Lakes National Park, you’ll have parking facilities free of use.

BUS | Getting to the Kolsai Lakes National Park from Almaty by public transport isn’t by any means a trouble-free experience.

Though it is said that a marshrutka (a local bus) leaves from Almaty’s Sayakhat bus station for Saty at 6 in the morning, there is only little information circulating in terms of the departure place, time schedule and reliability of this journey.

If you do manage to catch this bus (please let me know if it exists), you’ll need to continue the journey to Kolsai Lake by either taking a taxi or using your hitchhiking skills to get a ride from Saty. 

The return to Almaty is slightly easier, as most homestays have close contact with the marshrutka driver that travels back to Almaty.

All in all, I believe this option is quite a challenge, yet it will be quite rewarding for those that manage to complete the exhausting, yet adventurous journey.

What to see and do at the Kolsai Lakes

Take a walk around the first lake.

Whether you’re visiting in the morning or at noon, a walk around the clear blue waters of the first Kolsai Lake is an absolute must.

Start the hike by following the dusty path that runs over the slope on the right-hand side of the lake, and find yourself among lush alpine forests while being welcomed by several stunning vantage points along the way.

Though it’s totally possible to return via the other side of the lake, I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s significantly more challenging, since the trail on the left side is overgrown with all kinds of greenery.

All in all, you should note that the hike takes around 3 to 4 hours out and back.

Head out on the water

If you’re looking for a unique perspective of both the first Kolsai Lake and the surrounding peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range, make sure you rent yourself a boat and head out on the water.

For boat rental, simply walk down to the waterfront, where you’ll stumble upon a few vendors that will rent out boats by the hour at 10.000 KZT (roughly €20,-).   

The boats themselves are easy to navigate and a paddle around the lake is done in about one to two hours if you take it easy, which I highly recommend you to do. 

Do note that if you visit the Kolsai Lakes during the weekend, there might be a chance that you have to wait until there’s a boat available.

Spent the night at the Kolsai Lakes

Whether you’re pitching out your tent next to one of the lakes, having a local experience in a traditional yurt overlooking the first Kolsai Lake, or staying in the Jibek Jolly Guesthouse, spending a night within the Kolsai Lakes National Park is in many ways an incredible adventure.

Off all of the above options, camping is by far the most popular option, especially among locals.

If you’re keen to go camping, your best option is to hike to the second lake, where you’ll find plenty of space to set up your camp. Alternatively, there are a few grassy areas around the first lake too.

It is worth mentioning that you have to pay a small additional fee at the entrance if you’re planning to go camping within the national park.

Alternatively, you will also find several private yurts on the hillside of the first lake, with prices ranging from 7.000 – 10.000 KZT (€14,60 – 20,90) per yurt per night. Do keep in mind that these yurts are most likely only available for rent during the summer months.

Those after some more comfort can also opt for the slightly more pricey Jibek Jolly Guesthouse, a cosy guest house nestled in the hills of the first Kolsai Lake.

Hike to the second and third lake

While the first lake is usually spectacular enough for most of the visitors to the Kolsai Lakes National Park, there’s actually also a great hiking trail that brings you to lakes two and three. 

Running straight through lush alpine forests and hillsides covered with wildflowers and berries, this trail is truly a pleasure to follow.

However, hiking this gorgeous trail comes with a few side notes.

First, there is the time that you have within the park, given it takes at least three to four hours to get to the second lake.

Then there is the fact that this area is close to the border of Kyrgyzstan, which means you’ll have to obtain a special permit before making your way any further – so make sure you have one before starting the hike.

Don’t consider that you can easily hike the area without a permit, as there are guards that patrol the area between the second and third lakes.

All in all, the hike between the first and the second lake is extremely beautiful and a round trip should take around six to seven hours to complete.

Unfortunately, during my trip here, I had to discontinue the hike to the second lake midway due to the wintry weather conditions that approached from the mountains.

Where to stay near the Kolsai Lakes

As mentioned before, the gateway to the Kolsai Lakes is Saty, a small rural village with no shortage of traditional Kazakh homestays. 

Though you will not find the most luxurious of stays in this neck of the woods, I can assure you that you will have one of the most authentic local experiences instead – which to me, made my trip to the Kolsai Lakes so much more memorable. 

Also, it is worth mentioning that the Kolsai Lakes are extremely popular during the weekends, so if you’re planning to make it there in the weekend, make sure you book your accommodation in advance.

If you’re looking to book your accommodation in advance, make sure you explore the available options in Saty on Booking.com .

Best time of year to visit the Kolsai Lakes

Given the Almaty region experiences fiery heat during the summer and freezing colds during the winter, I believe the best time to visit the Kolsai Lakes is during the shoulder months of April – June , and September – October . 

Besides the comfortable weather during these time frames, you will also have an easier time getting there by car or as part of a guided tour from Almaty.

I visited the Kolsai Lakes early in November and was fortunate enough to spend two days here, which granted me the opportunity to see it both on a sunny and a snowy day.

Best time of day to the Kolsai Lakes

As with most natural sceneries in the world, the Kolsai Lakes are stunningly beautiful at sunrise, meaning you might want to set off on an early morning adventure.

However, since the Kolsai Lakes are pretty far from Almaty, it is essential to visit the lakes as part of a multiple-day trip to reap the benefits of an early visit.

While it’s absolutely possible to visit the Kolsai Lakes at any time of day, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend visiting at noon – especially if you’re into serious photography, as the harsh light and reflections on the lake will make shooting here a tad challenging.

Also, given the Kolsai Lakes are part of Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, the lakes do become quite crowded during the weekends.

What to pack for the Kolsai Lakes

As with any adventure in this neck of the woods, I believe it’s essential that you travel with the right type of kit.

To avoid surprises when travelling to this remote corner of the country, I’d highly suggest packing the following items:

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | One travel essential that I carry with me at all times is the Grayl Geopress . This reusable water purification bottle allows me to fill up water from nearly every water source, making it one of my best investments to date. 

HIKING BOOTS OR A GOOD PAIR OF SNEAKERS | The terrain at the Kolsai Lakes National Park can be a tad slippery and muddy. While you don’t necessarily need hiking boots, I’d highly recommend wearing a sturdy pair of sneakers.

WEAR LAYERS | Although it may be warm in Almaty, the weather out here in the mountains is a totally different experience. For that reason, make sure you wear layers just in case.

YOUR PASSPORT | From what I’ve heard, there is now a checkpoint at Saty where they will ask you for your documents before entering the village.

SNACKS | Since there are not many facilities within the national park, I suggest bringing lunch and a few snacks to fuel your adventures around the lakes.

CASH | Even though there’s only one restaurant in the area, it’s always good to carry enough money with you just to be sure.

SUN PROTECTION | Most parts around the lakes are fully exposed to the sun, and for that reason, I’d highly recommend packing yourself some sunscreen and a hat.

A CAMERA | It is safe to say that the Kolsai Lakes are one of the best things to see in Kazakhstan, so you’re going to snap loads of photos while you’re there. Make sure you see what’s in my camera bag .

LEAVE NO FOOTPRINTS | As always, remember to respect and appreciate the location, so keep your trash with you at all times.

Onward travel | What’s next

The Kolsai Lakes National Park is part of Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, a trio of major natural sights in southeast Kazakhstan.

Besides the Kolsai Lakes, this famous region is also home to the Charyn Canyon National Park , the Altyn-Emel National Park and the Kaindy Lake , which are all clearly worthy of your time too.

Stay safe in Kazakhstan | Travel insurance

Since travelling in Kazakhstan is all about hiking and off-the-beaten path adventures, I recommend everyone to sort out adequate travel insurance before setting out on their own adventure.

Where we prefer that everything runs smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s a hiking injury, stolen goods or an accident on the road. 

For travel insurance, I use Heymondo , as they offer full covid-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy too. Additionally, I also recommend World Nomads .

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Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon 2-day tour

Description

TOURIST PLACES you'll visit:

• Charyn Canyon "Valley of the Castles"
• Black Canyon
• Yellow (Moon) Canyon
• Lower (First) Kolsai Lake
• Kaindy Lake

Within 2 days you will visit the most famous places of Almaty region - Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. You will also axplore a very quiet place with landscapes of unearthly beauty - Yellow (Moon) Canyon. The itinerary is designed so that you can enjoy the tour without rushing and visit sites at the best time of the day at the best lighting conditions. Our tour guide will show you the best photo spots and tell you interesting information about the places.

An exciting journey awaits you to the most visited destination among all tourists in Kazakhstan - Valley of the Castles of Charyn Canyon, one of the side canyons of Charyn river. This is completed the ensemble of “palaces”, “towers” and ”minarets” formed by Pliocene deposits of red color, due to which this place is also called the Red Canyon. The canyon has a length of about 1.5 km and a depth of 150 m.

The next place you will visit is Kaindy Lake. An incredible scenery that you see above the water are the trunks of centenary spruce trees. And under the surface of the water, branches and needles of spruce trees were preserved in their original form due to the low temperature of the lake's water.

Picturesque Lower Kolsai lake - the most accessible one. The lake is located at an altitude of 1818 m. Today this place is very popular and receives thousands of tourists every day. Here you can take a walk, enjoy the view of the lake with a cup of coffee or take a boat ride.

Tour area on the map

• 08:00 Pick-up and departure from Almaty
• Yellow (Moon) Canyon, walking, visiting several spots
• Short stop at Black Canyon
• Lunch in the guesthouse
• Trip to Kolsai Lake
• Kolsai Lake, walking, horseback-riding or boating (optional), visiting several spots
• 18:30 Hotel/guesthouse accommodation, dinner
• 07:00 Breakfast, check-out
• Trip to Kaindy Lake
• Kaindy Lake, hiking or horseback-riding (optional), visiting several spots
• Lunch in the guesthouse of Saty village
• Leaving Kolsai Lakes National Park and trip to Charyn Canyon
• Charyn Canyon "Valley of the Castles", visiting several spots, walking along the bottom of the canyon 1.5 km till Charyn river
• Way back to Almaty
• 20:00 Drop-off in Almaty

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2022

Join our group tours.

❉ Small groups up to 10 tourists

❉ Perfect for couples and solo travelers

❉ Enjoying travel, having fun and meeting new people

❉ Budget savings and more travel

⚠️ [Visits to any of the tour sites may be canceled and their order changed in case of adverse weather conditions and other circumstances beyond our control]

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2020

PHOTOS OF OUR TOURISTS

REVIEWS OF OUR TOURISTS

Options & prices.

⚠️ [If you are more people, contact us and we will make an individual calculation for you]

IMPORTANT INFO

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Average Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

WE RECOMMEND TO TAKE WITH YOU: season/terrain-appropriate outerwear, cap, jacket, trekking boots/sport shoes, sunblock, personal hygiene products, some cash in KZT for WC/boating/horseback riding (from 10000 KZT per person depending on route/duration). !!! Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes are located in the border area with Kyrgyzstan. Be sure to have your passport (original, not a copy) with you in case of inspection. Border guards can fine you if you don't have it.

• Not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions, high/low blood pressure; • Not recommended for pregnant women; • Not recommended for travelers with a fear of heights and who can not withstand long trips by car/long walks/hikes;

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2023

Small groups of 5-15 tourists

Perfect for couples and solo travelers

Enjoying the trip, having fun and meeting new people

Budget savings and more travel

GROUP TOUR JOINING

[Here you can book your place on a group tour by yourself specifying the number of people and selecting an available tour date]

⚠️ [To accept online payment from your bank card, we use PayPal as a payment gateway, so you can securely pay with any international debit/credit card. No need to have or create a PayPal account]

PRIVATE TOUR BOOKING

[Here you can submit a request to book a private tour. We will try to respond to you within 24 hours]

BOOKING TERMS

Prepayment (30% of the tour cost for the Private tours, 20% for the Group tours) is required to confirm your booking. The remaining amount must be paid at the start of the tour. To accept online payments from bank cards, we use PayPal as a payment gateway, so you can securely pay with any international debit/credit card. No need to have or create a PayPal account.

CANCELLATION POLICY

PRIVATE TOURS

• Customer can change the details or cancel the booking no later than 72 hours before the start of the tour with the possibility of a 70-90% refund of the tour cost. After this time, no refunds will be made.

FIXED-DATE GROUP TOURS

• Customer can change the details or cancel the booking no later than (24 hours - for day tours; 72 hours - for multi-day tours) before the start of the tour with a full refund of the tour cost. After this time, no refunds will be made.
• A minimum number of tourists and suitable weather are required. If these criteria are not met, the tour will be canceled no later than 48 hours before the start and you will be offered a different date/tour or a full refund.

Any tour/booking can be canceled in case of force majeure with a full refund.

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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

Charyn Canyon – Kolsai Lakes – Kaindy Sunken Forest (3 days)

Tour details

• Sightseeing

A 3-day tour of Almaty’s most famous natural sights: Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon. Our tours are run by a professional team of English speaking guides and we hold up high standards of camping and catering service to ensure your trip is as fun, comfortable and interesting as possible.

Route:  Almaty – Kokpek pass – Zhalanash – Saty village – Kolsay lakes – Kaindy lake – Charyn canyon – Chilik – Almaty

Day 1 . 08.00 – 12.00 Drive from Almaty to Charyn Canyon. 12.00 – 12.40 Arrival at a National Park entrance, lunch near the canyon 12.40 – 14.40 Hiking by the gorge to explore the canyon’s most beautiful site: the Valley of Castles that reveals to the eye intriguing red sandstone rocks created by two eternal forces of nature – time and the wind. The height of the vertical walls in this part is between 150 and 300 meters, and their shapes are so different!

Some formations look like fossilized dinosaurs, the others seem to be the heads of giant wizards. The fantastic towers, sky bridges and other indescribable figures of different colors make you feel walking through the real Fairyland!

15.00 – 18.00 Drive from Charyn to Saty village. Accommodation at a guest house in Saty or in tents at Saty riverbank (depends on the season). Dinner and overnight.

Day 2 . Breakfast 08.00 – 09.00 Drive from Saty to the First Kolsay lake, National park arrangements. Kolsay is a name for a cascade of three lakes in Kungey Alatau ridge. The lakes are dark blue in color and filled with pure glacial water. The area is a part of Kolsay Koldery National Park located 330 kilometers to the east from Almaty.

09.00 – 16.00 Hiking from the First Kolsay lake (“Saty”) to the Second lake (“Mynzhylgy”) and back. Lunch at the Second lake.

All three lakes are located in the same valley but at different altitudes. The first lake is at a height of about 1800m asl. It looks like a “stretched mirror” along the gorge and has approximately 2 km in length (80m deep). The second lake also known as “Mynzhylgy” is at a height of 2000m above sea level, and the last one (Third lake) is located at 2500m. Well-marked trail leads up from the first to the second lake, it winds along the spruce forest and follows the river.

There are a lot of shrubs under the canopy: various kinds of rose, cotoneaster with red and brown berries, red and black honeysuckle, currant of Meyer and raspberries. Blackberries, strawberries and bramble are often found in the riverside. By the steep slopes the river flows as series of small waterfalls: in such places the rocks along the stream are covered with moss. Here you have a chance to see the famous blue bird. In sunny days the forest is full of twittering of various birds like nutcrackers, grouse birds – a rapid predator Sparrow hawk hunts them. In the evening or in very bad weather a real owner of this place appears – a bear.

8-kilometers path leads us to the second lake, located at a height of 2000m asl. It has a diamond shape with small elongated bay, at the confluence of river Kolsayka. Sheer cliffs on three sides surround the lake and almost all the slopes are covered with deep spruce forest interspersed with ash trees. There are good places for tent camping on the north coast. 16.00 Back to the First lake 16.00 – 17.00 Drive back to Saty (guest house or tent camp) 17.00 – 18.00 Dinner. Evening leisure.

Day 3 . Breakfast. 09.30 – 11.00 Drive from Saty to Kaindy lake by the ground road that follows up Kaindy gorge.

Kaindy gorge, called after a small spring river that runs through in the depth, is located in the east of the village Saty (Kolsai National Park). If you drive along the gorge for 15 km, you will get to the lake Kaindy. This unique basin (length is 400m) lies at a height of about 1800m above sea level, in the zone of dense spruce forest.

The lake was formed in 1911 after a huge earthquake that resulted in a big landslide from the eastern slope. The rockslide “place of origin” can still be seen today, because it has not been overgrown yet. The uniqueness of the lake is that after the rise of natural dam that blocked the gorge, water that filled a basin has formed a lake but has not destroyed the spruce that had been growing in this place along the river.

The upper parts of the trees sticking out of the water lost lateral branches and bark, and the wood became white. Such a pattern will delight even the experienced travelers. The lower part of the “drowned” pines retained branches that were overgrown with algae under the water, thus created fantastic underwater landscape. Thus, the lake Kaindy is known as one of the best places for divers in North Tien Shan.

11.00 – 13.00 Contemplating the lake and wild nature around: excursion around and lunch at a lakeshore 13.00 – 19.00 Drive back to Almaty via Saty village and Chilik town.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• English-speaking guide for the tour
• Transport from Almaty to Kolsay, Kaindy, Charyn and back, according to the program
• National park entry fees and permissions (Kolsay, Kaindy and Charyn)
• Accommodation at a guest house in Saty or tent camping (depending on a season), 2 nights. Tent accommodation includes living tents, tables/chairs, kitchen gear and tableware, gas etc.
• Foodstuff (full board) – 3 meals a day (on a way we serve lunch-boxes or eat in local cafe)

NOT INCLUDED

• Soft and alcohol drinks, snacks
• Rent of personal clothes, shoes
• Telephone calls, souvenirs, personal expenses

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Central Asia Tours

2 days tour to Charyn Canyon Kolsay and Kaindy lakes

Kaindy, kolsai and charyn tour from almaty, tour details.

• Period All year round
• Tour length and Participants 2 Days / 2 - 10 pax or more participants
• Price from 380$ / person in a group of 10 people

Kaindy, Kolsai and Charyn tour Highlights

Experience the extraordinary beauty of Kazakhstan’s Kaindy, Kolsai, and Charyn on this captivating tour. Marvel at the surreal sight of Kaindy Lake’s submerged forest and crystal-clear waters, then venture to the alpine paradise of Kolsai Lakes, where three stunning lakes await amidst the Tien Shan mountains. Explore the rugged splendor of Charyn Canyon, carved over millennia by the Charyn River, offering a landscape reminiscent of another world. Capture breathtaking moments and find moments of relaxation by serene lakeshores. From thrilling adventures to tranquil reflections, this tour promises unforgettable experiences in Kazakhstan’s natural wonders.

• Departure from  Almaty
• Charyn Canyon  (196 km, approximately 3 hours)
• Arrival at the Charyn canyon, a walk along the canyon with the scenic views (4 km both ways) adopted to beginners  as the area is flat (option: way back can be made by taxi – extra cost) Lunch: lunch box picnic
• Departure to Saty village (guest house) (100 km, approx. 1,5 hour)
• Departure to  Lake Kaindy  (15 km, approximately 40 minutes), hiking to the lake, 4 km (both ways). Hiking up to the lake one way 3 km – going up there by horses going down by old authentic Russian car UAZ – 3km back
• Departure back to Saty village (15 km, approximately 40 minutes),
• Breakfast in Saty (guest house)
• Departure to  Lake Kolsai  (15 km approximately 20 minutes)
• Arrival at Kolsai lake, walk (Boating, catamaran) or hiking back to village followed by lunch
• Departure towards Almaty
• Departure to the observation deck of the Black Canyon (60 km, approximately 50 minutes)
• Optional dinner at the cafe in Baiseit village (with extra cost) Here you can enjoy famous delicious shashliks (duck/chicken fillet/chicken wings/lamb/vegetable/kebabs) or wait to have a dinner at the hotel by your own
• Departure to Almaty (130 km, 1,5 hours)

Total travel time: 5 hours 

Kaindy & Charyn Tour Information

The program includes :

• 1 night accommodation on FB at guesthouse in Kolsay Lakes National Park
• Meals: Full Board (breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner)
• Private A/C transport with driver as per program: 2 pax – sedan up to 3 seats 3-7 pax – minivan up to 10 seats 8-14 pax – minibus up to 18 seats 15 pax and more coach up to 48 seats
• English – speaking guide services
• Entrance fees to sites listed
• Ecological fees
• Mineral water 0,5 L p/p daily

The program does not include :

• Almaty accommodation

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON IN USD

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Kazakhstan travel information

Money & costs

Entry & exit

Best time to go

Money & costs

The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (KZT), and the country boasts the most advanced banking system in the region. ATMs are widely distributed across major cities, including banks, hotels, and shopping centers; however, it’s important to note that most ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency. Exchange facilities are readily available in every city, offering services for various currencies such as the US dollar, Euro, Russian ruble, British pound, Chinese yuan, and Kyrgyz som. Exchanging US dollars for Tenge is a straightforward process, and euros are also widely accepted in banks and exchange offices.

In addition, international credit cards find acceptance in the majority of hotels, restaurants, and large supermarkets. It’s worth noting that smaller merchants usually do not accept cards and often operate with limited cash reserves.

The current security situation is presently stable but bears the potential for deterioration. Recommendations encompass the following:

• Always carry an original form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, as law enforcement patrolling the streets may request verification.
• Steer clear of any demonstrations and political assemblies. In the event of becoming aware of nearby violence or unrest, it is advised to promptly vacate the premises.
• Incidents of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag thefts, and vehicle break-ins, are prevalent. Safeguard valuables discreetly and exercise vigilance, particularly during nighttime. When approached by a police officer, driver, or official, insist on the presentation of identification.
• Avoid solitary strolls and arrange transportation in advance. Refrain from utilizing unofficial taxi services.
• While on trains, ensure the security of personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, and utilize locks for compartments, especially on night trains.
• Exercise caution against online scams.
• Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is proscribed in proximity to schools, playgrounds, medical facilities, and public spaces (such as museums, public transportation, airports, train stations, and subterranean passages), as well as within vehicles carrying children.
• The possession or usage of illegal substances may result in protracted incarceration.
• Photography is restricted in the vicinity of military installations, border areas, airports, and specific official buildings. The sharing or publication of images that may be deemed disrespectful to religion, culture, or national symbols is discouraged.
• Same-sex relationships are not unlawful but may encounter varying degrees of tolerance, particularly outside major urban centers nationwide.
• Exercise caution by never leaving consumables unattended or entrusted to the care of unfamiliar individuals.
• Road conditions exhibit disparities across the country, with well-maintained infrastructure in major cities and their environs, while rural areas may experience neglect in road upkeep.

Entry & exit

Kazakhstan implements diverse visa regulations tailored to passport holders from various countries. Comprehensive information regarding visas in Kazakhstan and whether they are requisite for your visit can find here .

Upon entry into the country, there may be a requirement for registration. For those entering visa-free, it is essential that their passport remains valid only for the duration of their stay. However, if you are utilizing a visa, it is imperative that your passport remains valid for the standard six months beyond the conclusion of your intended stay. To secure a tourist visa from the Embassy of Kazakhstan or to obtain an electronic visa, the initial step is procuring a Letter of Invitation (LOI).

Best time to go

Kazakhstan is characterized by severe weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The country experiences extreme climates in both summer and winter, with the most intense heat and cold being felt in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can soar above 40°C in June-August and plummet to -20°C in December-February. Optimal times for visiting Kazakhstan are during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) to steer clear of scorching summers and snowy winters.

Prior to embarking on your journey, verify that your destination has the capability to offer the required medical assistance you may need. Ensure you possess suitable travel insurance that covers on-the-spot treatment or unforeseen medical evacuation. It’s noteworthy that medical staff often lack proficiency in English.

Non-prescription medications are easily obtainable. If you require prescription medications, a valid prescription from a local physician or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian will be necessary.

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Tour updated 1.3.2024

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Put-in tours

Original tour agency in moscow and st petersburg..

Onboard a Soviet van!

Welcome to Russia!

We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

In Saint Petersburg

We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

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At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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Bolshoi Tours - Moscow Forum

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The theater's website says "NB! From July 22 to September 17, 2019, excursions will not be held."

However, numerous tour companies state the tour companies are offering tours inside the building during that time period. Since I have never used any of the tour companies I am wondering if the tour companies are scammers or if the Bolshoi's website stating "excursions will not be held" means the theater itself will not have tours but private companies can still give tours.

Does anyone know?

if anyone knows the answer please let me know. If you have merely been in the building during some time period not include in the dates I listed your response will unfortunately not help me.

How much do they charge?

If it's not a fortune, you can set an experiment and let everyone know the outcome :)

However I would be careful:

Look at the Bolshoi schedule - the New stage is hosting all sorts of guest events, while the HIstoric stage has nothing scheduled August 11 to September 17. Quite probably they need time for maintenance. I really have no idea, those 'tours' may well be scam. On the other hand, people may sneak in having a Bolshoi plumber as their friend...

I'm curious! Does this refer to tours of the buildings, or is it a bad translation stating that the regular company is not producing shows until Sept. 17th. This is the opening night of Eugene Onegin, so I'm assuming that it's a confusing translation, and they simply mean that the show schedule does not begin until Sept. 17th. I'm hoping to get a building tour ticket for Sept. 13th.

> Does this refer to tours of the buildings

> or is it a bad translation stating that the regular company is not producing shows until Sept. 17th

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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