Kolsay Lakes National Park essentials

Kolsay Lakes National Park features a system of three alpine lakes and the unique Lake Kaindy within the Tian Shan mountain range. Lower Kolsai Lake serves as the primary access point for high-altitude trekking and boat rentals. Lake Kaindy is distinguished by its submerged spruce forest, a result of a 1911 earthquake. The park sits along the Kungej-Ala-Too mountain range, marking the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, with peaks like Taptatau reaching high elevations.

Lower Kolsai Lake

The largest and most accessible of the three Kolsai lakes, situated at 1,818 meters. It serves as the trailhead for hikes to the Middle and Upper lakes.

Lake Kaindy

Formed after the 1911 Kebin earthquake, this lake is famous for its sunken forest. The frigid water preserves the needles of submerged Schrenk's spruce trees that rise above the surface.

Kungej-Ala-Too

A mountain range in the Northern Tian Shan extending 280 kilometers. It forms the natural border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, characterized by high-altitude glaciers.

Taptatau

A mountain peak located within the Kolsay Lakes National Park region of the Tian Shan range.

Арка

A ceremonial entrance arch marking the gateway to the Kolsay Lakes National Park territory.