Overview
From Saty a paved road climbs 15 km to the Lower Kolsai Lake at 1,818 m. The lake sits at the foot of a steep gorge; a coniferous forest — Tien Shan spruce and fir — crowds the shoreline and the surrounding slopes. A marked trail follows the river upstream to Middle Kolsai at 2,252 m, a 3-4 hour round trip that gains about 430 m. The upper lake is not accessible without a special permit and guide due to the proximity of the Kyrgyz border. Border guards patrol the upper trail and check passports — carry yours. Horses are available for hire at the lower lake for those who prefer not to walk.
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Visit notes
Viewing visit notes for Charyn–Kolsai–Kaindy Loop
Kolsai Lakes
Step 4 · 15 km from previous · 25 min drive
From Saty a paved road climbs 15 km to the Lower Kolsai Lake at 1,818 m. The lake sits at the foot of a steep gorge; a coniferous forest — Tien Shan spruce and fir — crowds the shoreline and the surrounding slopes. A marked trail follows the river upstream to Middle Kolsai at 2,252 m, a 3-4 hour round trip that gains about 430 m. The upper lake is not accessible without a special permit and guide due to the proximity of the Kyrgyz border. Border guards patrol the upper trail and check passports — carry yours. Horses are available for hire at the lower lake for those who prefer not to walk.