Kolsai Lakes - great prospects for recreation

Kolsai lakes, the rest of which will impress anyone, are a system of three small water bodies. They are located near the mountain system of the Tien Shan, which unites several Asian countries. The lakes themselves cover only the territory of one state - Kazakhstan. The Kulsay system (also called these ponds) is located 10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan. The environment has very impressive views, as here is a coniferous forest and beautiful mountains. The greatest depth reaches a mark of up to 50 m. The fauna is represented mainly by trout (mikizha).

Kolsay lakes were formed due to a natural deepening in the ridges, where the current flows at the moment. Those who came to admire the terrain can break up a small camp or settle in special village houses. It is possible to rent a room in a hotel that is located in the national park. Cottages and yurts are built near one of the reservoirs.

Accommodation of lakes

At the moment, Kolsai lakes (reviews about which are mostly positive) are divided into three full bodies of water:

• The upper Kolsai is at an altitude of 2850 m.
• The second lake has two names - Mynzhylgi and Kolsai. Due to its size, it became the largest in the system.
• The third reservoir has insignificant dimensions (width - 400 m, length - 1 km, and depth - 80 m), so I did not get the name.

The object of tourism Kolsay lakes have recently become; Just next to them is another water body - Kaindy. Due to the influx of tourists near the system, guest houses and various establishments for recreation began to be built. For lovers of hiking, the company offers 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 its way such a huge and famous lake as Issyk-Kul, as well as the Sary-Bulak Pass.

Tourism on the lake

Almaty region is characterized by magnificent landscapes, and few people will be able to forget the journey to this region. The lakes have a dark blue color; They lie near steep rocks, odorous coniferous plantations and alpine meadows.

Many travelers call the system a real gem! In the first lake, unfortunately, only extreme can swim. It is too cold even in the summer - no more than 8 degrees.

A small path leads to the second lake. Tourists, it meets a beautiful landscape - a dam of spruce and a lawn with flowers.

The third pond is the smallest, so it hides beautifully between small rocks.

According to travelers, it is possible to clarify that the water changes color depending on the weather: the sky appeared - and the Kolsay lakes immediately became dark blue, and as soon as the clouds were hidden - the color was replaced by emerald green. With such characteristics, animals should be the same "royal". Rainbow trout is a joy for fishermen. However, the happiness of lovers of such a holiday is short-lived, as it is prohibited to catch prey.

Visiting the Lakes

Almaty region constantly receives tourists. But the system of the Kolsai Lakes is best visited between May and September. In the summer, you should take with you the means of protection - the mites at this time are particularly active.

The way to the lakes

From the city of Almaty (the same Alma-Ata and the Southern capital) to the lakes 4-5 hours drive: they are separated by a distance of 300 km. Traveling on your own transport, it should be borne in mind that the last 50 km have ceased to be a comfortable road, and you can not get to the beaches by car.

Having looked at the map of Kazakhstan, you can see that after Almaty it is necessary to move in the east direction to the village of Malovodnoy. Here you should be especially careful, since you can skip the right fork. On it there is a need to turn to the right, there will be a bridge, after which again it is necessary to turn in the same direction.

The next fork on the road will be after two villages. It is necessary to cross hot springs. If the traffic continues in the right direction, the driver will notice that the asphalt has changed to gravel.

After the pass, which is called Toraigyr, you should turn right again. Further the road becomes too twisty, with swings and gorges, but, in principle, it has a normal appearance, so it's not necessary to go long on it.

The last point that should be passed is Saty. Kolsai lakes are located 10 km from the village. When a fork meets, do not turn. At the end of the road there will be an ecological park.

Rest and accommodation of tourists

The National Park offers such types of hikes:

• Walking. You can go on a trip around the entire system of lakes, but the road is very difficult and takes several days.
• Water. On the lake you can ride thanks to boats and catamarans.
• Horse. Horses are rented for 2 thousand tenge, and thanks to the animals you can get around all the lakes in one day.
• Hiking. If a tourist does not like long trips to long distances, he can go to the forest for berries. Special bicycles are also provided.