Kolsai Lake Almaty Day Trip 2026: Rental Car & Tour Guide
Dreaming of Kolsai Lake? This guide covers everything from rental car options to comparing day tours from Almaty, ensuring you experience Kazakhstan's breathtaking mountain lakes.
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Dreaming of Kolsai Lake? This guide covers everything from rental car options to comparing day tours from Almaty, ensuring you experience Kazakhstan's breathtaking mountain lakes.
Recommended Day Trip from Almaty, Kazakhstan
How to Get There, Day Tour Comparison, and My Visit Review
© Photos/Text by Hyeri
Another exciting travel journey from your joyful global explorer, Hyeri, begins! 🌏
During my trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan,
one of the natural wonders I absolutely wanted to explore
was Kolsai Lake.
And wow, when I actually arrived, the scenery — a perfect harmony of mountains and lakes —
was truly stunning!
I ended up going by rental car, but honestly, I think a combined tour that includes Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake
would be so much more convenient. So today,
I'll walk you through both ways to experience these wonders! 💚
Table of Contents |
1. What is Kolsai Lake Like? |
2. How to Get to Kolsai Lake |
3. How to Book a Kolsai Lake Day Tour |
4. My Review of Kolsai Lake |
1. What is Kolsai Lake Like?
📍 Kolsai Lakes National Nature Park
ул. Кабдолова 2, Алматы, Kazakhstan
Kolsai Lake is a magnificent mountain lake, beautifully nestled within the Tian Shan Mountains
in southeastern Kazakhstan.
With its vibrant blue waters encircled by lush coniferous forests and majestic mountains,
it truly offers a completely different vibe from the bustling city of Almaty!
The serene sight of the lake and mountains framed together
is truly breathtaking, making this a place I absolutely urge you to visit! 🏞️
2. How to Get to Kolsai Lake
Getting to Kolsai Lake isn't really feasible via public transport,
so your best bet is either a rental car or joining an organized tour.
I personally opted for a rental car, but be warned, the distance from Almaty
is quite long...!
That's why, if you're planning a trip to Kolsai Lake,
I highly recommend combining it with the nearby Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake, and visiting all three breathtaking spots together on a day tour.
3. How to Book a Kolsai Lake Day Tour
While Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon aren't too tricky to reach,
Kaindy Lake, on the other hand, has a truly complicated route.
Even after driving a rental car, you'll need to take a 'furgon' (local off-road vehicle) twice more...!
And you have to negotiate the furgon fare on the spot, which means there's a risk of getting overcharged...
So, if you're planning to visit both Charyn Canyon and these two stunning lakes,
trust me, it's far more convenient to book a combined tour
right from the start, saving you hassle with transport and logistics!
Kolsai Lake + Charyn Canyon + Kaindy Lake Day Tour (Departing from Almaty) | ||
Waug | Klook | Klook |
~$55 | ~$69 | ~$83 |
Just a heads-up: prices can change based on current promotions and exchange rates, so make sure to click the booking links and confirm the latest prices before you reserve!
4. My Review of Kolsai Lake
As we were on a self-guided trip all the way to Kyrgyzstan,
we used a rental car to get to our accommodation first,
right in front of Kolsai Lake!
To enter Kolsai Lakes National Park,
you have to pay an entrance fee.
We paid 3,000 Tenge per vehicle.
After spending a night at our accommodation, we headed out as soon as morning broke
to marvel at Kolsai Lake!
Kolsai Lakes National Park is home to several
lakes, but the one most easily visited by travelers is
the First Kolsai Lake.
The day we visited, unfortunately,
it was a bit cloudy due to rain.
Nevertheless, the sight of the surrounding mountains and trees reflected on the lake's surface
was truly breathtaking 💚
On the path leading down for a stroll around the lake,
we found souvenir shops and spots perfect for commemorative photos.
Following the path to the left, you'll reach the boat rental area.
We decided to take a leisurely walk, guided by the signposts.
I highly recommend taking your time to explore Kolsai Lake
with a relaxed stroll!
While I didn't get to, if you have enough time and energy,
you might consider trekking to the Second Kolsai Lake.
(Apparently, it's about an 8km trek!)
For **boats**, it's **10,000 Tenge for 40 minutes,**
and **15,000 Tenge for 60 minutes**!
Since it was raining and we were short on time,
we didn't take a boat.
Even if you don't take a boat ride,
it's a great idea to snap a記念 photo under the Kazakhstan flag,
so be sure to stop by when you're taking a stroll!
When you head back to the entrance, you'll find a
restaurant and cafe with a view of Kolsai Lake,
operated by the accommodation we stayed at.
While the prices are a bit on the higher side, they also
sell cakes, so it seems like a perfect spot to
unwind and relax while enjoying the lake view!
Having visited it myself, I can tell you that Kolsai Lake offers a truly
beautiful landscape where a calm lake harmonizes with majestic mountain ranges,
allowing you to really immerse yourself in the nature of Kazakhstan!
If it's your first time in Almaty or if your travel itinerary is short,
I highly recommend seeing Kazakhstan's three representative natural attractions —
Kolsai Lake + Charyn Canyon + Kaindy Lake —
all together on a day tour!
Kolsai Lake + Charyn Canyon + Kaindy Lake Day Tour (Departing from Almaty) | ||
WAUG | Klook | Klook |
~$55 range | ~$69 range | ~$83 range |
Prices may fluctuate depending on promotions and exchange rates,
so please click the booking link to check the current price before making your reservation!
With this introduction to Kolsai Lake, a truly wonderful spot for a walk,
I'll wrap up today's post here 💚
According to the article, Kolsai Lakes are difficult to reach by public transportation, so it's recommended to use a rental car or a tour. Since the distance from Almaty is quite long, it's advised to combine it with Charyn Canyon and Lake Kaindy as a day tour.
To enter Kolsai Lakes National Park, you must pay an entrance fee. The article mentions that 3,000 Tenge per vehicle was paid.
If you rent a boat at Kolsai Lakes, it costs 10,000 Tenge for 40 minutes and 15,000 Tenge for 60 minutes. The article's author did not take a boat due to rain and limited time.
Day tours combining Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, and Lake Kaindy can be booked on Waug and Klook. Prices range from ~$55, ~$69, to ~$83, and may vary depending on events and exchange rates.
Kolsai Lakes National Park has several lakes. Among them, the first Kolsai Lake is the most frequently and easily visited by travelers. If you have enough time and stamina, you can also trek approximately 8km to the second Kolsai Lake.
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