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Offered languages
- English
Discover the alpine beauty of Kolsai Lakes on this private day hike from Almaty. Known as the Pearls of Tian Shan, three glacial lakes sit high in the mountains — most visitors only see the first. We go further, hiking through old-growth spruce forest to Kolsai 2, the quieter upper lake where snow lingers into early summer. About 15km round-trip with 600m elevation gain. For lesser fit participants an option to hire horses is available (extra fee).
Your guide is Anton — born in Kazakhstan, lived 20+ years across the US, Singapore, and Malaysia. You will see this adventure through the eyes of someone who knows what it's like to arrive somewhere unfamiliar.
- Private group never combined with others
- Maximum 4 people
- Private 4×4 transport from Almaty
- English-speaking guide on the full hike
- Horseback option at the trailhead for the less fit (excluded, unless proper option is selected)
- Saty village Kazakh dinner option (excluded, unless proper option is selected)
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
please provide your phone number, hotel name and hotel address in Almaty, and we will pick you up
Itinerary
-
1Baiseit
Stop 1 - Baiseit Village Uygur Market to stock up on some local snacks and to taste some famous tandyr bread and samsa.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Lower Kolsai Lake
Stop 2 - We arrive at Lower Kolsai Lake, get some hot snacks/coffee and head out for your hike to the Middle Kolsai Lake.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
3Lower Kolsai Lake
Stop 3 - We stop at the half way point to rest
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Kolsai Lake
Stop 4 - We arrive at the dramatic alpine lake most day-trippers never reach. Middle Kolsai Lake is mere 8km away form the Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan border, and requires 3-4 hours of hiking and about 600m in elevation gain to get to, but the views and the air are so worth it.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
5Kolsai Lake
Stop 5 - Hot light lunch and tea with snacks will be prepared for you, while you take as many photos as you wish
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
6Kolsai Lake
Stop 6 - We stop at the half way point to rest on the way back to Lower Kolsai
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Kolsai Lake
Stop 7 - We reach your final hike destination at Lower Kolsai
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Saty
We head back home with an option of staying at Saty village for dinner. Either restaurant or a homecooked meal at the local guest house can be arranged (excluded, unless option is selected)
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
9Almaty
Final Stop - Almaty, drop off at your hotel.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with poor fitness level
- Not recommended for travelers susceptible to altitude sickness — Kolsai 2 sits above 2,500m.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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