Featured
Mt Kailash Manasarovar Expedition — 14 days
Nepal
Tibet
August 22 - September 04, 2026
Kolsai Lake is one of southeastern Kazakhstan’s most beautiful mountain landscapes, set within Kolsai Lakes National Park near the Kyrgyz border. Surrounded by dark spruce forest and the northern Tien Shan ranges, its clear water and alpine setting give it a calm, almost untouched character. Often called one of the “Pearls of the Tien Shan”, the area is valued for easy lakeside walks, longer hikes to the upper lakes and its proximity to Kaindy Lake. For travellers from Almaty, Kolsai works particularly well as an overnight scenic stop, combining fresh mountain air, simple soft adventure and some of Kazakhstan’s finest natural scenery.
A range of thrilling experiences handpicked by our experts. Don’t see one that’s just right for you? No problem. Our local insiders will create precisely what you want.
Begin with an easy walk along the first lake, where dark spruce forest, clear mountain water and broad views create the classic Kolsay scene. It is the gentlest way to experience the area and suits almost all travellers. For many visitors, this first lake alone is enough to show why Kolsay is considered one of Kazakhstan’s finest natural landscapes.
The most rewarding active option is the hike from the first to the second Kolsay Lake. This is the area’s classic walking route, taking you deeper into the national park through forested mountain scenery. It adds a stronger sense of remoteness and makes the visit feel more substantial than a short stop at the lower lake alone.
Horse riding is one of the area’s most fitting experiences, echoing the region’s pastoral traditions while giving access to trails and open scenery around the lakes. It is a good option for travellers who want something more immersive than a short walk but less demanding than a full hike. The setting feels especially natural when explored on horseback.
Just beyond Kolsay, Kaindy Lake is the standout nearby excursion. Formed by a natural dam, it is famous for its submerged forest, with pale fir trunks rising from vivid water. The landscape is unlike anything else in the region, and combining Kolsay with Kaindy creates a far richer experience than visiting either lake in isolation.
Saty is the natural base for exploring Kolsay and Kaindy and adds a simple rural dimension to the journey. Surrounded by meadows, forest and mountain scenery, it allows a more relaxed pace than a rushed day trip from Almaty. An overnight stay also gives you more flexibility for early starts, softer light and a fuller appreciation of the landscape.
Kolsay works especially well when paired with Charyn Canyon on the journey from Almaty. The contrast is striking: Charyn’s arid red rock formations followed by Kolsay’s cool alpine scenery. Together they create one of southeastern Kazakhstan’s strongest nature combinations and make very good use of travelling time in the region.
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A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Heritage, AONB
Kazakhstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Heritage, AONB
Kazakhstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsNo records found
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