Pearls of the Tian Shan: Exploring the natural wonders of Kolsai Lakes National Park

Kolsai Lakes National Park ranks among Kazakhstan’s top ecotourism destinations, attracting visitors with its pristine lakes, alpine landscapes and well-preserved ecosystems. Hidden deep within the Tian Shan Mountains lie the Kolsai Lakes, often called the Pearls of the Tian Shan. The lakes give their name to Kolsai Lakes National Park, located in Kazakhstan’s mountainous Almaty region. Reaching the park takes time, but surrounded by spectacular scenery, the journey feels more than worthwhile. The submerged forest of Lake Kaindy From Almaty, the road winds through mountain passes before reaching Lake Kaindy, one of the most unusual sights in Kazakhstan. At first glance, the landscape feels almost unreal. Rising from the turquoise water are dozens of bare tree trunks, remnants of a forest that once covered the valley. The lake was formed after a powerful earthquake in 1911 triggered a massive landslide, blocking the valley and gradually filling it with water. More than a century later, the submerged forest remains remarkably well preserved beneath the surface, while the trunks above the water have become Kaindy’s defining image. Today, visitors come to admire the lake’s striking scenery and photograph one of Kazakhstan’s most recognisable natural landmarks. During peak season, tourists often queue for a chance to capture the perfect shot from the most scenic viewpoints. Among them were Katia Timmermans and Philippe Delanghe, a Belgian couple who now live in Almaty and work for the United Nations. Like many outdoor enthusiasts, they have spent time exploring the region’s mountains, lakes and hiking trails. “Kazakhstan has absolutely beautiful spots to visit. And if you like hiking, if you like to be in nature, then it's definitely a place where you should go,” says Timmermans. The pearls of the Tian Shan Just 20 kilometres from Lake Kaindy lie the Kolsai Lakes, the park’s main attraction. In Kazakh, “Kolsai” translates as “a lake in a gorge” - a fitting description for these alpine lakes nestled among pine-covered slopes deep in the Tian Shan Mountains. The forests surrounding the lakes are reflected in the still water, creating the illusion of an even larger expanse of greenery. While most visitors spend their time around the lower and most accessible lake, two more lakes lie farther into the mountains, connected by hiking trails. Hiking, boating and horse riding are among the most popular activities in the area. Viewing platforms and eco-trails allow visitors to explore the landscape at their own pace, while more experienced hikers venture deeper into the park. Located between 1,800 and 2,800 metres above sea level, each of the three alpine lakes offers a different experience. Some travellers choose to go beyond the most accessible routes, spending a night in the mountains to explore more remote parts of the park. Among them was Lee Kwangduk from South Korea, who visited both the first and second lakes during his trip. “The air is very clean, and the site is very beautiful. You can see lakes, mountains and snow. It’s a very, very beautiful place,” he says. Balancing tourism and conservation The popularity of Kolsai Lakes National Park continues to grow. According to Visit Alatau Tourism Information Centre, the park welcomed more than 650,000 visitors last year alone, making it one of Kazakhstan’s most visited natural destinations. Yet despite increasing tourist numbers, conservation remains a priority. “We don’t only have Kolsai and Kaindy. In total, there are nine tourist routes within the park. If visitor numbers become too high in one area, we’re prepared to redirect tourists to the other routes,” says Khamit Akhmetov, Deputy Director of Kolsai Lakes National Park. This approach is part of a broader effort to balance tourism development with the protection of the park’s fragile mountain ecosystems. A taste of Kazakh hospitality Many visitors begin and end their journey in the village of Saty, the main gateway to Kolsai Lakes National Park. As tourism has grown, so has the range of accommodation options, from hotels to family-run guesthouses. For local host Serik Shalov, hospitality is more than providing a place to stay. His guesthouse features modern yurts inspired by traditional nomadic dwellings, allowing visitors to experience an element of Kazakh culture while enjoying contemporary comforts. “People come here from all over the world - from North and South America, even from Cape Town, Bolivia and Kenya,” says Shalov. “We've had guests who saw snow for the very first time during the New Year holidays. They touched it, tasted it, and played with it. And those are the kinds of memorable moments that stay with you.” A giant dombra installation connecting the yurts has become a local attraction in its own right. But the real cultural experience comes in the evenings, when guests gather around the dinner table to listen to Shalov perform traditional Kazakh music. Nearly three quarters of Kolsai Lakes National Park is protected land. Recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, it offers a rare opportunity to experience nature as it has existed here for centuries.