Day Three: Kolsai Lake

Before heading back to Almaty, I spend my morning in the Kolsai Lake. It located on the north slope of Tien Shan mountains which was splendidly beautiful. The Kolsai Lakes are a system of three lakes, nestled among the hills of the Northern Tien Shan Mountains, approximately 300km east of Almaty. They are also called “The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”. The weather forecast show it will be raining in the afternoon. We start our way from Saty to Kolsai Lakes early in the morning to avoid the big tour groups. When I reached there, I only see a couple taking the picture near to the first lake. So I take this opportunity politely ask them if they can help me to take my picture as well.

The lakes are so clear that, when the sun shine through, the surrounding forests, hills and snowy mountain peaks are mirrored in the water. As the reflection that show in the lake is crystal clear.

The first lake is accessible by car and you can walk around it in just a couple of hours. If you have more time and you’re up for a good hike, is possible to hike to the second lake which is around 8km long. I heard from the locals that from the hike you can come across beautiful pine trees and wildflowers and notice the stillness of the moment. Since it was slightly small rain on that day, for safety measure, the locals don't suggest me to hike to second and third lakes.

But I took a short walk to the other side and even hiked up the top next to the campsite to take in the views of Kolsai Lake. You could see the dramatic surroundings dancing in the morning light.

Look at the trees that lose their leaves, turning yellow, red, or brown. Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there is another way which you can choose to rent a horse near the first lake for a day to take you up from lake 1 to lake 3. You will be accompanied by a guide, who can help you with getting the animals over any tricky and steep parts of the trail. People also are allow to swim in the lakes.

After spend some couple hours in Kolsai Lake, I return back to Almaty. When I back in Almaty, I plan to go to Almaty Lake but didn't end up going there because I feel somehow quite tired to travel that far again.

I explore and walk around the city by myself before really heading to the airport. I also still have my ice-cream in the city. Doesn't look good, but at least taste good!

Passing by some random statue.

I guess this is one of the government building but i'm not really sure!

Overall that conclude my trip in Kazakhstan. Although Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, but not many people are aware of and, until now, it has only attracted the attention of the most intrepid travelers. For some reason, after hermetic Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan is the most off-beat country in Central Asia. On my next travel plan, I want to travel to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Love, Elene