The Kolsay Lakes are a cascade of three lakes hidden in a dense conifer forest on the northern edge of the Tian Shan. They are well known and always busy in summer. The drive from Almaty is long: you should expect about 4 to 5 hours each way, depending on traffic and how often you stop.
A visit to the First Lake and an enduro route to the Second Lake need different preparation. Our tour requires off-road experience: the view does not make the rocky climbs easier.
A difficult section of the route with a lake view
The Standard Options
You can visit the First Lake on an excursion or independently. Itineraries and group sizes vary between operators, so check them before paying. Our tour includes a transfer; if you prefer to drive your own car to the starting point, agree on the meeting place with the guide.
A standard road trip ends at the First Lake. Kazakhstan's official tourism portal describes the route to the Middle Lake, Mynzhylgy, as a 7-8 km trek. On popular days, walkers and horses share the same corridor.
The Enduro Expedition
Our Second Kolsay route is a full-day ride rated 9 out of 10. Before departure, the guide confirms which route is available for the selected date. We stay on permitted roads and agreed routes, do not cut across slopes, and follow park staff instructions. The official Kolsai Kolderi rules allow organized visits on agreed routes and prohibit travel outside roads and tourist trails.
Honestly: this is not a relaxed sightseeing trip. After the transfer and briefing comes a long mountain section with loose rocks, roots, and stream crossings. An overnight stay is not part of the standard tour; it can be discussed separately if the group wants to combine this ride with other places around Saty.
The Second Kolsay Lake in clear weather
When the water appears between the trees after the hard section, the effort makes sense. But no one should promise an empty lake: Kolsay is popular, especially in summer and on weekends.
When to Go
There is no single reliable opening date for this route. Snow, mud, and water levels differ each year. Kazakhstan's official tourism portal lists June through September as the peak visitor season, while the guide checks enduro conditions separately before confirming a booking.
September often brings fewer visitors and the first autumn colors. Trail grip still depends on rain and overnight frost, so the final decision is made close to the ride date.
A stop by the lake after the mountain section
What to Bring
This is a long full-day route, so pack light without cutting the layers that protect you from cold and water. We provide the bike and protective gear; you should bring:
- A small, well-fitting backpack (no larger than 20L).
- A warm layer. It gets cold at altitude, even in July.
- A waterproof windbreaker. Mountain weather changes in minutes.
- Sturdy boots with ankle support. You will be putting your feet down in mud and rocks.
- A change of dry socks.
- Personal medication and a small power bank.
FAQ
Can I ride this if I've only ridden street motorcycles? Street experience helps with balance and controls, but dirt is different. You need to be comfortable standing up, shifting your weight, and dealing with a front tire that washes out. If you're unsure, we recommend taking our training course in Almaty first.
Do we need an overnight stay? No. The published tour is a full-day route. A night in Saty or camping is arranged separately and is not part of the standard format.
How much does the tour cost? The Second Kolsay Lake tour costs 80,000 KZT per person. The guide confirms the exact meal plan and start time when booking; mention dietary restrictions in advance.
How long are we actually riding? Expect about 4-5 hours of active riding. The transfer, briefing, stops, and walking sections take the rest of the day. Off-road hours are much harder on the body than the same time on pavement.
Before booking, open the Second Kolsay Lake tour or the full route catalog. The guide will confirm trail conditions and access for your selected date.
