Kolsai Lakes National Park is a protected mountain area in southeastern Kazakhstan, located in the northern Tian Shan east of Almaty. The park is centered on a chain of alpine lakes surrounded by steep forested slopes, rocky peaks, and mountain valleys. The three Kolsai Lakes occupy different elevations along the Kolsai River, with the landscape changing from coniferous forest at lower levels to alpine terrain higher in the mountains. The area is also home to Kaindy Lake, known for the trunks of spruce trees rising from its clear turquoise water after a landslide created the lake basin.
The region is part of the traditional landscape of southeastern Kazakhstan, where Kazakh communities developed pastoral practices suited to mountain valleys and seasonal grazing areas. The surrounding mountains have long been used for livestock pastures, and traditional yurts remain associated with seasonal life in the highlands. Local hospitality often includes shared meals and tea, reflecting customs found throughout Kazakhstan. The park also forms part of a wider ecological corridor in the northern Tian Shan, an area where mountain forests, alpine meadows, and high-elevation habitats support distinctive plant and animal communities.
The Kolsai Lakes are the park's principal attraction, with hiking routes connecting the lower and middle lakes through forests and mountain terrain. The upper lake lies close to the border with Kyrgyzstan and is surrounded by higher, more rugged peaks. Kaindy Lake is located in a separate valley and is recognized for its submerged spruce trunks, which rise vertically from the water and create an unusual landscape. The park supports wildlife including Tian Shan brown bears, snow leopards, ibex, maral deer, and golden eagles. Hiking, horseback riding, camping, and photography are among the main ways to explore the protected area.
Food around Kolsai Lakes reflects the cuisine of southeastern Kazakhstan, with beshbarmak, kuyrdak, baursaks, and horse-meat products among traditional dishes. Mountain guesthouses and family-run accommodations may also serve homemade bread, dairy products, preserves, and tea. The area's highland setting influences local food production, with livestock and small-scale agriculture contributing to household supplies. One of the park's most distinctive details is the contrast between its lakes: the Kolsai chain consists of naturally connected mountain lakes surrounded by forest, while nearby Kaindy is famous for its submerged spruce forest. Together, they form a distinctive landscape within the Tian Shan.
