The Ultimate Guide to the Tianshan Secret Realm Kolsai Lake Area: Glacier Lakes + Forest Hiking is Absolutely Amazing!

Here lies the emerald deep within the Tianshan Mountains! A deep dive into Kazakhstan's Kolsai Lake area is here~

【Three Lakes Check-in Guide】
💎 Lower Lake (Kolsai-1): Must-visit for beginners
At an altitude of 1800 meters, the emerald lake is surrounded by spruce forests🏞️
A leisurely 1-hour walk around the lake offers stunning views, perfect for family trips!
Boating experience highly recommended, the clear water and white boats make every photo a masterpiece📸
PS: The water is 80 meters deep, beginners should be careful~

⛰️ Middle Lake (Kolsai-2): A paradise for hiking enthusiasts
7.35 km one way from Lower Lake, with a 470-meter ascent
Wild roses and raspberries are visible along the way, plus a surprise waterfall!
The lake view embraced by snow-capped mountains at the summit is breathtaking🤯
Remember to bring camping gear, this is a no-man’s land!

❄️ Upper Lake (Kolsai-3): For professional adventurers only
A secret realm at 2800 meters altitude
Requires a 3-day hiking trip and ample supplies
Suitable for hardcore players challenging themselves🏕️

【Transportation and Accommodation Guide】
🚗 Car rental is the most worry-free:
From Almaty, 2 days about 2000 RMB
You can also unlock hidden spots like the Black Canyon along the way

🏠 Accommodation recommendations:
• Lower Lake wooden cabin guesthouse (highly recommend lake view rooms!)
• Saty village traditional houses (experience Kazakh culture)
• Lakeside camping (remember to get a permit!)

【Top Experience Activities】
🌄 Sunrise lake circuit hike (fewer people, beautiful scenery)
🐴 Horseback riding to higher ground (see the lake and mountains from a different angle)
🍖 Lakeside picnic (local lamb skewers + naan are delicious)
🌌 Night stargazing (Milky Way visible to the naked eye!)

【Tips to Avoid Pitfalls】
⚠️ Scenic area charges 3000 tenge per vehicle
☀️ Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!
🧥 Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a jacket
🕒 Best visiting period is April to October
📶 Poor mobile signal, plan your route in advance.

This fairyland deep in the Tianshan Mountains is truly worth it! It’s recommended to spend 2 days and 1 night to enjoy it slowly~

Post by F0r3v3r_Myst1c | Oct 25, 2025

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