When people think of Kazakhstan, they usually picture endless steppes, deserts, and the old Silk Road routes. But this country has so much more to offer. Just a few hours from Almaty, you’ll find a completely different side of Kazakhstan: alpine forests, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes. One of the most unique spots in this region is Kaindy Lake, famous for its eerie sunken forest rising out of the water.
Kaindy Lake is part of Kolsai Lakes National Park, which, along with Charyn Canyon and Altyn Emel National Park, makes up what’s known as the “Golden Triangle” of Southeast Kazakhstan. The roads are rough, and it takes some effort to get to the lake, but the incredible scenery makes it worth every bump along the way. I’d been dreaming of visiting Kaindy Lake for years—it was one of those pictures I had saved on my phone as travel inspiration. When we planned a trip to Uzbekistan, we found flights to Almaty and decided to make it part of our adventure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to visit Kaindy Lake. Whether you want to tackle the trip on your own as we did or prefer to join an organized tour, you’ll find tips on how to get there, what the roads are like, where to stay, and what else to see in the area.
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About The Sunken Forest Of Kaindy Lake in Kazakhstan
When you think about backpacking in Kazakhstan, endless steppes might be the first thing that comes to mind. But the landscapes here are full of surprises. If you plan a road trip through the southeast Almaty region, you’ll quickly realize how diverse this area is. Within a few hours, you can go from wide-open grasslands to alpine lakes that look like something out of Austria. Then there are the dramatic red rocks of Charyn Canyon or the singing dunes of Altyn Emel National Park. It’s hard to believe all of this is just a drive away from Almaty.
For outdoor lovers, Almaty is the perfect base for some amazing day trips or a road trip. The city sits right at the edge of the Tien Shan Mountains. Wherever you go, those snowy peaks are in view, calling you to explore. Kaindy Lake is one of the many incredible spots in this region, and it’s one you don’t want to miss.
Where is Kaindy Lake located?
Kaindy Lake sits about 300 kilometers east of Almaty, in the northern part of the Tian Shan Mountains. The lake is often grouped with the Kolsai Lakes, but it’s actually in a different area. While the three Kolsai Lakes are close to each other, Kaindy Lake is about 15 kilometers southeast of Saty village. It’s part of the same national park, but don’t get them confused.
Saty village is the main jumping-off point for both Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes. It’s a quiet, rural spot where life feels a lot slower. The drive from Almaty to Saty takes about five hours, with paved roads making most of the journey easy. From Saty, getting to Kaindy Lake requires a bit more effort—you’ll need a good off-road vehicle to get there.
How Was Kaindy Lake Formed?
Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest resulted from a natural disaster over a century ago. In 1911, the Kebin earthquake caused a massive landslide, creating a natural dam. The basin slowly filled with water, submerging the spruce trees that once stood there. Today, their trunks stick out of the lake’s bright turquoise water, almost like the masts of a shipwreck. The limestone deposits in the water give Kaindy its striking blue color, making it a dream for photographers.
Kaindy Lake sits at 2,000 meters above sea level and is about 30 meters deep. The water stays icy cold, rarely going above 6°C. This cold temperature, combined with the mineral-rich water, has kept the submerged trees incredibly well-preserved. If you look closely, you can even see the needles on the branches underwater. The sight is both strange and beautiful.
The Atmosphere of Kaindy Lake
There’s something almost otherworldly about Kaindy Lake. When we visited, low clouds hung over the mountains and forest, adding to the eerie vibe. The silence here is incredible, broken only by the occasional rustle of the wind or a bird in the distance. It’s easy to just stand there and take it all in.
Surprisingly, Kaindy Lake isn’t as well-known as the Kolsai Lakes, which are about 36 kilometers away. That might be because it’s harder to reach. You’ll need a local taxi marschrutka to make the trip, and the road can get pretty rough. But don’t let that stop you. The journey is part of the adventure, and the lake’s unique scenery makes every bump in the road worth it. We’ll share tips on how to get to Kaindy Lake from Almaty in the next section.
How to get to Kaindy Lake from Almaty
1. Getting From Almaty To Saty
Getting to Kaindy Lake from Almaty is an adventure in itself. It’s roughly a five-hour drive to Saty, the village that acts as a gateway to both Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lakes. Whether you prefer the ease of a guided tour, the freedom of driving yourself, or the challenge of public transport, there’s a way to make it work. Here’s how you can plan your trip.
By Public Transport
Using public transport to reach Kaindy Lake from Almaty isn’t the most straightforward option, but it’s doable for adventurous travelers. Local buses supposedly head toward Saty from the Sayakhat bus station near Raimbek Batyr metro station, usually departing around 6–7 a.m. Tickets cost about 2,500 KZT, and the journey takes 5–6 hours.
If no direct buses are available, hop on a marshrutka or shared taxi heading to Kegen. Expect this way of traveling to cost slightly more, around 3,500 KZT. Ask the driver to drop you off at the turnoff to Kolsai Lakes National Park. From there, you’ll need to cover an additional 68 km to Saty (or 83 km to the lakes). Hitchhiking or finding a passing taxi is your best bet. Heading back to Almaty? Shared taxis and marshrutkas usually leave Saty around 5 a.m., so plan accordingly. You can check with your guesthouse for pick up with the shared taxi.
Public transport here isn’t the most reliable, and the information often changes, so double-check before heading out. If you manage to catch a bus or marshrutka to Saty, we’d love to hear about your experience!
Joining a Guided Tour
For a hassle-free option, join a guided tour from Almaty. Plenty of local operators offer trips to Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake, often combined with Charyn Canyon.
If you’re traveling on a budget, look into community tours like Steppe Spirit or Onyx Tours. These are affordable but usually cater to Russian-speaking groups and mostly operate on weekends. You can contact Steppe Spirit via Instagram and Onyx Tours through WhatsApp.
For more flexibility, consider booking an English-speaking tour online. Some two-day tours include Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes, and Charyn Canyon with transportation, meals, accommodation, and entrance fees covered. This is a great option if you want to avoid the weekend crowds or prefer a weekday visit.
When booking a tour, we recommend choosing one that spans multiple days. A quick day trip might leave you spending more time on the road than enjoying the scenery. Also, combining Kaindy Lake with Kolsai Lakes & Charyn Canyon makes the most of your time, as both are in the same direction. We can recommend the following tour options, depending if you prefer a private tour or small group tour, or even the option of adding an extra day to see Altyn Emel National Park.
By Rental Car
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the Almaty region. Public transport options are limited, and tours can be pricey or involve large groups. With a car, you’re free to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace. Kaindy Lake is part of Kazakhstan’s famous Golden Triangle, along with Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, and Altyn Emel National Park. This makes renting a car a great choice if you’re planning to visit multiple spots in the region. There are plenty of car rental agencies in Almaty, but check their policies carefully—some don’t allow travel outside the city.
Do you need a 4WD to visit Kaindy Lake & Kolsai lakes? Not necessarily. The road to Kolsai Lakes is fully paved, and a standard car works fine for that leg. However, the road to Kaindy Lake is rough and unsuitable for regular vehicles, even with four-wheel drive. Rental companies usually prohibit taking their cars on this stretch. Instead, you can arrange local transport, like a marshrutka or SUV, from Saty to Kaindy Lake (more on that in the next section).
If you plan to visit Altyn Emel National Park, renting a high-clearance 4WD is worth considering, as the terrain there demands it. During our trip, we rented a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance and managed to visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and Altyn Emel comfortably.
2. Route to Saty Village
One of the best parts about renting a car is the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you want. The drive to Saty is full of stunning views. You’ll pass endless steppes, wild horses roaming free, and traditional Kazakh cemeteries scattered across the vast landscapes. The scenery constantly changes, with each hour offering something new. The wide-open spaces feel both empty and beautiful, and we loved being able to pull over anytime a landscape caught our eye.
Don’t Miss Charyn Canyon
About halfway between Almaty and Saty, you’ll find the turnoff to Charyn Canyon. If you can, we highly recommend stopping here, even just for the viewpoint. But if you have the time, plan at least half a day to hike into the Valley of Castles. Down in the canyon, it feels like you’ve left Kazakhstan behind and stepped into another world. Often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, the red rock formations are strikingly similar to those in the U.S., and the contrast between the canyon floor and the surrounding grasslands is incredible.
Discover Black Canyon
Another hidden gem along the route is the Black Canyon, a lesser-known spot that’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Mark it on your Google Maps before you head out! The canyon is right on the way to Saty, with a large parking area nearby. From there, it’s a short walk to several viewpoints. The Black Canyon features an emerald-green river cutting through steep canyon walls, surrounded by lush greenery. The dramatic scenery is breathtaking and perfect for photos.
Reaching Saty: The Gateway to Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes
From Charyn Canyon, it’s another two to three hours to Saty. The road remains paved but gets rougher as you enter the mountains. Expect winding roads and occasional villages, where you’ll need to slow down for cattle or kids playing near the streets. Driving at night isn’t ideal—there are no streetlights, and horses or cows can suddenly appear on the road, making it tricky to navigate safely.
Saty is a quiet rural village and the main access point for Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes. The village is charming, with wooden farmhouses surrounded by green meadows and pine forests. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to the sound of birds and the call to prayer. Taking a walk might lead to a “traffic jam” caused by a herd of sheep blocking the road!
For those self-catering, there are a few basic supermarkets in the village. They stock essentials like water, bread, beer, sausage, and even some cosmetic items. Prices are comparable to larger towns, and the shops usually open from around 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saty may be simple, but it has everything you need to set out on your adventures.
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3. How to get from Saty village to Kaindy Lake
Now for the final stretch—getting to Kaindy Lake! This stunning spot sits about 12 km from Saty at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. While Saty is the base for visiting both Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, reaching Kaindy still involves navigating a challenging road.
If you’re considering driving yourself, even in a rented 4WD, we don’t recommend it. Many rental companies explicitly advise against self-driving to Kaindy Lake because the road is extremely rough. Instead, most visitors hire local shared taxis, often old Soviet-style marshrutkas. You can rent a whole minivan or share the cost with others, making it a budget-friendly option. Hiring a marshrutka for yourself costs around 20,000 Tenge ($40), but sharing reduces costs significantly. Each minivan typically accommodates ten people.
To find a ride, head to the gas station at the entrance of Saty. This is the best spot to catch marshrutkas, as it’s closest to the road leading to Kaindy Lake. Weekends are busier, so you’ll have a better chance of finding other travelers to share with. During the week, the lake is quieter, but rides are harder to come by. On our trip, we approached a group gathering near the main road, asked if they were heading to Kaindy, and joined their marshrutka. Luck was on our side!
TRAVEL TIP | Start your journey early in the morning rather than midday to increase your chances of finding people to share a ride with. Alternatively, ask your guesthouse to connect you with a driver or pair you with other guests heading in the same direction.
The Road to Kaindy Lake
From the gas station, the marshrutkas leave Saty and take a right turn near the cemetery. The ride takes about 45 minutes each way. At first, the road is fairly smooth, but once you turn onto the track toward the lake, things get bumpy—really bumpy.
The journey offers plenty of scenic views, from the Saty Gorge to the Chilik and Kaindy Valleys. But you’ll likely be too focused on holding on during the ride to appreciate the scenery fully! Gravel roads, rocky sections, river crossings, and ankle-deep mud after rain make this trip an adventure. When we visited in early September, the river was about 30-40 cm deep.
Roughly 25-30 minutes in, you’ll reach the first checkpoint, where you need to pay the national park fee—around 845 Tenge per person (less than $2). The officer at the small kiosk will ask for your passport and, if you’re driving, vehicle documents. They’ll also want to know if you plan to camp overnight. Keep your passports handy, as this area is near the Kyrgyzstan border, and checks are routine. If you’re planning to visit the Kolsai Lakes as well, you can pay the combined fee here. Be sure to hold on to your ticket!
4. Getting Around Lake Kaindy
When the marshrutka drops you off at the parking spot, you’ll still need to walk a bit to reach Kaindy Lake. The path passes by a yurt and some vendors selling food, drinks, and local goods.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can opt for a horseback ride to the lake. Local men offer one-way rides for 2,000–3,000 Tenge. We decided to hike instead, enjoying a 45-minute walk through the stunning Tian Shan mountains. The trail is mostly gentle, with a slight incline at the beginning. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter small groups on horseback and need to dodge patches of manure on the trail.
At the end of the trail, there’s a steep descent followed by a small bridge crossing before you arrive at the breathtaking sunken forest of Kaindy Lake. Near the lake, you’ll find a small hut with benches—perfect for a picnic.
Take your time exploring the area. The lake is breathtaking no matter the weather. Upon our arrival, it was still foggy which gave it a mystical vibe. Once the sun came through the clouds, the lake served as the perfect mirror, reflecting the golden and green trees in its turquoise water. Talking picture perfect!
The viewpoint at the far end of the lake offers the best perspective of the eerie spruce trunks rising out of the turquoise water. From some angles, they resemble ship masts, adding to the lake’s mysterious atmosphere. It’s quieter here than at the more popular Kolsai Lakes, giving you plenty of opportunities to soak in the surreal beauty and snap photos at every turn.
Where to stay near Kaindy Lake
While Kaindy Lake offers breathtaking scenery, it doesn’t have accommodations directly on-site. If you’re up for an adventure, camping is your best option here. You can pitch a tent near the car park, which has a few outdoor toilets and picnic benches, or along the lake’s shore for a more secluded experience.
If camping isn’t your style, your next best bet is to stay in Saty Village, which is the main base for exploring both Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes. Let’s break down your options.
Guesthouses in Saty Village
Saty Village is small but filled with authentic guesthouses that provide a warm local experience. While these stays aren’t luxurious, they add a personal touch to your trip with their homely atmosphere. Expect shared bathrooms and dorm-style accommodations, often in someone’s actual house.
We stayed at Guest House Zhuldyz-1 and paid 11,000 Tenge per person (about $22) for a private room with a shared bathroom. The stay included breakfast and dinner, making it a convenient choice. The property also had yurts available for a more traditional experience, complete with evening bonfires and a communal room for guests. While our stay was comfortable, we found the hosts less welcoming than expected.
To book a guesthouse in Saty, try checking Google Maps for options and contacting them via WhatsApp. Translating your messages into Russian can help, as most hosts don’t speak English. On Booking.com, you’ll find fewer options, but it’s still worth a look.
Meals at the Guesthouses
Dining options in Saty are limited, so we recommend eating at your guesthouse. Meals here are a highlight of the experience, with hearty, homemade dishes like beshbarmak, plov, or laghman. Breakfasts often feature fresh bread, pastries, and spreads, while dinners are filling and full of local flavors. Be sure to let your host know in advance if you plan to join for meals so they can prepare accordingly.
Logistic Support from Guesthouses
Most guesthouses in Saty offer help with logistics. They can arrange a marshrutka to take you to Kaindy Lake or help organize transport back to Almaty if needed. Since English isn’t widely spoken in the area, basic Russian or a translation app like Google Translate will come in handy.
Tips for Booking
If you’re visiting during the weekend or in the summer, when the lakes are especially popular with locals, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. Weekday visits are quieter, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the lakes without the crowds.
We reserved our room just a day in advance via WhatsApp, but unless it’s a weekend, you can usually find a place to stay by showing up in Saty and arranging something on the spot.
Tips and useful information for visiting Kaindy Lake
When planning your trip to Kaindy Lake, a bit of preparation can go a long way. Here’s what you need to know to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.
Bring Plenty of Cash – You won’t find ATMs near Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes, or even Charyn Canyon. If you’re exploring this region on a road trip, withdraw enough cash in Almaty to cover your expenses, including meals, accommodation, and park entry fees.
Food and Water – Meals are typically provided by guesthouses in Saty Village, which is the most convenient option. While Saty has a few small shops for snacks and drinks, restaurant choices are extremely limited. If you’re driving, stock up on road trip essentials like water and non-perishable snacks before leaving Almaty.
Prepare for Changing Weather – Mountain weather is unpredictable, even during the best seasons to visit. In September, for example, it can be sunny and warm in Almaty, yet chilly and overcast at Kaindy Lake. Pack layers, including a hoodie or fleece, to stay comfortable as temperatures can drop quickly, especially in the evening.
Crossing Into Kyrgyzstan – For travelers heading to Kyrgyzstan, there’s a nearby border crossing at Kegen that connects you to Issyk-Kul. This route is especially convenient in summer. Note that the third Kolsai Lake lies right on the border, so double-check your location to avoid accidentally crossing into another country!
Avoid Driving at Night – Driving after dark in this region isn’t recommended. The roads are unlit and often winding, with unexpected obstacles like livestock crossing the paths. We learned this the hard way when navigating from Charyn Canyon to Saty after sunset—it took much longer than anticipated.
Best time to visit Kaindy Lake
The ideal window to explore Kaindy Lake is between May and October. Here’s what to expect in different seasons:
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather and vibrant landscapes make summer the most popular time to visit. This is high season also amongst locals so weekends can get crowded, so aim for weekdays for a more serene experience.
- Autumn (September to October): The changing leaves create stunning scenery, and the cooler temperatures make it a great alternative to summer. Autumn also offers quieter visits as long as you avoid weekends.
- Winter (November to April): Winters are harsh and long in the mountains. Even by April, snow may still linger, making access and activities more challenging.
- Spring (May): Spring sees frequent rain, and the risk of ticks and mosquitoes increases. While the area begins to thaw, it’s less favorable for hiking and exploring.
For the best combination of weather and fewer crowds, visit in early autumn or mid-week during summer.
What to bring for visiting Kaindy Lake
Whether you’re joining an organized tour or driving yourself, packing the right essentials will enhance your trip:
- Sturdy Shoes or Hiking Shoes: You don’t need heavy-duty hiking boots, but sturdy footwear is a must for navigating rocky trails.(Also see: Hiking shoes for him)
- Hat and Sunscreen: The mountain sun can be intense even on cool days, so protect yourself with a cap and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Cash: With no ATMs in the area, ensure you have enough cash from Almaty for all your expenses.
- Snacks and Water: While Saty has small shops, carry your own water and snacks for when you’re near the lake. A reusable water purifier, like the Grayl Geopress, is a practical addition.
- Hoodie or fleece: Temperatures can drop unexpectedly, so bring a hoodie or fleece to stay warm.
- Lightweight Daypack: A lightweight backpack (like those from Deuter) is perfect for carrying your essentials on hikes.
- Toilet Paper or Tissues: Some guesthouses and facilities near the lakes might not provide these, so it’s good to have your own supply.
- First-Aid Kit and Travel Insurance: These are must-haves for any outdoor adventure.
- Passport: There’s a checkpoint at Saty where your documents may be required, so keep your passport handy.
What else to see near Kaindy Lake
A visit to Kaindy Lake is best enjoyed as part of a larger road trip through the breathtaking Almaty region. This area is rich in diverse landscapes and offers countless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re chasing alpine lakes, exploring vast canyons, or marveling at singing dunes, the Almaty region offers a little bit of everything for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Here are some incredible destinations to consider combining with your visit to Kaindy Lake:
Altyn Emel National Park – Altyn Emel is renowned for its surreal “singing dunes” and the striking Aktau Mountains, which display layers of vibrant colors. This remote park requires a 4×4 vehicle due to its rugged terrain and lack of proper roads, but the journey is more than worth it for the unique scenery.
Big Almaty Lake – Perched high in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Big Almaty Lake captivates visitors with its brilliant turquoise waters and stunning alpine views. It’s a perfect spot for a hike or simply soaking in the crisp mountain air.
Charyn Canyon – Often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” Charyn Canyon boasts dramatic rock formations and awe-inspiring views. You can hike along the canyon floor or explore its edges for a different perspective on this natural wonder.
Issyk Lake and Turgen Gorge – Just an hour from Almaty, Issyk Lake sits in a peaceful mountain gorge surrounded by towering peaks. Nearby, Turgen Gorge offers a rugged escape with dense evergreen forests, rushing rivers, and striking cliffs. Both locations are ideal for hiking and experiencing the serene side of Kazakhstan’s wilderness.
Exploring the Kolsai Lakes
The Kolsai Lakes National Park, located near Kaindy Lake, is one of the region’s most celebrated natural attractions. Known as “The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan,” these three interconnected lakes are surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Unfortunately at the time of our visit, the weather wasn’t on our side, but normally if you have sunny weather the scenery is beautifully mirrored onto the blue lake!
The first lake is easily accessible by car and features a short walking trail around its perimeter. A leisurely stroll here takes just a couple of hours. To reach the second lake, you’ll hike 8 kilometers from the first, a journey that typically takes 2–3 hours. Be prepared for some steep sections along the way. The third lake, sitting at 2,700 meters above sea level, marks the highest point of the trek. However, due to its location near the Kyrgyz border, access to this lake is currently prohibited.
What to Expect on the Trek
The trek to the second lake and back can be completed in a single day. However, exploring all three lakes requires at least two days. The lower lakes, Kolsai 1 and Kolsai 2, are framed by spruce forests and meadows, creating postcard-perfect reflections in their clear waters. In contrast, grassy slopes surround the highest lake, offering a different but equally stunning perspective.
The elevation of the lakes ranges from 1,000 meters at Kolsai 1 to 2,500 meters at Kolsai 2, with the landscape becoming more dramatic the higher you climb. Due to the proximity to the Kyrgyz border, guards patrol the area.
Practical Travel Resources
TRANSPORTATION | The easiest way to travel around Kazakhstan is by railway. For hassle-free bookings, we recommend using the user-friendly platform 12go.Asia. Skip the queues and reserve your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
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TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | To book the best & cheapest city tours and day trip excursions, check out GetYourGuide or Viator.
RENTAL CAR | DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform for finding rental cars abroad.
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Lake Kaindy is one of those places where nature tells its own story. You can feel the history just by looking at it.