Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Kaindy Lake in Almaty, Kazakhstan


Lake Kaindy is a famous 400-meter long alpine reservoir located 130 kilometers east-southeast of Almaty in the Kolsai Lake National Park.  It is located 2000 meters above sea level.  It was formed during the 1911 Kebin earthquake, which caused a major landslide, effectively creating a natural dam. It is known for its submerged spruce forest rising from turquiose water.
The water temperature at Kaindy Lake remains extremely cold even during summer, ranging from around 3°C to 6°C. The lake’s mineral-rich water has helped preserve the submerged trees for more than a century, creating its iconic and breathtaking scenery. The best time to visit is generally from May to September. However, we visited in April, and the weather was already perfect for exploring the lake and enjoying its stunning surroundings.

From our accommodation in Saty Village, we were picked up by a rugged Soviet-era van, which was the perfect vehicle for the journey to Kaindy Lake. The road is rough, rocky, and mostly unpaved, with steep and uneven sections that require a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle. The ride itself was already an adventure, taking us through the beautiful mountain landscape and rugged terrain of the area.

From the main parking area, visitors can either rent a horse or hike to the lake. We chose to hike, which took us about 45 minutes. Although the trail was challenging in some parts, the scenic surroundings, fresh mountain air, and anticipation of seeing the famous sunken forest made the trek well worth the effort.

horse ride from the main parking to the lake


To get to Kaindy Lake from Almaty, you can either drive yourself or join a guided tour. We booked our trip with Primo PH Travel and Tours, which offered a 3D/2N package covering Almaty and Saty Village.
Our package included visits to Shymbulak, Kok Tobe, Zenkov Cathedral, Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lakes, and the Black, Moon, and Charyn Canyons. It also included two nights of accommodation in Saty Village, making it a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the stunning natural attractions around Almaty.

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