Lake Kaindy

Қайыңды көлі

A natural dam lake formed by the 1911 earthquake, with drowned spruce trunks rising from the water as an “underwater forest.” Its icy, clear waters are often visited together with Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes on a two-day trip.

Lake Kaindy lies in the Kungey Alatau mountains about 280 km east of Almaty, at roughly 2,000 m altitude. It is about 400 m long and 30 m deep. A massive landslide triggered by the 1911 earthquake blocked the valley, and the river flooded an entire Tian Shan spruce forest. In the cold, oxygen-poor water the trunks did not rot. Their tops rise above the surface like masts, while the submerged parts still hold branches, creating a rare “underwater forest.” Limestone minerals give the water an icy blue color and excellent visibility, making the lake a cold-water diving spot for enthusiasts. The walk from the parking lot to the lake is about 2 km uphill, roughly 40 minutes. You can also hire a local horse or off-road vehicle for about 2,000–3,000 tenge. A wooden boardwalk viewing platform lines the lakeshore. In the morning, when the light is good and the water is calm, you can see the submerged trunks clearly. Transport: from Saty village in Kolsai Lakes National Park, it is about 12 km of mountain road that ordinary cars struggle to manage. Usually you transfer to local off-road vehicles in the village, or choose a tour that includes transfers. Most Chinese travelers take the two-day “Charyn Canyon + Kaindy Lake + Kolsai Lakes” trip and stay in guesthouses in Saty village. National park admission is about 900–1,400 tenge per person. Notes: the water stays around 6°C even in summer, so swimming is prohibited. Hiking paths are muddy, so wear non-slip shoes. There is no phone signal in the mountains, so bring cash.

Lake Kaindy

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby