About
Kaindy Lake is an idyllic mountain lake in Kazakhstan’s portion of the Tian Shan Mountains, close to the country’s largest city, Almaty. The lake was formed after an earthquake in 1911, which caused a major landslide, effectively creating a natural dam. Successively, rainwater filled the valley and created the lake.
The lake is famous for the number of dead and bleached spruce trees that stick out of the water – remnants of the trees that were flooded when the lake was formed. The trees, together with the improbable turquoise water of the lake, make an incredibly scenic sight. Underwater, the imagery is even more stunning, as the trees have not decomposed and create the surreal vision of an underwater forest.
Surprisingly, the lake sees few visitors, partly because Kaindy Lake is overshadowed by the more famous Bolshoe Almatinskoe Lake and the Kolsay Lakes, all of which are close by, but far easier to reach from Almaty. Thus, despite its proximity to a city with a population of more than one million, the lake retains a peaceful atmosphere.
Related Tags
Know Before You Go
This lake is located in the canyon to the east of the Kolsay Lakes. Drive up to Zhalanash, the Regional Center, to the east of Almaty (turn to the right off the Narynkol highway just before reaching the Charyn River). Head from Zhalanash up to the Saty settlement in the west. This settlement is located 320km from Almaty. Turn left on the dirt road one kilometer before the village, by a cemetery. This road brings you up to the lake, but only a vehicle built for rougher terrain will make it. The lake is located in forested country.
Depending on recent weather and the capabilities of your vehicle, you may need to take a taxi from the village up to the mountain. The drive is about 12 km. And recent rain had made the deeply rutted roads very slippery. You will also have to cross the feeder stream two or three times while driving up. So depth of the water may affect your decision to drive your own vehicle.When you reach the approach to the lake you will encounter numerous local guides who will offer to ride you up on horseback. If you are a seasoned hiker this is completely unnecessary. It’s only about a mile up to the lake but remember you are at altitude and this is nothing like a stroll through the parks in Almaty. Most people with families used the horses and that was appropriate. All of the taxi and horse guides seem to have a local app called Caspi that allows you to pay using your phone. However internet access is unreliable and they mostly prefer to be paid with local currency.
Central Asia Road Trip: Backroads & Bazaars
A 2-Week, 4-Country Odyssey.
Book NowCommunity Contributors
Added By
Published
July 20, 2016
