Locations Lakes Nature 10 minutes read About this place Pale spruce trunks rise from Kaindy’s turquoise water, framed by forested slopes. The journey ends with a walk through conifer forest, where the first glimpses of the lake appear between the trees. Kaindy Lake lies in the Kungey Alatau mountains, within Kolsay Lakes National Park. It occupies a separate valley near the Kolsay lakes. Its name comes from the Kazakh word for birch: you pass a birch grove on the approach, although spruce trees surround the lake itself. The village of Saty is a convenient base for local transfers and overnight stays. You can visit Kaindy and Lower Kolsay on separate days, leaving time for the forest walk, viewpoints and photographs of the submerged trees. Allow extra time for the valley road: the short distance on a map does not reflect the slower drive. EK Explore Kazakhstan team In this guide A closer look at Kaindy What makes Kaindy special Things to do at Kaindy Getting there from Almaty From the parking area to the lake When to visit Before you go What to see nearby Visit Kaindy with us Useful sources Frequently asked questions Weather at Kaindy Weather at Kaindy Kaindy Lake Now +6° Rain Feels like +6° +7° / 0° Wind 0.77 m/s Humidity 30% Cloud cover 100% Precipitation 0.18 mm/h Hourly · next 10 hours 14:00 +6° 35% 15:00 +6° 39% 16:00 +5° 24% 17:00 +3° 2% 18:00 +2° 0% 19:00 +2° 0% 20:00 +1° 0% 21:00 +1° 0% 22:00 +1° 0% 23:00 +1° 0% Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 16:47 Next 3 days Tomorrow Clear +10° +1° Precip. 4% In 2 days Cloudy +11° +3° Precip. 0% In 3 days Cloudy +7° 0° Precip. 9% Could not refresh the display. Data may be out of date. Check the forecast for the Kaindy valley: rain and snow affect both the walk and the unpaved access road. A closer look at Kaindy Pale trunks, turquoise water and green slopes make Kaindy instantly recognisable. +43 photos What makes Kaindy special An earthquake shaped the lake; the forest left beneath its surface became its defining feature. In 1911, the Kemin earthquake triggered a landslide in the Kaindy valley. Rock and soil blocked the river, creating a natural dam. Water gradually filled part of the valley and submerged the spruce trees growing there.Dry trunks remain above the surface, while parts of the trees and their branches survive underwater. Cold mountain water slows the decay of the wood. Enjoy the whole line of trunks from a viewpoint, then look into the water from accessible shoreline spots for a closer view.The lake is only about 400 m long, yet its appearance keeps changing. Sunshine can bring out bright turquoise tones, while clouds make the water look darker. Heavy rain can temporarily cloud it, so the colour and clarity on your visit may differ from photographs. Things to do at Kaindy A forest walk, photography and a short horse ride offer different ways to enjoy the visit. Follow the forest trail The trail from the parking area passes through conifer forest. It climbs in places before descending towards the shore. Pause where views open up between the trees, then explore the accessible viewpoints by the water. Around 1.5 km each way Photograph the submerged forest Higher viewpoints reveal the shape of the lake, while shoreline views bring out individual trunks and reflections. Allow time for a few angles as clouds and sunshine change the water’s colour. Use marked paths and viewpoints for photographs. Mornings are usually quieter Ride towards the lake Local horse rides cover the approach from the parking area towards the lake. Choose a one-way or return ride. Tell the handler about your riding experience and agree the route, drop-off point and return arrangements before setting off. Confirm availability and price locally Getting there from Almaty Roughly 300 km from Almaty. Allow around 5–6 hours each way for the drive and local transfer, with extra time in poor weather. From Almaty towards Saty. Take the Kuldzha highway towards Shelek, then continue through Kokpek Gorge towards Zhalanash and Saty village. A signposted turn into the Kaindy valley lies shortly before Saty. If staying in the village, you can check in first and arrange your local transfer there.Through the valley to the parking area. After the turn, roughly 12 km of unpaved mountain road includes uneven surfaces, climbs, descents and river crossings. A suitable off-road vehicle is needed; local UAZ vans also operate transfers from Saty. Ask the driver or park staff about access after rain or snow.An environmental entry fee is collected at the national park checkpoint. The road then passes through a birch grove to the organised parking area. Leave your vehicle here and take what you need for the walk.Without a car. Book a transfer from Almaty or join a tour. Check whether the local UAZ ride, park tickets and return journey are included. Plan the approach from the parking area separately: on foot, on horseback or with an additional local transfer. Almaty — Saty — Kaindy Show map From the parking area to the lake The forest trail and alternatives for a shorter walk. On foot. The trail from the organised parking area to the lake is around 1.5 km through dense conifer forest. Allow 30–45 minutes each way with short breaks. No mountaineering skills are needed, but uneven ground and descents can be slippery after rain. Walking back adds another 1.5 km.By UAZ van or horse. Local UAZ van transfers and horse rides are also offered on this approach. Vehicle access depends on the season and road conditions. Confirm where the ride ends: a walk down to the shore may still be needed. Agree a meeting place and time for the return journey.At the lake, explore the open viewpoints and take time by the water. Allowing 2–3 hours for the visit from the parking area and back gives you room for photographs and breaks. Extra shoreline walks and waiting for transport add to the basic route. When to visit June–September is a good starting point for a first visit. At other times of year, pay particular attention to road and trail conditions. March–May Snow and ice can remain in the valley through March and April. Meltwater makes the unpaved road and forest trail wet. Fresh greenery arrives in May, but conditions vary from week to week: check access and the forecast before travelling. June–August Summer suits forest walks and views of the submerged trees from the shore. Days are long, although rain and cool evenings are still possible. Weekends bring more visitors and possible waits for local transport; a morning arrival leaves more time at the lake. September–November In September and early October, birches on the approach add golden colour to the green spruce forest. It is a rewarding time for photography and an unhurried walk. Later, shorter days, frost and snow make it important to allow more time for the journey. December–February In winter, the dry trunks rise above frozen water and snow covers the forest and slopes. Suitable transport and winter clothing are essential. Confirm lake access and local services beforehand; for a first visit, choose a short walk on an open trail and enjoy the view from the shore. Before you go What to pack and what to arrange before heading into the valley. What to pack Grippy shoes, water and rainwear Wear shoes with a good grip for the forest trail. Bring drinking water, a snack, a warm layer and rainwear, plus a hat and sun protection on bright days. Buy food for the walk beforehand. Repellent is useful in spring and summer; check your clothing for ticks after walking. National park entry Documents, tickets and local services Carry your passport or identity document. An environmental entry fee is collected at the checkpoint; check current tariffs and payment methods before travelling and keep the ticket until you leave. Parking, transfers and horse rides may cost extra. If also visiting Kolsay, check entry arrangements for each route. Connectivity and payment Download maps in advance Mobile reception may drop out in the valley. Download a map, save your driver’s and accommodation contacts, and charge your phone and power bank. Agree a specific place and time to meet after the walk. Carry cash for local transport and smaller expenses. Where to stay and eat Guesthouses in Saty village Family-run guesthouses in Saty village make a convenient base for Kaindy and Kolsay. Ask about bathroom facilities, heating and included meals when booking, and arrange breakfast before an early departure. Book summer weekends ahead. If camping, confirm an authorised site with the park and prepare for a cool night. Respect the landscape Take everything you bring back with you Enjoy the submerged forest from the shore: park rules prohibit swimming. Stay on marked trails, protect the trees and leave plants and branches where they belong. Take packaging and food scraps away, and observe wildlife from a distance. Use authorised camping and fire areas only, subject to current restrictions. What to see nearby Charyn Canyon — can be visited on the way from Almaty to the lakes or on your return. Set aside a few hours for a proper stop and a walk through the Valley of Castles. Kolsay Lakes — in the same area, with Saty village as a convenient base. Kaindy combines well with Lower Kolsay; save the hike to Middle Kolsay for a separate day.