How to visit Kaindy Lake from Almaty (Kazakhstan)

How to visit Kaindy Lake from Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Hidden deep in Kazakhstan’s Tian Shan mountains lies one of the country’s most unusual and photogenic natural wonders – Kaindy Lake. Famous for its eerie sunken forest, where tall spruce trees rise ghost-like out of turquoise water, Kaindy feels almost otherworldly. In my opinion, it’s is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan, even more than Big Almaty Lake!

It’s not the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of the magic. Visiting Kaindy is often combined with nearby Kolsai Lakes, making for an unforgettable adventure in southern Kazakhstan. Therefore, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Kaindy Lake from Almaty, whether on a tour or independently.

About Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake (meaning “Birch Tree Lake” in Kazakh) was formed after a huge earthquake in 1911 triggered a landslide that blocked a river gorge. Several people are rumoured to have died in this earthquake which adds to Lake Kaindy’s mysterious feel…

Over time, water filled the valley, submerging a dense forest of spruce trees. What’s left today are the trunks of these trees rising straight out of the lake, preserved by the icy water.

It’s one of the most unique lakes in Central Asia, often compared to a “drowned forest” or even a natural aquarium when seen from below.

How to get to Kaindy Lake from Almaty

Kaindy Lake is located in the Saty Valley, around 280 km (5–6 hours) east of Almaty.

Options to get to Lake Kaindy from Almaty:

• Self-drive: Rent a car in Almaty and drive towards Saty village (the gateway to Kolsai & Kaindy). A standard car can reach Saty, but the last stretch to Kaindy Lake requires a 4WD due to rough terrain. You will feel your bones rattling inside of you on the final drive up!
• Public transport: Shared taxis and minibuses (marshrutkas) run from Almaty’s Sayakhat bus station to Saty village. From there, hire a local driver (about 5,000–7,000 KZT return) to take you up to the lake.
• Tours: Multi-day tours from Almaty often combine Kaindy with Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon.

If you are coming from Kolsai Lake to Kaindy Lake, the distance is around 26km by road, which should take around an hour.

On arrival, pay the entrance fee: 1,000 KZT ($2) per person + 500 KZT ($1) per vehicle. From the car park, it’s a short horse ride, hike or taxi to the lake itself.

What to expect: Hiking Kaindy Lake

Given you’ve got the choice between horse-riding, taxis or hiking, you might be wondering how long is the hike to Kaindy Lake?

From the parking area, it’s about a 30 minute hike down into the gorge to reach the lake. The trail is straightforward but steep in places, so wear good shoes.

The trail is easy to follow, and has several uphill sections before a final descent to the lakeside. If you’re visiting during the middle of the day, it can get very sweaty!

There was another trail, but it has been blocked off for refurbishment (May 2025). We ended up using the same track as the horses, before rejoining the official trail.

At the lake itself, you can walk around different viewpoints, rather than simply staying at the water’s edge. Some paths are muddy, especially after rain, so allow time to explore.

Bring a picnic or some snacks. There are no facilities at the lake, and sitting by the water with the eerie tree trunks rising around you is a memory you won’t forget.

You are not allowed to swim at Kaindy Lake. Anyway, the water is icy cold so I wouldn’t want to anyways!

The main viewpoint has several touristy bits, with photographers offering to sell you photos and even an eagle which you can get a photo with…

Tours to Kaindy Lake (and Kolsai)

If you are looking for a tour which covers Kaindy Lake, there are several 1-day tours as well as 2-day tours available.

Most visitors combine Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon into a 2–3 day trip from Almaty. This is the easiest option if you don’t want to worry about logistics.

• Day trips from Almaty: Possible but very rushed. Expect 12–14 hours on the road.
• Multi-day tours: Recommended – you’ll spend a night in a Saty guesthouse or yurt and see the lakes at a slower pace. Prices usually start around $50–150 per person including transport, meals, and accommodation. However, I found Banana Tour which is one of the cheaper (yet busier) options.

How to visit Kaindy Lake independently

If you prefer DIY travel, and want to visit Kaindy Lake without a tour, here’s how:

1. Almaty → Saty: Self-drive to Saty or take a marshrutka (2,500–3,000 KZT, 5–6 hrs).
2. Stay overnight: Guesthouses in Saty cost around 6,000–8,000 KZT ($12–16) per person including meals. Meals are usually a stew of sorts, maybe noodles as well as bread and salad.
3. Hire local driver: Around 5,000–7,000 KZT for a return trip up the 4WD road to Kaindy.
4. Hike to lake: 30–40 mins from drop-off.

It works out slightly cheaper than a tour but still requires some local coordination.

Once you’re there, you have more freedom and time to explore. I decided to move away from the main dock at the side of the lake and climb up to get a better view.

Visiting independently also opens the door to camping at Kaindy Lake. Having this place all to yourself would be truly special!

When to visit Kaindy Lake

• Best months: May to September – warm weather, clear roads, and green valleys. Though August can get a bit too hot!
• Winter (Nov–Mar): The lake often freezes over, creating a surreal but less accessible landscape. Roads can be blocked by snow.
• Spring (Apr–May): Melting snow can make the trail muddy but the water is at its fullest.
• Autumn (Oct): Gorgeous golden colours, fewer tourists, but colder.

I visited in mid-May and the weather was glorious and the lake was super blue! It hadn’t rained recently, so the track was dry and easy to follow.

The best time of day to visit Kaindy Lake is earlier in the morning before the heat of the day and before other tourists arrive.

What to pack for Kaindy Lake

Given that Kaindy Lake is in the middle of nowhere, it’s best to be prepared with everything you need before you leave Almaty! Here’s a list of the essentials for Charyn Canyon:

• Water & Snacks: Essential for any hike! However, if you’re not planning on staying for long, you might wish to leave some snacks back in your vehicle.
• Cash: There are no ATMs near the lake, therefore carry sufficient cash for the entry fees, food and any other expenses (e.g. horse riding).
• Suncream & Sun protection (hat, sunglasses): There is a small amount of shade, but it’s limited. Therefore, carrying some sun protection is a smart decision.
• Appropriate Walking shoes: Walking boots are ideal, but the short walk can easily be done in trainers with reasonable grip.
• Camera: In a place this beautiful, you’ll want to bring your camera to capture it!
• Day bag: I managed with a regular small rucksack, but it’s useful to have a bag to carry all your essentials.

Remember, you’re not allowed to swim in the lake so you won’t need your swimming costume!

Things to do near Kaindy Lake

Kaindy is rarely visited alone. Pair it with one or more of the following:

• Kolsai Lakes (1st, 2nd, 3rd): These three stunning alpine lakes make great day hikes or even overnight treks.
• Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon,” about 3 hours away.
• Saty Village: Stay in a local guesthouse or yurt for a taste of Kazakh hospitality.
• Black Canyon & Moon Canyon: Smaller canyons near Charyn worth a detour.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my complete travel guide to visiting Kaindy Lake from Almaty in Kazakhstan. If guides, itineraries, and travel content like this interest you, head over to my Homepage to find out more.

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Happy travelling!