Kaindy Lake, Kazakhstan: the sunken forest, how to visit and tours
A mysterious turquoise lake with spruce trunks rising from the water.
About Kaindy Lake, Kazakhstan: the sunken forest, how to visit and tours
Kaindy Lake is known for the spruce trunks rising from its turquoise water. A landslide triggered by the 1911 earthquake dammed the gorge and submerged the forest. Today, viewpoints along the shore reveal both the standing trunks and branches beneath the water.
Visit from Saty village and allow roughly three to four hours for the excursion, including local transfers and walking. Kaindy and Kolsai are separate lakes: a night in Saty leaves more time for both, while the one-day tour from Almaty combines them with Charyn on a long, 14–16-hour itinerary.
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Tours that include Kaindy Lake
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How to visit Kaindy Lake from Saty
Travel from Almaty to Saty, then continue to the national park checkpoint and designated parking area. Vehicles do not drive right up to the lake. From the main parking area, the walking approach is approximately 2–3 km; local UAZ transfers can shorten the walk to around 300 metres from the nearer parking area. Access arrangements may change with road and weather conditions.
Horse riding is an optional alternative for part of the approach and is charged separately. Check the selected tour for included local transfers and park tickets. At the lake, choose a shorter shore walk or add the upper viewpoint according to your fitness and the conditions.
Kaindy in different seasons
The tours operate year-round when access is open. Summer offers longer daylight for combining the lakes; autumn brings changing foliage, while winter may bring snow, ice and a slower approach. Heavy rain or snowfall can alter the route. Bring walking shoes with grip, a warm layer and rain protection; the guide adjusts the walking plan to the weather.
What to bring to Kaindy Lake
A warm layer for windy shores, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes, water, sun protection and a camera. If you plan to hike along the water, take trekking shoes.
Request a tour
Tell us the dates, group size and places you want to see. A manager replies within an hour with a route and a fixed price.
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