Everything you need to know about Lake Kaindy and its sunken forest

Discover the intriguing history of Lake Kaindy and its living sunken forest, the cradle of numerous legends.

In this article, we'll show you everything you need to know about this wonder of Southeast Kazakhstan, as well as some tips for getting there and having a good time.

The story of an intriguing lake

In January 1911, a powerful earthquake of 9 to 10 points shook the Central Asian region for over five minutes, causing a landslide creating a dike and blocking a river.

The waters then accumulated in the depression between the rocks, forming a lake with emerald and turquoise colors, sometimes milky depending on the season, on the north side of the Kungey Alatau mountain range, flooding tall fir trees that had grown in the valley, making them look like the masts of old shipwrecked ships: Lake Kaindy.

These trees, adapted to the new conditions, have continued to grow, giving rise to a spectacular landscape and a lake that inspires numerous legends and attracts a multitude of underwater divers and photographers from around the world.

The particular atmosphere that surrounds the lake comes from its very cold running water, whose temperature never exceeds 5 to 6 °C, even in summer.

The name of the lake, translated from Kazakh, means “abundance of birches,” but the reason for this name remains a mystery, as tall fir trees grow there. A birch forest is located a few kilometers from the lake.

When to visit Lake Kaindy?

The best is to get there in July-August, when the land is dry and the roads are best passable.

However, it is a very popular place for tourists and locals, so it can be quite crowded on sunny weekends. If you plan to visit in the summer, it's best to go on a weekday.

Winter is equally majestic, with many tourists considering the lake most beautiful in early December, when its surface is not yet covered in ice. The vibrant blue water stands out against a backdrop of white snow.

It's also the perfect time for diving enthusiasts, as the lake's water is absolutely clear at this time. With the right equipment, there's nothing to fear when diving into these cold waters to observe the strange patterns of intertwined fir branches! In contrast, visibility in summer is often reduced due to the murky waters from the surrounding streams.

How to get to Lake Kaindy?

If you have a good off-road vehicle and experience on difficult roads, you can make a big part of the trip yourself.

However, be aware that part of the journey involves steep mountain roads, making it challenging to pass other vehicles, and you may need to cross two rivers!

Weather conditions also affect the road's difficulty: in rainy weather, the ground becomes muddy and slippery, while in winter, some sections may be icy, making the route even more treacherous.

But even with all the precautions taken, the last kilometers of the road, which are particularly hard to access, could damage your vehicle. To avoid any issues, it’s recommended to take a UAZ taxi, available at a parking area along the way at an affordable price, which can navigate these tough terrains safely.

To reach Lake Kaindy from Almaty, located about 300 kilometers to the east, take the road from Kuldzhinskiy to the village of Saty, 14 kilometers from the lake. Most of the trip (about 170 km) is on the Almaty-Kegen road.

Signposts will help guide you. Along the way, you will discover the beautiful Jalanash Valley and several villages. Before reaching Saty, turn left at the sign for Kaindy 12 km away.

About 3 km from the lake, a guardhouse and toll booth signal the entrance to the Kolsay Lakes National Park. After passing through a birch forest, you'll arrive at a parking area. From there, it’s a 1.5 km walk through a lovely coniferous forest to the lake.

You can also book a tour for one or two days, departing from Almaty by bus and around the lake in an appropriate vehicle. These tours are often available on weekends, with departures from the city on Friday evening and several other stops planned in addition to Lake Kaindy.

If you prefer a solo visit, then opt for the local taxis. Prices may vary depending on the car model and the length of your stay.

What to pack to Lake Kaindy?

• Some cash to pay the ecological tax at the entrance.
• Your identity documents due to the proximity to the border with Kyrgyzstan.
• A picnic.
• Something to cover up! Remember that the lake is in the mountains, at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the air temperature there always remains low, reaching a maximum of 23 degrees in summer.

While you're in the area

Take advantage of your time in the area to plan a multi-day stay and visit other must-see attractions.

1. Kolsay Lake, located in the same “Kolsay Lakes” National Natural Park created in 2007, is often visited at the same time because of its proximity to Lake Kaindy.
2. Charyn Canyon, about 100 km away, is a 12-million-year-old geological wonder that deserves to be discovered.
3. Altyn-Emel National Park, which covers 520,000 hectares and is home to numerous rare animal species. Visit the tombs of Bes-Shatyr, the Aktau Mountains, or listen to the famous Song of the Dunes.

🧭 I frequently organize expeditions to Kazakhstan, so feel free to follow me on Instagram for updates on upcoming trips or to contact me on Whatsapp. You can also email me (easternpathsdata@gmail.com) or sign up for a call if you have a travel plan!

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