Hidden deep within the Tian Shan Mountains lie the Kolsai Lakes, often called the Pearls of the Tian Shan. The lakes give their name to Kolsai Lakes National Park, located in Kazakhstan’s mountainous Almaty region. Reaching the park takes time, but surrounded by spectacular scenery, the journey feels more than worthwhile.
The submerged forest of Lake Kaindy
From Almaty, the road winds through mountain passes before reaching Lake Kaindy, one of the most unusual sights in Kazakhstan. At first glance, the landscape feels almost unreal. Rising from the turquoise water are dozens of bare tree trunks, remnants of a forest that once covered the valley.
The lake was formed after a powerful earthquake in 1911 triggered a massive landslide, blocking the valley and gradually filling it with water. More than a century later, the submerged forest remains remarkably well preserved beneath the surface, while the trunks above the water have become Kaindy’s defining image.
Today, visitors come to admire the lake’s striking scenery and photograph one of Kazakhstan’s most recognisable natural landmarks. During peak season, tourists often queue for a chance to capture the perfect shot from the most scenic viewpoints.
