Semirechye stands out for the diversity of its natural landscapes. Between the majestic mountain ranges of Dzungaria and the Tien Shan, the Ili River — the largest river of Semirechye — winds like a blue ribbon. The valley of the Ili and its tributaries abounds in fanciful landscapes. On the right bank of the river in its middle reaches lies Altyn-Emel National Park, which fully showcases the natural wealth of Semirechye.
The Altyn-Emel State National Natural Park was established by Resolution No. 460 of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 10, 1996, on the basis of the Kapchagay State Hunting Farm. It is located on the territory of the Kerbulak and Panfilov districts of Almaty Region. Its central headquarters are in the village of Basshi, 250 km from Almaty. The total area of the park is 459620 hectares. Altyn-Emel stretches for more than 30 km from south to north and more than 200 km from east to west.
The name Altyn-Emel has Mongolian roots and translates as “golden saddle”. According to the existing legend, in the summer of 1219 the troops of Genghis Khan were moving through this valley to conquer Central Asia. Seeing mountains covered with yellowed grass at sunset, the great commander exclaimed: “A golden saddle!” If you look closely, the Altyn-Emel Pass really does outwardly resemble a saddle. The territory of the national park features various types of landscape — from stretches of sandy deserts to desert mountains.
Altyn-Emel Park is famous for its natural and historical monuments and attractions, which you can read about below in this article.
Three high-mountain lakes, rightly called the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan, with steep slopes overgrown with pine, are located in the spurs of the Kungey-Alatau Ridge. These unique lakes, conventionally called Kolsai 1, Kolsai 2 and Kolsai 3, lie at altitudes of 1700, 2252 and 2650 meters above sea level respectively. The depth of the lakes is also impressive: the deepest point of the first lake is 80 m, and of the second — about 50 m. The lakes were formed as a result of landslides sliding down to the bottom of the gorge, when the swift mountain river was dammed by barriers that suddenly appeared in its path. The water in all the lakes is dark. The lakes are flowing, connected to each other by the Kolsai River. Trout is found in the lakes in abundance, except for the third, coldest lake.
Kolsai Lake 1 (alt. 1818) is located 295 km from Almaty. Stretching for 1.5 km in length, it is wedged into a narrow gorge. The lake is surrounded by the tallest Tien Shan spruces, as if they were specially planted here to preserve this heavenly corner. The water in the lake is absolutely transparent and reflects the sky, and therefore appears bluish-blue. If you photograph the lake, you will be surprised that in the pictures it is hard to tell where the sky is and where the surface of the lake is. The virgin nature will amaze you at every visit to this corner. Those seeing this beauty for the first time are simply left breathless by the crystal purity of the air, water and vegetation. Amazingly beautiful trout live in the clear lake water. Fishing enthusiasts come here to enjoy their favorite pastime. This lake is the most accessible for tourists, and anyone can see it if they wish.
After a few hours of hiking along the western gorge you will reach the second lake — Kolsai 2 (alt. 2252), resembling a heart in shape. It is always crowded here; mushrooms are gathered in the forests, and at sunset, when the grass and flowers smell incredibly of honey, you can see rainbow trout leaping playfully out of the water. You can take a walk on foot with a backpack or on horseback, and it is even more pleasant when your load is carried by a horse while you walk alongside, enjoying the beauty of nature and of life itself. This area seems to be specially created for hiking, especially from lake to lake. It is from here that every year groups of the daring set out on foot for Issyk-Kul.
And ahead of you awaits the smallest and coldest of the three brother lakes — Kolsai 3 (alt. 2900). It is surrounded by magnificent rocky shores overgrown with luxurious shrubs. With this lake the magnificent ensemble created by Nature herself comes to an end. Not everyone is able to make it to this lake, and that is why it is the purest and most untouched.
Anyone who is lucky enough to see these mountain lakes at least once will never forget their splendor and the silence and tranquility around them. When the surface of the lakes is absolutely calm, it reflects the sky and the enchanting panorama of the mountain landscape. Surrounded by rocks, forests, alpine meadows and whole clearings of the tender-olive symbols of the mountains — edelweisses — they literally bewitch you. Excursions to the Kolsai Lakes are interesting at any time of year, but they are especially relevant during the summer holidays and vacations, when there is free time and you can set aside 3-4 days to enjoy the charm of these places.
The road from Almaty to the lakes is interesting in itself. The anticipation of meeting the beautiful lends a special charm to the hours of waiting, especially since endless greenery will surround you along the way.
The warm season lasts from May to October; at this time lovers of mushrooms, fishing, hiking and horseback riding are in their element here. But there are also plenty of the daring who come to the Kolsai Lakes even in winter to enjoy skiing and walks in frosty weather. It is gratifying that Kazakhstanis — both those who have already seen half the world and those who only yesterday discovered Chimbulak — have begun to take a closer interest in their native nature, making pleasant discoveries without leaving the country. Among them is the pearl of Kazakhstani nature — the Kolsai Lakes. We wholeheartedly recommend that you visit this unique place and see its inimitable beauty for yourself!
Below are links to detailed descriptions of the tours in which you can visit the Kolsai Lakes. Two- and three-day tours from Almaty with a visit to the Kolsai Lakes. The Kolsai Lakes are undoubtedly among the most beautiful places in Almaty Region and certainly among the best natural attractions of Kazakhstan. Have pleasant travels and unforgettable impressions!
