KAZAKHSTAN

Kolsay Lakes Horse-riding & Hiking

Explore the wilderness of Kungey Alatau mountains in one of our most authentic and adventure mixed horseback riding and hiking trips to Kolsay Lakes.

Geo-Tech Overview

You will explore wild and unknown trails avoiding crowded and touristic places, get an unusual experience of traveling by horse and feet in the nature, enjoy the simple camping life, try the lifestyle of Nomads and feel the spirit of discovery.

June – October
3 days
intermediate, advanced
Kungey Alatau
1700 — 2950 m.a.s.l.
Almaty

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

MAP AND WEATHER

meteoblue

Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

Reach the Kolsay Lakes by horseback through the wild valleys and high passes of the Kungey Alatau.
Cross Besmoinak Pass and take in sweeping views of the Middle and Lower Kolsay Lakes.
Ride through flower-filled meadows, Tien Shan spruce forests and along the shore of the heart-shaped Middle Lake.
Travel onward to the remote Third Kolsay Lake and spend the night camping beneath the mountains.
Complete the journey on foot, hiking past all three lakes before returning to Almaty.
Enjoy a simple mountain hut stay, an evening by the campfire and three days immersed in nature.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1

Almaty – Kurmety settlement – Besmoinak pass — Mountain hut.

Meeting the guide in Almaty anddeparture to Kurmety village by SUV or minibus (285 km). Stop in the village of Baiseit on the way to explore local food market and buy fresh bread, vegetables and fruits. Arrival to Kurmety village. Tea and coffee break with snacks in the summerhouse. Preparations and loading up the horses. Horseback riding to the mountain hut located from the other side of Besmoinak pass. On the way you will make stops for rest, snacks and taking pictures. Arrival to the hut. Rest. Hiking to the observation points, located nearby for watching panorama of Middle and Low Kolsay lakes. Return to the hut. Dinner and overnight in the hut.

Distance: 14 km.
Elevation gain/loss of horseback riding part: +1250 meters/-120 meters.
Duration: 4 hours.
Campsite altitude: 2830 meters.

Day 2

Mountain hut – Middle Kolsay Lake – Highest Kolsay Lake.

After breakfast and preparations horseback riding to the Middle Kolsay Lake. From the hut to the lake, trail runs through the two small passes. In clear weather, along the way, you can see incredible landscapes of Kungey-Alatau mountain ridge, strewn with flowers and herbs. From one of the hills, the lake will appear in front of you. After wading the river and going through a dense forest with the Tien Shan spruces you will reach the shore of the lake. Here you can relax and swim upon your wish.
After the rest on the shore of the lake with a picnic-lunch riding to the Highest – Third Kolsay lake. The path will be going along the shore of the heart-shaped Middle Lake with a scenic view to surrounding mountains. Then you will enter to the forest and will be going along the river stream upper and upper till get to the shore of the Third Kolsay Lake — the coldest and wildest one. Setting up the tents. Rest and dinner near the fire. Overnight in the tents.

Distance: 14 km.
Elevation gain/loss: +700 meters/-900 meters.
Duration: 6 hours.
Highest point: 2860 meters.
Campsite altitude: 2650 meters.

Day 3

Third Kolsay Lake – Middle Kolsay Lake – Low Kolsay Lake – Saty village – Baiseit village — Almaty.

After breakfast and packing hiking back to the Middle Kolsay lake and then following the path leading to the Low (First) Kolsay Lake. On the way you will make stop near the Middle Lake for snacks and tea. Arrival to the southern shore of the Low Lake. Hiking to the opposite and most popular shore of the lake. End of hiking part, transfer back to Almaty. On the way you will make stop in the village of Baiseit for dinner. Return to Almaty by 8 pm.

Distance: 14 km.
Elevation gain/loss: +300 meters/-1000 meters.
Duration: 6 hours.
Highest point: 2650 meters.

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Useful Information

Tips & Resources

PRICE LIST:

1650 EUR for one person
950 EUR for a group of 2 people
800 EUR for a group of 3 people
750 EUR for a group of 4 people
700 EUR for a group of 5-8 people

Accommodation:

Camping in shared 2, 3-person tents. Sleeping mats are provided, while participants should bring their own sleeping bags suitable for the expected nighttime temperatures. There are no permanent facilities at the campsite. This is a simple mountain camp in nature, and participants should be prepared for basic conditions without showers, electricity or regular bathroom facilities. Drinking and cooking water is sourced locally and treated when necessary.

NECESSARY GEAR AND CLOTHING:

Personal clothing and accessories:

– Confotable stretchy long pants or leggings;
— Cycling shorts with a soft insert (for a more comfortable stay in the saddle);
— shirt with long sleeve;
— Thermal base layer according to the season;
— Cap or panama hat;
— Neck warmer;
— Trekking waterproof boots or similar with a good protector sole and high lacing;
— Water and wind resistant jacket;
— Raincoat poncho;
— Hiking gaiters;
— Warm fleece or polartec jacket;
— Down vest or jacket;
— Two pairs of high thick socks;
— Beanie according to the season;
— Two pairs of gloves (thin and warm, according to the season);
— Head-mounted or another compact flashlight;
— Water container (1-1,5 liter);
– Sunglasses;
– Sunscreen with a high degree of UV protection;
– Personal AID kit (cold and individual diseases medicines, adhesive tape);
– Sleeping bag with temperature from 0 to +5 degrees Celsius in comfort zone;
— Food for snacks;
— Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks;
– Personal hygiene items;
– Face and body towel;
— Swimming suit;
— A small hiking backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters;
— Chargers and cords (power bank or compact solar panel).

Services included in the package:

1. Return transfer from Almaty.
2. English-speaking horseback guide.
3. Local horsemen / horse breeder services.
4. Horse rental for two days.
5. National Park entrance fees.
6. Meals: lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast, lunch
and dinner on Days 2-3.
7. Shared 2, 3-person tent.
8. Sleeping mat.
9. Group camping and cooking equipment.
10. Drinking water.
11. Safety equipment: riding helmet and gaiters.

Services does not included in the package:

1. Personal travel and medical insurance.
2. Sleeping bag.
3. Personal snacks and energy food.
4. Personal expenses and services not specified in the program.
5. Alcoholic beverages.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

During all days of the program, having passport is required. Part of the route passes area close to the border with Kyrgyzstan.

Depending on weather, health and physical condition of the participants, guide can make adjustments to the program.

The program can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions or the real threat to life and health of the participants.

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