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

Lake Kaindy, located in the Tian Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan, is one of Central Asia’s most spectacular natural sites.

Famous for its submerged trees that rise from the surface of its turquoise waters, this unique lake attracts travelers in search of unusual and unspoiled landscapes.

Easily accessible from Almaty, Lake Kaindy is a must-see stop on any trip to Kazakhstan.

The story of an intriguing lake

In January 1911, a powerful earthquake measuring 9 to 10 on the Richter scale shook the Central Asian region for more than five minutes, triggering a landslide that created a dam and blocked a river.

The waters then accumulated in the depression between the rocks, forming a lake with emerald and turquoise hues—sometimes milky depending on the season—on the northern flank of the Kungey Alatau mountain range, flooding the tall fir trees that had grown in the valley and giving them the appearance of masts from old shipwrecks: Lake Kaindy.

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

The unique atmosphere surrounding the lake stems from its very cold 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 is the best time to visit Lake Kaindy?

• Spring (April–June): a transitional period as the snow melts. The landscapes turn green, but roads may be harder to navigate and weather conditions can be variable.
• Summer (July–August): The ideal time to visit Lake Kaindy, with dry, passable roads. However, the site is very crowded, especially on weekends. It’s best to visit during the week. Underwater visibility is often reduced due to the surrounding streams.
• Fall (September–October): a quieter season with fewer tourists and beautiful colors in the surrounding forest. Conditions remain good for visiting, with cooler, more pleasant temperatures for hiking.
• Winter (November–February): a magical atmosphere under the snow. Early December is particularly popular, when the lake isn’t yet completely frozen and the bright blue water contrasts with the snowy landscape. It’s also the best time for diving thanks to the very clear water, despite the cold.

How to get to Lake Kaindy?

Lake Kaindy is located about 300 km from Almaty. Follow the Kuldzhinskiy road to the village of Saty, then head toward Kaindy (12 km). After passing the entrance to Kolsay Lakes National Park, you’ll reach a parking lot, and from there it’s a 1.5 km walk through the forest.

Access and road conditions

The final stretch is difficult and requires an off-road vehicle. The mountain road is narrow, with fords, and can become muddy or icy depending on the weather. The last few kilometers are particularly challenging and can damage a standard vehicle.

It is recommended to take a local UAZ taxi, which is suited for these conditions.

Tours and Aalternatives

Organized tours from Almaty (1–2 days) are available, often on weekends. You can also opt for local taxis from Saty, which offer more flexibility depending on your itinerary.

🏔️ Check out our page dedicated to upcoming expeditions in the Tian Shan, the Altai region, or to experience horseback trekking and jeep tours in the remote regions of Kazakhstan. These dates don’t work for you, or you are looking for something more personalized? Contact us — we’ll help you organize your next journey!

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 Lakes, located in the same “Kolsay Lakes” National Natural Park created in 2007, are often visited at the same time because of their 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.

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Visit Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Budget to go to Kazakhstan

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