Have you ever swum between trees? Have you ever scuba dived in a sunken forest? It sounds fantastic, but all this is real on Lake Kaindy in Kazakhstan. An incredible location is hidden in the harsh embrace of the Tien Shan mountain system, so its beauty is not available to everyone.

In the end those who persevere to overcome a difficult path will be rewarded according to their true worth...

Kaindy Lake

Kaiyndy is translated from Kazakh as "birch grove". The reservoir got its name due to the abundance of birch trees, which, like silent guards, guard the passage in the gorge to its banks.

When exactly Lake Kaindy arose, scientists are still arguing. Whether this happened in 1911, 1938 or 1978 is unknown, but the reason is indisputable: as a result of the earthquake, a collapse occurred that blocked the riverbed, flooding the valley with water.

In the end, the whole forest was flooded. The bare tops of the fir trees now stick out gloomily from the surface. Meanwhile, small branches with needles are perfectly preserved under the turquoise surface, creating a surreal scene.

Kaindy is not the most famous spot in the Kolsai reserve, but that is its charm: the mysterious world of the mountain lake is still untouched by too many tourists.

Horse rides

Boating

Traditional cuisine of the nomads

Overnight in a Yurt

Mountain hikes

Attractions available on Kaindy Lake

Our Kaindy Lake Tours

Kaindy Lake national park tips for visitors

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Altyn Emel

Issyk Lake

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