Kaindy Lake is a mountain body of water located in southeastern Kazakhstan, 15 km south of the village of Saty. Its distinctive feature is a Tian Shan spruce forest submerged since 1911, whose bleached trunks emerge from turquoise water like the masts of a sunken ship.

Why visit Kaindy Lake?

Kaindy Lake attracts visitors for a rare geological phenomenon: a forest of conifers that has remained standing underwater for over a century after its submersion. The permanent cold of the lake, whose temperature does not exceed 5 to 6 °C even in summer, preserves the trunks and gives the site its mineral and silent aspect. The contrast between the bleached submerged spruces and the emerald waters offers a singular photographic subject, distinct from the classic alpine landscapes of the Kungei Ala-Too range.

The site lends itself equally well to a day excursion from Almaty or to a two to three-day stay combined with the nearby Kolsai lakes.

History and formation of the lake

Kaindy Lake formed in 1911 as a result of the Kemin earthquake. The tremor triggered a massive landslide in Kaindy Gorge, creating a natural dam that blocked the valley. Rainwater and snowmelt gradually filled the depression, submerging a forest of Tian Shan spruces.

The lake measures approximately 400 meters long by 110 meters wide, with a depth of around thirty meters. Above the surface, the trunks have lost branches and bark, becoming white under the effect of sun and wind. Below the water, however, the submerged portions remain intact and become covered with algae, preserved by the permanently low temperature.

Mudslides that occurred in 1980 and again in 2010 brought stones and sediment, slightly reducing the lake's depth without altering its overall appearance. The name "Kaindy" means "abundance of birches" in Kazakh, in reference to the groves that border the valley.

What to see and do on site

The submerged forest

The main attraction remains the "submerged forest". From the shore, bleached trunks stand vertically above waters whose color shifts from turquoise to emerald green depending on the light. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best contrasts for photography.

Diving and water activities

Kaindy Lake is one of the rare diving sites featuring a submerged forest in the world. A few specialized operators offer outings to explore the preserved spruces underwater. In winter, the frozen surface allows ice diving as well as trout fishing. The water temperature, which does not exceed 5 to 6 °C in summer, requires appropriate equipment in all seasons.

Hiking and observation

Several trails depart from the parking area and allow you to walk along the shore or reach higher viewpoints. The coniferous forest and surrounding grasslands are home to discreet mountain wildlife. For families or less experienced hikers, the final portion can be done on horseback with local guides based in Saty.

Camping and local culture

Camping spots exist in the vicinity of the lake. In Saty, homestay accommodations allow you to taste Kazakh cuisine and kumis, a fermented dairy beverage made from mare's milk.

Practical information

Entry to Kolsay Lakes National Park is paid (moderate fee, to be settled at the entrance). From the parking area, allow 1 to 1.5 km of walking through the coniferous forest to reach the shore. The trail can be slippery after rain and icy in winter: wear sturdy hiking shoes.

For the visit itself, allow 2 to 3 hours on site, longer if you plan diving or extended hiking. Mobile network coverage is limited in the gorge.

When to go?

From June to September, the climate is mild and access roads are passable without difficulty. July and August are the most crowded months; consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds. In September-October, the birches turn golden, providing striking contrast with the bleached spruces. From December to February, the lake partially freezes and the winter landscape attracts ice diving enthusiasts, but access becomes more challenging and requires a suitable vehicle.

How to get there

The starting point is Almaty, the main international gateway to Kazakhstan. From there, two main options:

• By private or rental vehicle: take the Kuldzhinsky road towards Saty, approximately 300 km and 4 to 6 hours of travel. Before Saty, a dirt track leads to Kaindy Gorge; a 4x4 is essential on this section.
• By shared transport: marshrutkas (shared minibuses) connect Almaty to Saty. From there, you must cover the final 12 kilometers to the lake by 4x4 taxi or on foot (allow 2 to 3 hours of walking).
• By organized excursion: many agencies in Almaty offer 1 to 2-day circuits combining Kaindy Lake and Kolsai lakes, with transport, guide and sometimes accommodation in Saty.

What to see in the surrounding area

Kaindy Lake is part of Kolsay Lakes National Park, which includes three other tiered lakes (Kolsai 1, 2 and 3) accessible on foot or horseback from Saty. About fifty kilometers to the northwest, Charyn Canyon and its rock formations offer a very different landscape complement. Further afield, Kapchagay Reservoir and Alakol Lake extend your itinerary for those with several days available.

Frequently asked questions

Preparing your trip

Kaindy Lake naturally integrates into an itinerary combining the Tian Shan mountains, gorges and steppes of southeastern Kazakhstan. To build a tailor-made trip including this site and other must-see attractions in the region, consult our Kazakhstan travel suggestions.