Lake Kaindy is a natural phenomenon located in the deepest depths of the Tian Shan Mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan and is almost magical. This is a stunning place that provides a memorable experience to all those who love nature, are taking photos, and even those who just want to have an adventure as the place is characterized by a submerged forest and turquoise waters. Lake Kaindy is one of the most unusual places in central Asia whether you are going on a hiking trip, a nature photography trip or just a relaxing vacation.
To UAE travellers who want to explore the beauty of Kazakhstan without revealing much of its secrets, the process of obtaining a Kazakhstan visa application is the first thing that they should learn before making this trip a reality. After you have sorted out your visa and travelling arrangements, it is time to go sightseeing in one of the most fascinating locations on earth a lake with trees growing out of it.
The History of the formation of Lake Kaindy.
The beauty of Lake Kaindy has a dramatic background of origin. It is an outstanding natural site that was created in 1911 following a strong earthquake that hit the area, which caused a huge limestone landslide which blocked a mountain ravine. With time, the valley was filled with rainfall and snowmelt forming the 400 meter-long lake that we have today.
The uniqueness of Lake Kaindy is the submerged forest covered with crystal-clear water. The spruce trees which were once in the valley are now erect with the surface, the trunks being pale in colour and coming out of the lake in a very disturbing fashion. Cold water preserved the trees so perfectly that after over 100 years they still exist in almost perfect condition - so that it seems to be an underwater forest that has been frozen in the time.
This unrealistic spectacle has gained world recognition among the nature lovers and photographers. It has a dreamlike quality due to the unusual image of ghost tree trunks and turquoise-blue waters of which no other lake in the world has.
How to Reach Lake Kaindy
The lake Kaindy is approximately 130 kilometers east of the largest city of Kazakhstan- Almaty. The ride can be tiring, but you are positively trying it because of the breathtaking view on the way.
By Car: This is the most flexible mode of transportation, renting of 4x4 at Almaty. The road is approximately four to five hours long, the last part being a rough piece of dirt into the Kolsai Lakes National Park.
By Tour: To go on a guided tour is an excellent idea to do in Almaty. There are numerous local operators who will provide day trips or overnight tours that will include transport, entrance fees to the park and even meals.
Through Public Transport: The travelers can take a bus in Almaty to Saty Village, the closest town to the lake, and get a local driver to take them to the site.
The lake is also quite elevated with an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters and therefore the visitors should be ready to experience cooler weather conditions and mountains, unless this is during the summer season.
Sightseeing and Activities at Lake Kaindy.
1. The Underwater Forest.
The submerging spruce forest is the primary attraction, of course. The ghostly tree trunks can be easily seen in the turquoise water emerging out of the shoreline. On a clear day, lucky enough to come there, the reflections give the effect of a mirror into another world, which is the dream of any photographer.
To professional divers, Lake Kaindy provides one of the most unique experiences in the diving world - swimming between the other-worldly trees underwater. Nevertheless, this is an activity that is only encouraged to the experienced divers since the lake is cold and has a high altitude.
2. Hiking Around the Lake
The lake and the neighboring mountains have some of the scenic trails. The hiking in this area is calm and fulfilling with a nice view of the green forest, the lake, and the mountains in the background covered with snow. Hiking in spring and early summer has been the most appropriate period when wildflowers or the valley is in colour.
3. Camping and Picnicking
To be fully involved in the nature, you will be able to camp on the lake or close to the village of Saty. Homestays are frequently provided by local residents, which provides a visitor with an opportunity to become a guest of a real Kazakh family. Do not forget to pack warm clothes - in the night, even in the summer, the temperature can fall very low.
4. Tour the Kolsai Lakes that are nearby.
Lake Kaindy falls under the bigger Kolsai Lakes National Park that consists of two more beautiful alpine lakes Kolsai Lake 1 and Kolsai Lake 2. These lakes have varying altitudes and they are also equally magnificent with thick pine trees and mountain ranges. A combination of all three gives nature a full escape to many travelers.
Scenic Beauty and Photography.
The lake Kaindy is one of the most photographic sites in Kazakhstan. The colors of the lake vary during the day, when they are deep blue in the morning and turquoise in the afternoon. Crystal-clear water, trees submerged in the water, and the mountains next to it make the picture a direct fantasy world.
Drone photography is also trending here which will also provide the bird eye view of the lake and the surrounding forest.
Optimal Visit of Lake Kaindy.
The optimal time to visit Lake Kaindy is based on the kind of experience one wants:
- Summer (June to August): Good time to do hiking, photography, and camping. The climate is favorable and the turquoise color of the lake is the brightest.
- Autumn (September to October): The trees around the lake turn golden making the fall scenery around the lake spectacular.
- Winter (December to February): The lake is usually frozen and the snow-white landscape is gorgeous. Access is however hard because of icy road.
Conclusion
Lake Kaindy is not only a tourist attraction, but also a piece of nature that has created a masterpiece of the untamed and untouched beauty of Kazakhstan. With its enigmatic forest underwater, to its calm mountain landscape, each and every spot of this place seems to be a dream. As an adventure, a place of peace and discovery of UAE travelers, a visit to Lake Kaindy means having everything in one place.
Whilst packing your bags, do not forget to get your UAE visa of Kazakhstan to Go Kite Travel, your reliable visa service provider. Having the travel plans figured out, you are now in a position to observe one of the most unbelievable spectacles in Central Asia, the magical underwater world of Lake Kaindy.