The three Köl-Say lakes sit at an altitude of 2000 m (6560 feet) in the lush foothills of the Küngey Alatau. The greenish colored lakes lie along the Köl-Say River and are great for trout fishing. The surrounding forests provide excellent hiking ground. The best months to visit the region are between June and August, but the weather can always change completely without any warning.
Two day treks to the Kyrgyzstan village of Balbay not far from Lake Ysyk-Köl can be made via the scenic 3200 m (10,500 feet) Sary-Bulak pass. It is possible to do this on horseback as well, in which case it will take just a day.
You can get to the Köl-Say Lakes by helicopter from Almaty, but it is also possible to drive to the town of Saty and continue on horseback or on foot. The lakes are some 110 km (68 miles) east of Almaty.
Travel Guides for Köl-Say Lakes
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