Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Kaindy

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Kaindy is a truly surreal gem in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan, about 130 kilometers east of Almaty. Its formation is due to a massive landslide triggered by the 1911 Kebin earthquake. The landslide dammed a river, creating a 400-meter-long lake. The lake's most extraordinary feature is its 'sunken forest.' From the freezing, lively turquoise water, the bleached trunks of Schrenk's spruce trees rise to the sky like the masts of sunken ships. Below the water's surface, the needles and branches of the trees are perfectly preserved by the cold mountain water, whose temperature does not exceed 6°C even in summer. This unique underwater panorama makes the lake a popular destination for divers, who are greeted by a spectacle as bizarre as it is fascinating. The name 'Kaindy' means 'rich in birch' in Kazakh, referring to a nearby birch grove that stands in stark contrast to the coniferous trees of the sunken forest.

Location: Kazakhstan
Nearby: Kolsai Lakes (17 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-7	-4	2	7	11	16	18	17	12	6	0	-5
Rain mm	14	18	26	47	50	50	38	35	27	28	28	17

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access is usually from Almaty, involving a long drive followed by a rugged final stretch on a dirt track near Saty village. A specialized 4x4 or a local marshrutka transfer is almost always necessary to handle the deep ruts leading up to the lake.

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Best season

Summer months are typically the most comfortable for viewing the turquoise waters, while autumn provides spectacular golden foliage around the rim. Winter brings heavy snow and ice, freezing the lake solid and restricting access to specialized tours.

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Terrain & paths

The pathway from the drop-off point to the lake consists of a moderate, steady climb through a pine-forested valley. The immediate shoreline is quite narrow and steep in places, meaning walking requires careful footing over exposed tree roots.

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What to bring

Solid hiking shoes with good grip are essential for the uneven and occasionally muddy trail leading to the water. A warm jacket should always be in your pack, as the mountain valley remains noticeably chilly even on bright summer afternoons.

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Parking

Vehicles must be left at a designated barrier clearing in the valley, serving as a rustic parking area maintained by park guards. From this checkpoint, visitors continue exclusively on foot or by renting horses for the final scenic stretch uphill.

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Safety

The icy water temperature poses an extreme danger of cold shock, so swimming without a professional drysuit is strictly forbidden. Stay well back from the unstable, crumbling edges of the steep slopes overlooking the submerged forest.

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Time needed

The hike from the parking area to the lakeshore typically takes about forty minutes each way at a gentle pace. Including time spent marveling at the sunken trees and snapping photos, expect to spend about three hours in the immediate area.