Kaindy Lake – A Mysterious Submerged Forest Lake in Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan)

Kaindy Lake (sometimes referred to as the "Dead Lake") is located in the Tian Shan mountains of Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan). It lies within the Kolsai Lakes National Park near the Kyrgyzstan border. While the lake is only 130 km in a straight line from Almaty, Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan)’s largest city, the mountainous roads make the journey closer to 300 km, taking around 5 hours of driving and hiking to reach the lake.

Kaindy Lake (also known as the “Dead Lake”) is located in the Tian Shan mountain range, Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan).

"Kaindy" in Kazakh means "landslide," reflecting the lake’s origin story. After an earthquake in 1911, a massive landslide blocked a gorge, forming a natural dam. Rainwater gradually filled the area, submerging a spruce forest and creating the surreal landscape seen today.

Kaindy Lake is often referred to as the “Dead Lake” because of the standing dead spruce trunks that remain eerily intact in the emerald water. Above the waterline, the tree trunks are dry and silvery. However, beneath the surface, the submerged branches look alive—some even retain their needles and are covered in algae. Due to the lake’s frigid temperatures, decomposition is extremely slow, preserving the forest underwater.

The lake’s formation created one of the most surreal natural sceneries in Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan).

See also: Updated Guide to Independent Travel in Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan)

This is a must-do activity. The sight of tree trunks rising from jade-green waters is truly captivating. Even a simple walk around the lake, observing the surreal landscape and breathing in the crisp mountain air, will leave you feeling refreshed.

To fully enjoy Kaindy’s wilderness, try camping overnight. You can set up your tent near the lake and enjoy a starlit night in the mountains. Note that there are no official accommodations near the lake, so you must bring your own camping gear.

Camping overnight at Kaindy offers breathtaking views of the stars above the Tian Shan mountains.

Kaindy Lake is part of Kolsai Lakes National Park, which also includes three other stunning lakes: Kolsai 1, Kolsai 2, and Kolsai 3. Each lake has its own unique charm and offers activities like hiking and kayaking.

Not far from Kaindy Lake, the Kolsai Lakes are known for their pristine natural beauty.

Saty is a small, picturesque village near both Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes. You can visit to learn about local Kazakh culture and enjoy traditional food.

Homestays are available at around 3,000–4,000 KZT/person/night (approx. 150,000–200,000 VND).

Saty is a charming village close to Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes.

From Vietnam, travelers must first fly to Almaty – the largest and most modern city in Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan). Then, local transport is needed to reach Kaindy Lake.

The easiest way is by air. You can book a flight to Almaty International Airport, which connects with many countries.

Great news for Vietnamese travelers: Vietjet now operates direct flights to Almaty from Cam Ranh International Airport. This route saves you the hassle of transit and provides a quick, convenient journey.

Also, Vietjet offers excellent airfare deals, including a flash sale with 0 VND tickets to Almaty during the golden hours of 12:00–14:00 daily. See details HERE.

Vietjet is currently the only airline offering direct flights between Cam Ranh International Airport and Almaty.

There is no direct public transport from Almaty to Kaindy Lake. The most common way is to rent a private car and travel through the Kuldzhinsky highway to Saty village. The journey takes 4–6 hours over 300 km of rough terrain. Before reaching Saty village, you’ll turn left toward the mountains about 700–800m beforehand.

Alternatively, you can take public transport, but you’ll need to combine multiple methods:

• Take a marshrutka from Sayakhat Bus Station in Almaty to Saty Village. It departs at 6:00 AM and costs around 3,000 KZT (about 150,000 VND).
• Hike or take a 4WD taxi from Saty to Kaindy Lake (approx. 12km). A 4WD ride costs about 5,000 KZT (approx. 250,000 VND) and takes around 45 minutes.

• Entrance Fees to Kolsai Lakes National Park vary:
• Walking visitors: 450 KZT/person (~22,000 VND)
• By car: 50 KZT/person (~25,000 VND)
• Camping overnight: 750 KZT/tent (~37,000 VND)

Best Time to Visit: Summer (June–August) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal. Summer offers mild weather, while autumn brings golden foliage. For winter experiences, visit from December to February to see the snowy forest landscape.

Google Maps Issues: In Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan), Google Maps is unreliable. Locals use Russia’s Yandex app for navigation. From Saty, Kaindy Lake is 15 km away via a dirt road that takes about 60 minutes by car.

What to Pack for Kaindy:

• Warm clothing (especially at night)
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Sunscreen and hat
• Drinking water and snacks
• Camera for photos
• Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan)i Tenge (no ATMs or currency exchange available nearby)

For a snowy adventure, visit Kaindy between December and February to witness a magical white landscape.

See also: Must-Visit Destinations in Almaty, Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan)

Kaindy Lake is a rare and magical destination you shouldn't miss when visiting Qazaqstan (Kazakhstan). With its pristine beauty and fascinating history, Kaindy promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t wait—book your flight to Almaty with Vietjet today and see this otherworldly lake with your own eyes!