Lake Kaindy
Formation
As dramatic geological landscapes go Lake Kaindy will be one of the youngest it was formed in January 1911 after an 8.2 magnitude earthquake (the Christchurch earthquake in 2011 was 6.3), known as the Kebin earthquake, struck the Tian Shan Mountains. It is one of the largest historic intraplate reverse-faulting events.
The quake triggered a massive landslide limestone material from the valley that blocked the meltwater river creating a natural dam. Over time, rainwater and snowmelt filled the valley behind the dam, submerging a forest of Spruce trees that once stood (some still standing) there. The lake is about 400 meters long and reaches depths of up to 30 meters, sitting at an altitude of around 1900 meters above sea level.
The Sunken Forest
The most iconic feature and otherworldly experience of Lake Kaindy is the forest of dead spruce trees that rise above the water’s surface. These trees were drowned when the lake formed, and their trunks—stripped of bark and branches—now resemble the masts of ghostly ships. The cold, mineral-rich water, that rarely exceeds 6°C, has preserved the tree trunks and apparently even their needles, making the underwater forest a surreal sight for divers and photographers. When I visited the turquoise blue of the lake caused by the rock flour from the glacial meltwater the view of the needles.
Unique Characteristics and Atmosphere
The lake’s water is a vivid blue-green, colored by rock flour and minerals from glacial meltwater. The frigid temperature and clear water create a mystical but wonderful atmosphere.
Visiting Lake Kaindy
Despite its proximity to Almaty, Lake Kaindy remains relatively undiscovered compared to other nearby lakes like the Kolsay Lakes. The journey to the lake is an adventure in itself, requiring a rugged vehicle to navigate the rough roads. The remote location and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect destination for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. When I visited in early April I was one of 12 at the lake.
Lake Kaindy is a testament to the power of nature and the unexpected beauty that can arise from disaster. Its submerged forest and vibrant waters continue to captivate travellers and photographers from around the world.
I visited lake Kaindy by car and wasn’t expecting the exciting and sometimes anxiety inducing road up the valley. The road to the carpark for the lake is exciting and bumpy in equal measure, there are a couple of river crossings so make sure to check the levels before proceeding and there are some areas of snow and bog in the forest which if it had rained may have presented an issue. I would recommend a 4×4 as a minimum to reach the car park and some experience driving off road. The road is approximately 10km off road and will vary with weather conditions.
There are also taxi vans that will shuttle you over the off-road section, these are located in the village of Saty – other visitors we spoke to said the taxis cost 2000 tenge (about £3) – Maybe worth it for the 20 min taxi.
Saty is the entry point for Lake Kaindy and there are a lot of hotels here, Saty is about 286 km from Almaty, with the journey usually taking 4 to 6 hours, depending on transport and road conditions. There are two main options to visit lake Kaindy, a guided tour from Almaty usually including an overnight stay alongside a visit to lake Kolsay and Charyn Canyon.
Tips for the Journey
- Bring cash for local transport and guesthouses, as card payments are rare outside Almaty.
- Even the paved roads are in an unpredictable condition so take care and plan for extra time
- The best months to visit are late spring through autumn, when roads are likely to be passable and the views are at their best.
- Take a road map as road closures are not always reflected on Apps and smaller roads are not always picked up for detours
Lake Kaindy is best experienced with a night spent in Saty, ensuring enough time to enjoy the sunken forest and surrounding mountains at a relaxed pace.