Kaindy

Lake · Raiymbekskiy

Kaindy

Lake · Raiymbekskiy

1

Kazakhstan

Photos

Kaindy by Kalpak Travel (Atlas Obscura User)
Kaindy by Wikimedia (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kaindy_lake_south-east_Kazakhstan.jpg)
Kaindy by aboutkazakhstan.com (http://aboutkazakhstan.com/blog/nature/kaindy-lake-beautiful-sceneries/)
Kaindy by aboutkazakhstan.com (http://aboutkazakhstan.com/blog/nature/kaindy-lake-beautiful-sceneries/)
Kaindy by jimmuhk/Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimmuhk/5945293231/in/photostream/)
Kaindy by aboutkazakhstan.com (http://aboutkazakhstan.com/blog/nature/kaindy-lake-beautiful-sceneries/)

Highlights

Turquoise lake with submerged spruce trees, stunning winter/summer views  

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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The Sunken World Hiding Under the Water's Surface

"Kaindy Lake is an idyllic mountain lake in Kazakhstan’s portion of the Tian Shan Mountains, close to the country’s largest city, Almaty. The lake was formed after an earthquake in 1911, which caused a major landslide, effectively creating a natural dam. Successively, rainwater filled the valley and created the lake. The lake is famous for the number of dead and bleached spruce trees that stick out of the water – remnants of the trees that were flooded when the lake was formed. The trees, together with the improbable turquoise water of the lake, make an incredibly scenic sight. Underwater, the imagery is even more stunning, as the trees have not decomposed and create the surreal vision of an underwater forest. Surprisingly, the lake sees few visitors, partly because Kaindy Lake is overshadowed by the more famous Bolshoe Almatinskoe Lake and the Kolsay Lakes, all of which are close by, but far easier to reach from Almaty. Thus, despite its proximity to a city with a population of more than one million, the lake retains a peaceful atmosphere." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/sunken-cities-flooded-drowned
View Postcard for Kaindy

Ashwin George

Google
Kandy lake is an absolute treasure.Although It’s a struggle to get to the lake, it’s really worth it. You have to travel off-road in a four wheel drive for nearly 30 minutes to reach to place where horses or another four wheel awaits you. From there it’s 20 minutes on horseback to reach the lake. The horse ride is something I would recommend only if you are really fit and up to it. If you are visiting Almaty,you should definitely try to visit Kaindi lake. Highly recommended.

Fatema HS

Google
Its a nice lake close to saty village in Kazakhstan. You ha etc go by 4 by 4 to the top and the. A Russian van (charges-500 tenge one way)takes you to the top. You also have to pay entrance of 500 Tengen at the checkpoint. There is also option of going on horse back but expensive and takes around 40 mins one way. After the jeep leaves u, have to trek uour way up.to the lake around d 15 mins. They lake is beautiful but more of photo place. Ni activities that i know of at the lake.

Arpita Singha

Google
The best location of the two-day trip to lakes and canyons in Kazakhstan. I visited there in mid-January. And the place looks just out of this world. Snowy roads, frozen rivers will leave you spichless. The walking trail to the lake is an easy walk. You can go there by horseback too. You have to take a Soviet van to the lake from Saty village. Kaindy lake has a forest submerged inside the lake. And all was frozen, and we walked over the lake.

Fai Marasigan

Google
Went here at the first day of New Year! It was a bumpy van ride going to the horse point but the scenery is just beautiful. I was so scared to ride the horse but the guide assisted me at the start cause I was really nervous. But the views are just breathtaking.. the horse ride is all worth it upon seeing the beautiful Lake Kaindy. I would love to see its vibrant color in summer!

Hungry JJ

Google
Also very crowded when we visited on an April weekday. Comfort rooms and some tables are available in the area. Just prepare yourself for some walk. April was still cold.

Areenuch Sub

Google
We went in late October and were very impressed by the place. We took two buses to get there, even though the road was rough, but the cars were still fast. After that, we walked through a snow-covered pine forest, but when we reached the end, it was worth it.

Sudeesh Menon

Google
One of the most beautiful places I've visited is Lake Kaindy. There's a large parking area at the start of the final route, from where you can either hike or take a horse ride. The views along the way to the lake are breathtaking. When you finally arrive, it feels like you've stepped into another world. The lake's crystal-clear waters are surrounded by mountains adorned with alpine trees. The ice-cold water preserves submerged pine trees, creating a unique and mesmerizing sight. If you're lucky, you might even spot wild ducks swimming in the frigid waters.

Sinthia Pandit

Google
The lake has two views, one in winter when the lake is little frozen and the one in summer with lush greenery around and the lake fully unfrozen. I liked the winter view as well. The horse ride is a must try as it saves your time and the ride is bumpy and an experience in itself. There are 3 view points of the lake with an observation deck on top ( a must visit).