Kaindy Lake — The Sunken Forest

Kaindy Lake is one of the most unusual and photogenic natural sites in Kazakhstan. Created by a massive earthquake-triggered landslide in 1911, the natural dam flooded a valley of Tian Shan spruce trees, creating an eerie and beautiful lake where the bleached trunks of dead trees rise straight from the turquoise water like ghostly sentinels. Below the surface, the submerged branches remain eerily preserved in the cold, mineral-rich water.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres within the Kolsai Lakes National Park, Kaindy Lake is surrounded by dense spruce forest and alpine meadows. The lake is relatively small (about 400 metres long) but its surreal beauty makes it a must-visit destination. The water temperature rarely exceeds 6°C even in summer, and experienced divers sometimes explore the submerged forest below the surface.

Reaching Kaindy Lake requires a moderate hike or horse ride of about 4-5 km from the nearest vehicle access point. The trail passes through beautiful forest and meadows, making the journey itself part of the experience. It is typically visited in combination with the Kolsai Lakes.