The Passenger

The two Kolsai lakes near Саты offer a truly spectacular retreat for nature lovers and adventurers. Known as Kolsai-1 and Kolsai-2, these alpine jewels are encircled by pine forests, striking peaks, and lush slopes dotted with wildflowers. Kolsai-1, the lowest and most accessible, sits at around 1,800 meters above sea level and is an ideal spot for picnics, easy walking, and canoeing. The tranquility of the lake, especially in the early morning when mist hovers over crystal-clear waters, makes it a perfect escape from the buzz of daily life.

Located within the rugged Tien Shan mountains, Kaindy lake is one of Kazakhstan’s most surreal natural wonders. Just a short drive from the small mountain village of Саты, the lake instantly captivates with its ghostly, submerged spruce trunks and impossibly clear, blue-green waters. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and tinged with pine, and the scenery feels untouched – a living postcard that hardly seems real.

The Қара каньон near Актогай is one of Kazakhstan’s lesser-known but truly awe-inspiring natural wonders. Stretching approximately three kilometers wide and plunging to depths of up to 300 meters, the canyon dazzles with its dramatic cliffs, layered rock faces, and vibrant colors that shift throughout the day. Standing on the edge, you are greeted by sweeping vistas and a remarkable sense of isolation, far from the crowds, making it perfect for travelers craving unspoiled wilderness and jaw-dropping photo opportunities.

Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan is a remarkable destination for travelers seeking unique natural phenomena and diverse landscapes. Spanning over half a million hectares, the park preserves a fascinating mixture of desert, steppe, canyon, and mountain environments. One of its most extraordinary features is the singing dunes – a towering mass of quartz sand approximately 1.5 kilometers long and up to 120 meters high. These dunes produce an eerie, low humming sound when the dry sand grains rub together as the wind moves them, a rare phenomenon found only in a few places worldwide. The sound can carry for kilometers, creating a surreal atmosphere for visitors.

Kök-Töbe, often called the ‚green hill‘, rises over Алматы as a beloved symbol and vantage point for locals and visitors alike. Historically, this hill has served various purposes, from being a gathering spot before the Soviet era to acquiring its current reputation as a recreation area. In the 1960s, city leaders transformed it into a park, adding infrastructure that made it accessible and inviting. The installation of the cable car in the mid-1960s marked the start of its popularity, with further revitalization projects in the 2000s expanding both its attractions and amenities.