Exploring Black Canyon and Kolsay Lake

Packing up the Campsite after a night in Charyn Canyon, I decided to do a detour before heading back to Almaty. First stop was the Black Canyon which was really just a scenic photo stop admiring the canyon that was somehow black in earth strata.

After Black Canyon I continued on the P-16 road all the way to Kolsay Lake. Initially I had only wanted to visit the Black Canyon and started the journey back to Almaty but breakfast with the local officer gave me more information on the roads to Kolsay. It was good tarmac roads all the way he said and I should not missed it so Kolsay was now on the list.

Black Canyon - Kazakhstan
If the weather was good, I would have camp at this very spot for the second night

The road to Kolsay Lake - Kazakhstan

The detour to Kolsay was a good 150km detour round trip. Roads were lovely through beautiful landscape with backdrop of mountains far behind. When I reached the small towns, I was really tempted to camp another night in this remote and beautiful place.

Kolsay lake was a touristy spot with many daytrip tours available from Almaty so while the road to Kolsay was devoid of much vehicle, somehow arriving at the national park entrance was many minivans bringing tour groups to the lake.

The Road to Kolsay Lake - Kazakhstan

The Road to Kolsay Lake - Kazakhstan

The Road to Kolsay Lake - Kazakhstan

Little Town just before Kolsay Lake - Kazakhstan

The lake was beautiful and had two parts to the view. Lower Kolsai Lake and Upper Kolsai Lake. The upper part required a hike through a well made trail of 14km one way. I being the lazy bike traveler skipped the upper part and just enjoyed the view of the lower Kolsai Lake.

The weather change very abruptly while I was enjoying the quiet time while thinking of where to camp that night. The black clouds and rain shower could be seen from far away and that was my sign to head back to Almaty. 

Kolsay Lake - Kazakhstan

Track to Upper Level of Kolsay Lake 

Quiet Time in Kolsay Lake

I watch the storm changing the landscape and somehow manage to skirt the storm all the way to Almaty, checking into the Hostel before it catch up and poured down.

Two day one night excursion to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Kolsay Lake was a good decision.

Traveled on: June 2024