Kolsay Lakes Wild Hike with Pack Horses (3 Days)
MORN. CURATED ESCAPE · SECTOR 02

Three Kolsay Lakes Expedition

a three-day wild hike with pack horses

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Size
1–8 guests · Shared group
Difficulty
Moderate
Season
June – October
Camp Altitude
2650 m
875,000 ₸ (~$1,840) per person Exactly 0% markup.
Kolsay Lakes

Kolsay Lakes Wild Hike with Pack Horses (3 Days)

A true off-grid expedition through the Kungey Alatau ridge, far from asphalt and tourist crowds. Unlike standard day tours, you’ll enter the Kolsay basin from its wild side through Kurmety village and mountain passes. You hike light — pack horses handle the heavy food bags and camping gear. Experience all three lakes, a night in an alpine wooden refuge, and campfire nights under starry mountain skies.

Explore all three Kolsay Lakes along secret, uncrowded trails while pack horses carry all heavy camping gear and provisions. Spend your first night in a secluded wooden mountain hut and your second in tents right on the wild shore of High Kolsay Lake.

Trail Highlights

  • Exploring all three Kolsay lakes by unknown paths avoiding crowds.
  • Immersion into the wild environment of Kungey Alatau.
  • Feel yourself as a nomad by traveling in the mountains with horse.
  • Experiencing hospitality of locals living in the countryside.
  • Trying the taste of national cuisine.
  • Staying in the wooden hut on the picturesque valley.
  • Camping under starry skies on the shore of the lake.

Hike & Camp with Horses Format

  • This is an authentic trekking expedition on foot: participants hike with light daypacks containing personal water, warm layer, and camera.
  • Pack horses carry all heavy food bags, kitchenware, tents, and camp provisions.
  • The team includes an experienced English-speaking trekking guide and professional horse groomers.
  • Difficulty level is Intermediate to Advanced, requiring good physical walking stamina for multi-hour mountain passes.

Region, Altitudes & Season

  • Region: Kungey Alatau mountain range (Northern Tien Shan).
  • Route altitude range: 1,800 to 2,950 m.a.s.l.
  • Day 1 mountain hut altitude: 2,830 m.
  • Day 2 highest point: 2,860 m; Day 2 campsite altitude: 2,650 m.
  • Day 3 highest point: 2,650 m.
  • Season: June – October.
  • Starting and ending location: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Accommodation: Mountain Hut & Wild Camping

  • Night 1: Secluded wooden mountain hut in the alpine valley at 2,830 m.
  • Night 2: Wild tent camping on the shore of High (Third) Kolsay Lake at 2,650 m.
  • Shared 2- and 3-person expedition tents with sleeping mats are provided.
  • We recommend bringing your own reliable personal tent if preferred; rental of individual tents is available upon advance request.

Passport, Border Zone & Safety Regulations

  • Original passport is strictly required for all participants during all days of the trip, as part of the route passes close to the border of Kyrgyzstan.
  • Depending on weather, health and physical condition of the participants, guide can make adjustments to the program.
  • The program can be canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions or the real threat to life and health of the participants.
Logistics & Transfer: Round-trip private transfer included to Kurmety Village, Kolsay Basin (285 km one-way from Almaty).
Meeting point: Hotel Pickup & City Meetup in Almaty. Meeting with the guide at 06:30 AM in Almaty. Departure by SUV or minibus to Kurmety village (285 km) with a stop at Baiseit market.
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Day by Day

Expedition Itinerary

DAY 1

Almaty – Kurmety Village – Besmoinak Pass – Mountain Hut

🥾 15 km ↗ +1250m ↘ -120m
  1. Early morning meeting in Almaty with the guide. Departure by SUV or minibus toward Kurmety village (285 km) with a stop at Baiseit village local food market to buy fresh traditional bread, seasonal fruits, and vegetables.
  2. Arrival in Kurmety village. Enjoy a relaxing tea and coffee break with local snacks in the summerhouse, meet the horse wrangler, and complete preparations while loading and balancing saddlebags onto the pack horses.
  3. Start trekking light through Besmoinak pass toward the high-altitude mountain hut. The trail winds along scenic riverbanks and mountain slopes with regular stops for rest, trail snacks, and landscape photography.
  4. Arrival at the wooden mountain hut at 2,830 m. Short rest, followed by an evening walk to a nearby viewpoint opening a dramatic panorama of Middle and Low Kolsay Lakes in the sunset light.
  5. Hot camping dinner prepared by the team, evening tea by the stove, and overnight stay in the warm wooden mountain hut.
DAY 2

Mountain Hut – Middle Kolsay Lake – High Kolsay Lake

🥾 14 km ↗ +700m ↘ -900m ▲ 2860 m
  1. Breakfast in the mountain hut, morning preparations, packing backpacks, and securing gear back onto the pack horses.
  2. Hike to Middle Kolsay Lake through two small alpine passes. In clear weather, expansive landscapes of the Kungey Alatau unfold with blooming mountain flowers and aromatic herbs.
  3. Middle Kolsay Lake appears from behind the ridge. Trail descends through dense Tien Shan spruce forest with a shallow river wading section. Lakeside picnic with turquoise views, rest, and swimming for those who wish.
  4. Continue the trek along the heart-shaped shore of Middle Kolsay toward High (Third) Kolsay Lake (Day 2 highest point: 2,860 m). The trail leads through untouched spruce forests, scenic streams, and open views of towering alpine ridges.
  5. Arrival at the wild shore of Third Kolsay Lake at 2,650 m. Pitching expedition tents, exploring the pristine shoreline, enjoying campfire dinner, and stargazing under deep mountain skies.
DAY 3

Third Kolsay – Middle Kolsay – Low Kolsay – Saty – Baiseit – Almaty

🥾 14 km ↗ +300m ↘ -1000m ▲ 2650 m
  1. Early breakfast on the lake shore, taking down and packing tents, and loading camping equipment onto the pack horses.
  2. Hiking back along the trail to Middle Kolsay Lake with a brief stop by the shore for hot tea and energy snacks.
  3. Trek continues along the mountain trail to the southern shore of Low (First) Kolsay Lake, traversing around the lake to the main northern shore and parking area.
  4. Meet transfer vehicle at Low Kolsay Lake parking area, passing Saty village, and beginning the scenic drive back toward Almaty.
  5. Stop in Baiseit village for a hearty traditional dinner and rest break.
  6. Arrival back in Almaty by 8:00 PM, drop-off at your hotel / central meeting point.
Transparency

What's Included & Packing Checklist

Included in Price

  • English-speaking trekking guide
  • Return transfer from Almaty (SUV or minibus)
  • Horses’ rental for carrying the food and camping gear
  • Horse groomer services
  • National Park environmental fee
  • Camping meals: dinner on Day 1; breakfast and dinner on Day 2; breakfast on Day 3
  • Shared 2 and 3 pax tents with sleeping pads
  • Overnight in the mountain hut (Night 1)

Not Included

  • Personal expenses and other expenses not indicated in the program
  • Medical and travel insurance policy
  • Individual snacks
  • Personal sleeping bag (available for rent upon request)

Recommended Packing Checklist

Apparel & Layers

  • Trekking long pants or leggings
  • T-shirt or light long-sleeve shirt
  • Cap / panama hat
  • Neck gaiter
  • Membrane / water- and wind-resistant jacket
  • Rain poncho
  • Thermal base layer
  • Warm fleece jacket
  • Light down vest or jacket
  • Two pair of hiking socks
  • Beanie
  • Fleece or other thin gloves
  • Swimsuit

Gear & Equipment

  • Hiking waterproof boots with good sole
  • Hiking gaiters
  • Light sandals / rubber slippers for wading the river
  • Sleeping bag 0 to +5 °C comfort
  • Hiking backpack 20–30 L with raincover
  • Big hiking backpack / travel duffel 50–60 L with raincover
  • Trekking poles

Trail Essentials

  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen with high UVA protection
  • Personal dishes: fork, spoon, mug, bowl, knife
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Small towel
  • Water container
  • Thermos
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Energy / protein / muesli bars / dry fruits / nuts / preferred snacks
  • Remedy for mosquitoes, flies, horseflies and ticks
  • Isothermal foil survival blanket
  • Matches or lighter in waterproof package
  • Chargers and cords / power bank / compact solar panel
Rates

Group Tiers & Transparent Pricing

Exactly 0% markup. You pay the organizers directly, with no agency commissions or hidden markups.

The more people in the group, the lower the price for each person.

1 Guest
875,000 ₸ per person
(~$1,840)
2 Guests
540,000 ₸ per person
(~$1,140)
3 Guests
385,000 ₸ per person
(~$810)
4–6 Guests
335,000 ₸ per person
(~$705)
7–8 Guests
310,000 ₸ per person
(~$650)
Peace of Mind

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation terms are not published. Please clarify when submitting request.

Guide Team

Your Mountain Guides

Certified English-speaking trekking guides and professional horsemen of Powder Nomads.

Languages on site: English
Digital briefing: English, Russian, Kazakh
Darya Ponomaryova
Powder Nomads

Darya Ponomaryova

Certified KMGA/KTA Guide • Expedition Leader & Ski Mountaineer

🇬🇧 Fluent English⛷️ 1st Female Ski Guide in RK (KMGA)🏆 RK Book of Records Record Holder❄️ Avalanche Safety (AST 2)🏔️ NAMG Board Member

The first certified female ski guide in Kazakhstan (KMGA) and the first CIS woman to ski down Peak Lenin (7,134 m). Darya led Kazakhstan's inaugural ski-touring expedition to Antarctica, holds AST 2 avalanche safety credentials, and earned a Tourism degree from Turan University. She seamlessly blends elite high-altitude safety with mindfulness, passion, and genuine hospitality.

“Adventure isn’t just about reaching a peak — it’s about personal growth, inspiration, and living every moment fully. The mountains teach us to stay grounded and deeply connected.”
Alexander Zadneprovskiy
Powder Nomads

Alexander Zadneprovskiy

Certified KMGA/KTA Guide • Ski Mountaineer & Expedition Leader

🇬🇧 Fluent English⛷️ Certified Ski Guide (KMGA)🏔️ Descent from Lenin Peak (7,134 m)📜 KMGA / KTA Certification🐴 Horseback & Trekking Expeditions

Born and raised in Almaty, Alexander has 20+ years of skiing experience. Certified through the International Mountain Guiding School (KMGA), he completed a historic ski descent down the North Face of Peak Lenin (7,134 m) and pioneered over 15 first ski descents in the Tien Shan. Having guided across Central Asia and Europe, he combines high-altitude mastery with authentic hospitality.

“Nature is our greatest teacher. Mountains aren't just about the summit, but about the genuine connection, stories, and wild freedom we share along the trail.”
Alyona Gulyayeva
Powder Nomads

Alyona Gulyayeva

Certified KTA Trekking Guide • Expedition Organizer & Yacht Skipper

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ Certified Guide (KTA)⛰️ Elbrus Ascent (5,642 m)⛵ Yacht Captain (IYT Bareboat Skipper)🐧 Antarctica Expedition Organizer

Born into a family of geographers, Alyona grew up surrounded by maps and expedition notebooks. She organized Kazakhstan’s first ski-touring expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, summited Mount Elbrus (5,642 m), and is a certified IYT sailing skipper. Alyona brings calm confidence, deep environmental insight, and authentic warmth to every mountain journey.

“The wilderness allows you to meet your true self far from city noise and artificial roles. Mountains are places of pure power, clarity, and lifelong connection.”
Rakhman Baibolatov
Powder Nomads

Rakhman Baibolatov

WFTGA Regional Guide • Jeep Tours, Trekking & Horse Riding Expert

🇬🇧 Fluent English📜 WFTGA Certified Guide (2025)🏔️ 3rd Category Mountaineer🩹 First Aid🚙 Jeep Tours & Expeditions

Formerly a finance graduate and banker, Rakhman left the corporate world behind to follow his true calling in the wild landscapes of Kazakhstan. Since 2020, he has guided hundreds of custom day-trips and multi-day expeditions (including Baikonur). Combining deep cultural insight with genuine warmth and strict safety standards, Rakhman creates deeply meaningful experiences for international travelers.

“The mountains revealed something I didn’t even know I was looking for. Guiding travelers from all over the globe and sharing the authentic spirit of Kazakhstan is what truly fulfills my soul.”
Natalya Salnikova
Powder Nomads

Natalya Salnikova

3rd Category Alpine Instructor • Certified Mountain Guide & Ski Mountaineer

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ 3rd Category Mountaineering Instructor🏆 RK Championship Medalist⛰️ 100+ Ascents (Lenin Peak, Elbrus)🎿 Ski Touring & Trekking

With over 15 years of mountain experience, Natalya is a certified alpine instructor (since 2016) and a medalist in National Ice Climbing and Winter Duathlon Championships. Having completed 100+ major ascents — including Lenin Peak (7,134 m), Kazbek, and Elbrus — she prioritizes group harmony, calm confidence, and deep respect for every climber along the trail.

“In the peaks, true connection and safety matter most. I guide without rush, focusing on mutual respect, calm presence, and the genuine freedom to be yourself.”
Igor Malkin
Powder Nomads

Igor Malkin

Certified Mountaineering Instructor • High-Altitude Trekking & Ski Expedition Leader

🇬🇧 Fluent English🏔️ Mountaineering Instructor🏆 RK Championship Bronze Medalist (2017)⛰️ 150+ Technical Ascents🎿 High-Altitude Ski Touring Expeditions

Igor has completed 150+ technical mountain ascents across Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Peak Lenin (7,134 m), Marble Wall, Free Korea, Kazbek, and a pioneer first ascent on Bayankol (2018). As a certified mountaineering instructor and bronze medalist at the Kazakhstan National Championships, he blends high-level alpine mastery with a calm, reassuring, and supportive presence.

“My passion for the wild began in childhood. Today, my mission is to share mountain wisdom so you feel completely confident, secure, and at home among the high peaks.”