Things to do in Kegen
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Top 10 attractions in Kegen
Kolsai Lake
Kolsai Lake is located in the Kungei Alatau valley and consists of three alpine lakes connected in a staggered sequence from bottom to top, with altitudes of approx. 1,800 m, 2,250 m, and 2,700 m respectively. Known as the "Three Pearls of the Tian Shan," it is an alpine lake destination near Almaty. The three lakes were formed over a century ago when a strong earthquake triggered landslides that dammed the valley. The lake water comes from glacial melt and has a transparent blue-green color, while the slopes around the lakes are covered with Schrenk's spruce forests. The lower lake is accessible by road and is the starting point for most visitors. The water is clear, and you can often see schools of rainbow trout swimming. Following the valley trail upstream, you can reach the middle lake, which has a wide surface, and the upper lake, which is surrounded by spruce forests and alpine meadows. The hike from the lower lake to the middle lake takes approx. 3 to 4 hours. You can also travel by horse. Picnicking, camping, and cycling by the lake are common activities.Kegen · 73.7km from downtown
Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy is an alpine barrier lake deep in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan, at an altitude of approx. 2,000 m. The lake's name means "birch" in Kazakh, and it is also known as "Birch Lake." The 1911 Kebin earthquake triggered a massive limestone landslide that blocked the valley to form a natural dam, creating the lake while submerging an entire spruce forest, which is how the term "underwater forest" originated. Today, the white dead trees protruding from the water are an iconic sight here: the branches and bark above the water have long since peeled away, leaving the wood bleached white, standing silently in the lake like the masts of a sunken fleet; the branches and leaves beneath the surface have not decayed for years due to the year-round icy water and are covered in algae, and when diving, you can see the nearly intact underwater trees. The lake water takes on a blue-green hue due to limestone and minerals, and it also changes with the light and seasons. Although the water temperature is very low year-round, it is still a popular destination for diving enthusiasts, and in winter, you can experience ice diving and trout fishing. The lake can reach a depth of nearly 30 m. To reach the lake area, you usually need to go to the village at the foot of the mountain first, and the latter part of the journey is mostly on bumpy dirt roads. Hiking or traveling by horse are both common, and Kolsai Lake is often included in the same itinerary.Kegen · 61.7km from downtown
Charyn Canyon National Park
Charyn Canyon National Park is located approx. 200 km east of Almaty, in a semi-desert area near the China-Kazakhstan border. The main body of the park consists of a canyon system carved by the Charyn River over tens of millions of years: stretching approx. 154 km, with depths reaching 200–300 m, the red sandstone has been shaped into rugged rock pillars and steep cliffs by long-term erosion from wind and water. The entire park is composed of several canyons with distinct styles. Valley of Castles is the signature of the canyon, with ochre-red cliffs over 100 m high and rock pillars resembling ancient castles and towers. You can descend from the observation deck along a zigzag path to the valley floor, then walk 2–3 km, passing through narrow rock corridors, all the way to the banks of the Charyn River; Valley of the Moon presents a different face, with grayish-white, rounded hills resembling the lunar surface; in addition, there is the Black Canyon, known for its black cliffs and panoramic river valley views, as well as the more secluded Temirlik Canyon. The canyon is home to over 1,500 species of plants, more than 10 of which are listed in the Kazakhstan Red Data Book, and the park also preserves a rare ash forest.Enbekshikazakh District · 39km from Kegen
Upper Kolsai Lake
Kegen · 72.7km from downtown
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lakeis at an altitude of approx. 2,511 m and is a natural alpine lake in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan created by seismic activity. The lake is fed primarily by glacial meltwater and is clear and cold, with its color shifting between light green and blue-green depending on the season and light. A dam at the northern end of the lake provides a wide vantage point. Standing on the dam, you can see several snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake basin: Soviet Peak at an altitude of approx. 4,317 m to the southeast, Ozyorny Peak to the south, and Tourist Peak to the southwest, all reflected in the lake water. Take a slow walk along the lakeside trail to capture the changing light and shadows on the water and mountains from different angles. Higher up above the lake sits the domed Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory. It is a drive of approx. 1 hour from the city, heading up along the winding mountain canyon and through stretches of spruce forest. For visitors with good stamina, the entire canyon can also be used as a hiking route. Mountain weather is changeable, and temperatures are significantly lower even in midsummer. Compared to midsummer, the frozen lake in winter offers a different kind of snowy landscape.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe is a hill on the southeastern edge of Almaty, with an elevation of approx. 1,070 m, rising approx. 200 m above the city. Its name comes from the Kazakh language, meaning "green hill," which is why it is also often called "Green Hill." It is one of Almaty's city landmarks. The area at the summit has been developed into a leisure park. You can reach the top in a few minutes by cable car from the city center. On the way, you can overlook the streets and distant mountains, and the cable car ride itself is an experience. The attractions at the summit are quite concentrated: the 372 m tall Almaty TV Tower stands here, and the panoramic platform next to the tower is the perfect spot to overlook the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The park also features a Ferris wheel and a bronze statue of The Beatles—John Lennon sits on a bench holding a guitar, with Paul, George, and Ringo standing beside him. The apple-shaped wishing fountain echoes Almaty's name as the "City of Apples." Visiting in the evening is especially recommended; as the sunset sinks into the city skyline and the lights begin to twinkle, the night view from the panoramic platform captures the distant snow-capped mountains in the same frame. There are also souvenir shops and restaurants scattered on the mountain.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Ile-Alatau National Park
Ile-Alatau National Park is famous for its magnificent mountain scenery and rich biodiversity, aiming to protect and showcase the unique ecosystems and natural beauty of the Tianshan Mountains. The park covers a vast area and encompasses a variety of landforms, including towering mountains, expansive grasslands, clear lakes, and dense forests. The park features multiple hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels. These trails not only lead visitors through magnificent natural scenery but also offer opportunities to observe various plants and animals up close. In addition, the lakes and rivers within the park provide an ideal environment for fishing and picnicking. Ile-Alatau National Park not only attracts visitors with its natural beauty but also holds significant cultural and historical value. The park contains several archaeological sites that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs and historical relics here to learn about the local cultural background.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Tamgaly Tas petroglyphen
Tamgaly Tas petroglyphen is a World Heritage site centered on millennia-old petroglyph remains and imprints of nomadic civilization. With its vast number of stone carvings, a time span covering 3,000 years, and rich cultural connotations, it serves as important evidence for studying the history of nomadic peoples in the Central Asian steppes and demonstrates the wisdom of early humans in artistic expression and cultural inheritance. Tamgaly Tas petroglyphen contains approx. 5,000 petroglyphs, created between the 14th century BC and the early 20th century, distributed across 48 archaeological sites. These petroglyphs primarily depict the daily life, religious rituals, and social organization of ancient nomadic peoples, reflecting their belief systems and cultural characteristics. In short, Tamgaly Tas petroglyphen is not only an important resource for studying the culture of ancient nomadic peoples but also a precious cultural heritage of the Central Asian region.Kazakhstan · Qonayev
Medeu
The Medio Sports Complex is named after it was built in the Medio Scenic Area, 15 kilometers away from the urban area, with an altitude of 1520-1750 meters. From Medeo Snow Mountain, you can take the cable car straight up to Shenbulak Snow Mountain, which can reach a height of 3,200 meters and overlook the panoramic view.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Almaty Botanical Gardens
There are beautiful garden areas and paths that wind through the woods. The garden areas are lovely, with a wide variety of plants and trees. There are many squirrels in the botanical garden, and swans and fish in the pond.Kazakhstan · Almaty
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What travellers say about Kegen
夏侯惇看路易十六7 September 2025
4.0
The tour group we signed up for went to Korsai Lake.
Despite the name, the lake is actually divided into three parts. The bottom one is the longest, but narrower. The middle one is the largest. Looking at Google Maps, it looks like there are actually several parts, just separated. The top one is at the highest elevation and is also the smallest.
The water is clear and cool, and there are many small fish that jump to the surface. I heard that fishing will be available soon.
Since we arrived in the evening, we couldn't take a boat trip. The tour guide said that the lake would be closed soon to protect the environment and it might be a few years before it reopens. It was a lucky coincidence.
Kolsai Lake
Haque Saheb22 September 2026
5.0
Charyn Canyon National Park is an incredible destination that feels like stepping into another world. The dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and breathtaking landscapes make every viewpoint unforgettable. Walking through the Valley of Castles is especially impressive, with towering cliffs creating a spectacular natural backdrop. The peaceful atmosphere and wide-open scenery are perfect for photography, hiking, and simply enjoying nature. The changing colors of the canyon throughout the day add even more beauty to the experience. It is a place where adventure and natural wonder come together beautifully. Would you love to explore this amazing canyon on your next journey?
Charyn Canyon National Park
zomitrip16 October 2024
5.0
As of October 2024, the road is closed partway, so you can use YandexGO to get there partway. From there, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on foot for adults to Almaty Lyk.
There are several trash cans along the way, and you can take a rest in a pension-like place (only this one place).
Please be aware that the temperature and weather are prone to change, so don't forget to bring warm clothes and food.
The scenery of Almaty Lyk is very beautiful and worth seeing. Perhaps because it is difficult to get there, there are few tourists now, so you can enjoy it quietly.
Big Almaty Lake
Even1 July 2020
4.0
If you want to overlook the entire city of Almaty, then KokTobe Park is the place to go. The park is located on the top of KokTobe Mountain, 1,100 meters above sea level. Get in the cable car, accompanied by beautiful dombra music, as the altitude continues to rise, the whole city begins to slowly appear at your feet. The top of the mountain is not only a great place to overlook Almaty, but also a magnificent panoramic view of the foothills of Zailiysky Alatau, which is more beautiful than any other angle in the city.
Kok Tobe