Ozero Sholaksor: The Tranquil Jewel of Kazakhstan

Getting There

• Car

  From the main entrance of Kolsai Lakes National Park, drive towards the Kolsai Lakes area. Follow the signs directing you to the first lake (Kolsai Lake 1). After visiting the lake, continue driving on the main road towards the direction of Kolsai Lake 2. The road will take you through beautiful landscapes and valleys. After about 15 kilometers, look for a small unmarked dirt road on your right that leads towards Ozero Sholaksor. Drive along this road for approximately 5 kilometers until you reach the lake. Parking may be available at designated areas near the lake.

• Public Transport

  From Almaty, take a marshrutka (minibus) heading to Saty village, which is the closest village to Kolsai Lakes National Park. This ride will take around 4-5 hours and costs approximately 1500 KZT. Once you arrive in Saty, you can either hire a local taxi to take you to the Kolsai Lakes area or join a tour that includes transportation. If you choose to hire a taxi, negotiate the fare beforehand; it should cost around 3000-5000 KZT for a round trip. The taxi will drop you off at the trailhead leading to Ozero Sholaksor, from where you will need to hike approximately 5 kilometers to reach the lake.

• Hiking

  If you are already in the Kolsai Lakes area and prefer hiking, start from Kolsai Lake 2. There is a marked trail that leads towards Ozero Sholaksor. The hike will take about 2-3 hours, depending on your pace. Make sure to carry enough water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. The route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, making it a rewarding trek.