Kolsay Lakes National Park

Kolsay Lakes National Park (Kazakh: Көлсай көлдері ұлттық паркі, Kölsai kölderı ūlttyq parkı) is located on the north slope of the Tian Shan Mountains, southeast Kazakhstan (10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan).

Nature conservation is an important part of the park's mission, with 72% of the territory under strict protection, and 13% set aside for tourism and recreation.

The region's climate is characterized by large swings in temperature, both diurnally and seasonally, with mild summers and cold winters.

Rare local plants include: apricot, ili barberry, hawthorn, and Alberta iris.

Six mammals found in the park are classified as rare in Kazakhstan, including the Tian Shen brown bear (U. a. isabellinus), Central Asian river kamşatı, Turkestan lynx, Snow leopard, Tien Shan argali, and the stone marten.

Lower Kolsay Lake
Middle Kolsay Lake
Photo of Middle Kolsay Lake
Lake Kaindy in Kolsay Lakes Park. Note the dead spruce trunks rising from lake.