Kolsai lakes are rightfully among the most beautiful natural places in Kazakhstan. Another name for the Kolsai lakes is the blue necklace of the Northern Tien Shan. This name fully reflects reality, because such incredible beauty is not found everywhere. “Kolsai” literally means “lake in a gorge.”Each of the three Altai lakes is located at different levels relative to sea level. The Kolsai River begins its long journey from ancient glaciers located on the Kungei-Alatau mountain ranges and alternately flows into each of the lakes. The lakes are of decent depth and are freshwater. The greatest recorded depth is 80 m. The bottom of the lakes has a gentle topography and does not have pronounced rocky ledges.