Kolsai Lakes
About this Dive Site
Description
The Kolsai Lakes, often called the 'Pearls of the Tien Shan,' are a breathtaking chain of three alpine lakes nestled in Kazakhstan's mountains. While renowned for their stunning natural beauty and clear, cold waters, they are not a typical destination for recreational scuba diving due to accessibility and frigid temperatures. The unique ecosystem supports local flora and fauna, offering a serene, albeit challenging, environment for the adventurous.
Best Time to Dive
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3°C | 6°C | 10°C | 14°C | 18°C | 19°C | 16°C | 12°C | 7°C | 2°C | ||
Peak Season
June, July, August
Jan
Ice diving possible, but extremely challenging and requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Feb
Ice diving possible, but extremely challenging and requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Mar
Ice melt begins, visibility may improve slightly. Still very cold.
Apr
Ice is mostly gone. Water is still very cold, but visibility improves.
More monthly highlights
May
Water temperatures begin to rise. Good visibility for exploring the lakebed.
Jun
Pleasant water temperatures. Excellent visibility for exploring submerged landscapes.
Jul
Peak summer diving. Warmest water temperatures and great visibility.
Aug
Still good diving conditions, though visibility might slightly decrease due to increased plankton.
Sep
Water begins to cool. Visibility remains good.
Oct
Autumn diving. Water is cooler, but visibility is often excellent.
Nov
Water temperatures drop significantly. Requires drysuits and cold-water diving experience.
Dec
Freezing temperatures. Ice formation begins, making diving extremely difficult or impossible.
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