Lake Kaindy in Kazakhstan is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and the sunken forest that lies beneath the surface. The sunken forest was created by a natural dam that formed when a landslide occurred after an earthquake in 1911.
Divers can explore the sunken forest and see the ghostly remains of trees that rise from the lake bed. The trees are said to be over 400 years old and create an eerie underwater landscape. The water is so clear that divers can see the trees and other underwater features with great detail.
Lake Kaindy is a popular destination for divers and nature enthusiasts alike. The lake is situated within the Kolsai Lakes National Park and offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Kazakhstan’s natural landscape. The sunken forest dive is a unique experience that should not be missed by anyone visiting the area.
History and Formation of Lake Kaindy
1911 Kebin Earthquake
Lake Kaindy, located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park of Kazakhstan, was formed due to a tragic event that occurred in 1911. A massive earthquake, known as the Kebin earthquake, caused landslides in the Tian Shan Mountains, which resulted in the formation of a natural dam. The earthquake was so severe that it caused the formation of many other lakes in the region as well.
Natural Dam and Submerged Forest
The landslides caused by the earthquake blocked the gorge and formed a natural dam. Over time, rainfall and mountain river water flooded the gorge, creating Lake Kaindy. The lake, which is around 400 meters long, has a depth of nearly 30 meters at some places. The water of the lake is iridescent bluish-green, and it looks like a Caribbean lagoon.
One of the most unique features of Lake Kaindy is the submerged forest that lies beneath its waters. The forest is made up of spruce trees, which were drowned when the gorge was flooded. The trees are still standing upright, and their top halves tower over the water’s surface. The forest is a popular spot for divers who are interested in exploring the sunken trees and the underwater landscape.
The formation of Lake Kaindy was also due to the presence of limestone deposits in the area. The limestone formed the walls of the gorge, and the landslides caused by the earthquake brought the limestone debris into the gorge, which formed the natural dam.
Traveling to Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy is a popular tourist destination in Kazakhstan, known for its unique sunken forest dive. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to Lake Kaindy.
Reaching Saty Village
Saty Village is the nearest settlement to Lake Kaindy and serves as the starting point for the trek to the lake. Saty Village is located about 300 km from Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Visitors can take a bus, taxi, or marshrutka (shared taxi) from Almaty to Saty Village. The journey takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the mode of transportation.
Transportation Options
Once visitors reach Saty Village, they can hire a taxi or take a shared taxi to the entrance of Kolsai Lakes National Park. From there, it’s a 6 km hike through the forest to reach Lake Kaindy. Alternatively, visitors can rent a horse to make the journey.
Entrance Fee and Regulations
Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee to enter Kolsai Lakes National Park. The fee is around 2000 KZT per person and is valid for one day. Visitors are also required to follow certain regulations to preserve the natural beauty of the area. For example, visitors are not allowed to swim in the lake or walk on the sunken trees.
In conclusion, traveling to Lake Kaindy requires a bit of effort and planning, but the unique sunken forest dive is definitely worth it. Visitors should make sure to arrange transportation to Saty Village and follow the regulations set by the park authorities.
Diving in Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy in Kazakhstan is a unique location for diving enthusiasts. The lake is famous for its sunken forest, crystal-clear water, and trout fishing. It is an ideal place for ice diving during the winter season.
Preparation for the Dive
Before diving in Lake Kaindy, it is essential to take the necessary precautions and plan the dive. The water temperature is cold throughout the year, ranging between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius. Divers should wear a drysuit or a wetsuit with a hood, gloves, and boots to keep warm.
Divers should also have the required certification and experience to dive in cold water. They should carry a dive computer, a compass, a surface marker buoy, and a whistle. It is also important to have a dive buddy and follow the standard safety procedures.
Unique Features Underwater
The sunken forest of Lake Kaindy is a unique feature that attracts divers from all over the world. The trees are still standing upright, and their branches and leaves are preserved underwater. The clear water of the lake provides an excellent visibility of up to 30 meters, allowing divers to explore the forest in detail.
Apart from the sunken forest, divers can also see trout swimming in the lake. The trout are not afraid of divers and can come very close to them. Divers can also see the underwater canyon that was formed during the earthquake that created the lake.
In conclusion, diving in Lake Kaindy is a unique experience that offers divers the opportunity to explore a sunken forest and see trout swimming in crystal-clear water. Divers should take the necessary precautions and plan the dive to ensure their safety.
Conservation and Ecology
Flora and Fauna
Lake Kaindy’s sunken forest is a unique and fragile ecosystem that supports a variety of flora and fauna. The forest is dominated by Schrenk’s spruce trees, which are adapted to the harsh climate of the Tien Shan mountains. The trees are able to survive in the lake due to the high mineral content of the water, which provides them with essential nutrients. The lake also provides a habitat for a variety of aquatic life, including fish and invertebrates.
To protect the delicate ecosystem, visitors are not allowed to swim in the lake or disturb the sunken forest. It is important to respect the natural environment and avoid damaging the trees or disturbing the wildlife.
Environmental Impact
While Lake Kaindy’s sunken forest is a natural wonder, it is also important to consider the environmental impact of the lake. The forest was created by a landslide triggered by a massive earthquake in 1911, which caused the lake to form. Since then, the lake has become a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors each year.
To minimize the impact of tourism on the lake, visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all trash and avoiding disturbing the natural environment. The local government has also implemented measures to protect the lake, including limiting the number of visitors and enforcing strict regulations on tourism activities.
Overall, it is important to balance the preservation of Lake Kaindy’s sunken forest with the economic benefits of tourism. By promoting sustainable tourism practices and educating visitors on the importance of conservation, we can ensure that this natural wonder remains intact for future generations to enjoy.
Last Updated on December 20, 2023 by Cool Rad Weird