Sever Ili: A Trail to Quiet and Beautiful Places

Route at a glance

Maintained sections make it easier to notice the natural features of the area in detail. Along the way, maintained paths, natural observation areas and interpretive stops are revealed one section at a time. The main landmarks are Lake Kaindy, Kolsai Lakes and Sever Ili. Each deserves a short pause for both the details and the wider setting.

Route suitability

Without a car No data

With children No

With a dog With caution

By bike No

With a stroller No

Mobile signal No data

Getting there

Without a car

Travel from Almaty by coach or transfer to Saty. A local four-wheel-drive vehicle is required from the village to Lake Kaindy and remote trailheads near the trailhead. Because the start and finish are in different places, check the return service in advance, arrange a transfer or leave a second vehicle near the finish.

By car

From Almaty, follow the A2 Kuldja road towards Shelek, then continue via Zhalanash to Saty. The road to Kaindy is unpaved and may require high clearance after rain. Because the start and finish are in different places, check the return service in advance, arrange a transfer or leave a second vehicle near the finish.

Parking

Use official parking at the lake, ranger post or in Saty. A local transfer is safer than taking a normal car onto the rough access road.

What to expect

Lake Kaindy

Kolsai Lakes

Sever Ili

Difficult sections and safety

The route includes sustained climbs and descents, so pace yourself and avoid starting too quickly. The route requires energy for the second half, so identify rest points in advance and avoid a late start. The finish is separate from the start, so arrange the return journey before setting out.

How much time to allow

Pure moving time - 32–46 hours Complete time on the route - 38.5–69 hours

Best time to go

Best time: May–October, depending on weather and trail conditions

Mud, slippery roots and saturated ground are possible in spring and late autumn

Check the full-day forecast and available daylight before setting out

What to bring

shoes with grippy soles

water and food

a charged phone with an offline map

a small first-aid kit

a lightweight rain jacket

trekking poles if you use them