Alpine tour in Tien-Shan mountains.

"Time flows differently in these gorges:
rivers speak in whispers,
stones remember what people have forgotten,
and lakes hold legends destined to live forever."

Drive to Kayindy gorge from Almaty.

Cascade of two freshwater lakes, Lower and Upper Small Kaindy, is located: Lower at an altitude of 1,913 meters and Upper at an altitude of 1,915 meters above sea level. They are located 356 meters from left bank of river of same name, 580 meters northwest of Lake Kaindy, on northern slope of Kungey Alatau ridge, within Kolsay Kolderi National Park in Kegen district of Almaty region.

Lower Lake Small Kaindy extends 88 meters from southwest to northeast, with a maximum width of 46 meters in the upper part. The lake covers an area of ​​3,814.67 square meters, with a shoreline of 254.64 meters. Upper Lake Small Kaindy extends 101 meters from southwest to northeast, with a maximum width of 55 meters in the central part.
The lake covers an area of ​​4,662.09 square meters, with a shoreline of 287.77 meters. During periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, Lower Lake fills and nearly merges with Upper Lake. During normal weather, the lakes are connected by a small, 1.5-kilometer-long stream that flows down the eastern slope of the Kaindy Gorge.
The stream flows into the western part of Upper Lake Small Kaindy. There is no apparent drainage from Lover Lake; most likely, the lake's water drains through underground streams. Until 2019, there was a parking lot in the southeastern part of Lover Lake.
Currently, the parking lot is located 1.1 kilometers north, where hiking and horseback riding to Lake Kaindy begins. A 12-kilometer road leads from the Saty - Zhalanash highway to the parking lot. The road is in very poor condition and is only suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles.

Small Kaindy Lakes are two hidden bodies of water on northern slopes of Kungey Alatau Range.

A cascade of two high-mountain, flowing, and freshwater lakes - Lower and Upper Small Kaindy - is located in the upper part of the Kaindy Gorge, on the northern slope of the Kungey Alatau Range, within the boundaries of Kolsay Kolderi National Park.
These small but stunningly picturesque lakes are located in the Kegen district of the Almaty region and represent a little-known natural wonder just 580 meters northwest of the famous Kaindy Lake. Lower Lake Small Kaindy, is located at an altitude of 1,913 meters, while the Upper Lake is 1,915 meters above sea level. Both lakes are located just 356 meters from the left bank of the Kaindy River of the same name and form a single natural complex connected by seasonal and permanent watercourses.

Morphometric characteristics of Lower and Upper Lakes Small Kaindy.

Lower Lake Small Kaindy:

Lake length from southwest to northeast: 88 meters.
Maximum width at the upper end: 46 meters.
Surface area: 3,814.67 square meters.
Shoreline length: 254.64 meters.
The Lower Lake occupies a small, narrow basin. Its banks are gentle in places, steeper in others, and the water is clean and clear, thanks to a stream flowing from Upper Lake Kaindy.

Upper Lake Small Kaindy:

Lake extends from southwest to northeast: 101 meters.
Maximum width in the central part of the lake is 55 meters.
Surface area of ​​the lake is 4,662.09 square meters.
Length of the shoreline is 287.77 meters.
Upper Lake is located slightly higher up the gorge and has a more pronounced elongated shape, surrounded by dense spruce thickets.

Hydrology: How are two lakes, Lower and Upper Maloye Kaindy, connected?

During periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, the water levels of both lakes rise, and the Lower Lake practically merges with the Upper Lake, becoming a single body of water. During normal periods, they are connected by a small stream, approximately 1.5 kilometers long, flowing down the eastern slopes of the Kaindy gorge.
The stream flows into the western part of the Upper Lake. There is no observed surface runoff from the Lower Lake; hydrologists assume that the water drains through underground karst and interstratal streams, typical of this zone of the Tien-Shan.

Modern tourist infrastructure of Lower and Upper Maloye Kaindy lakes.

Until 2019, a parking lot was located at the southeastern end of Lower Lake Small Kaindy. It has now been moved 1.1 km north, where hiking and horseback riding trails to Lake Kaindy and the Maloye Kaindy lakes begin.

Road to parking lot starts from Saty - Zhalanash highway.

Length: 12 kilometers.
Condition: difficult, rocky, and in places very rough.
Recommended transport: 4WD vehicles
Two trails lead from the parking lot to Lake Kaindy – along the right and left sides of the gorge; both are suitable for moderate-difficulty walks. The trail along the left side of the gorge leads to the Small Kaindy lakes and further on to the lake of the same name.

Legends of Small Kaindy Lakes

Although the Small Lakes themselves are less well known than their "older brother," Kaindy, locals tell several beautiful legends about their origin.

Legend of "Mirror Tears of Gorge Kaindy."

Two sisters, nymphs of mountain springs, once lived in the Kaindy Gorge. Each guarded her own spring. One day, a powerful earthquake shattered the rocks and separated them. In despair, they shed so many tears that two small lakes were formed, which to this day reflect the sky like two mountain mirrors.

Legend of "Younger Brothers of Kaindy."

Locals say:
"Kaindy is the elder brother, and the two Small Brothers are his younger guardians."
After the 1973 earthquake, a huge landslide created Lake Kaindy, and small underground waters, seeping through cracks in the rocks, filled the two adjacent depressions. Since then, they have always followed Kaindy – quiet, modest, and pure.

Tour guide: best way to visit Malye Kaindy Lakes.

Season: April – November.
Best time to visit: June – September.
Itinerary: From the parking lot, follow the trail along the gorge to Lake Kaindy, and visit the Small Kaindy lakes on the way there or back.
Long walk: 30 - 40 minutes each way.
Difficulty: Moderate.
What to bring: Hiking shoes, poles, a windbreaker, and water.

What's great about this place:

- Uncrowded on weekdays, crowded on Sundays.
- Stunning views of the coniferous slopes.
- Possibility to combine the route with a visit to the Kolsay Lakes.

Geographic coordinates of Lake Maloye Kayindy Lower: N42°59'13 E78°27'34

Geographical coordinates of Lake Maloye Kayindy Upper: N42°59'12 E78°27'29

Authority and photos by:
Alexander Petrov.