Kol-Tor Lake

Kol-Tor sits in a hanging valley above Kegeti at around 2,700 metres, a small lake held behind a moraine with water an intense milky turquoise from glacial flour, ringed by scree and snow patches with peaks behind. The walk up takes three to four hours from the road head, climbing steadily through spruce and then open slope, with a river crossing that can be awkward in high water. Horses can be hired at the bottom for those who prefer to ride. Many people camp by the lake, which is the better way to see it since the colour is at its best in morning light and the day-trippers arrive in the afternoon. There is nothing at the lake: no shelter, no facilities, and the weather can turn sharply.

What you actually see

• The turquoise lake - glacial water held behind a moraine.
• The climb - three to four hours through forest and open slope.
• Camping ground - tent spots on the grass by the shore.
• Surrounding peaks - scree and snow above the water.

When to go

June to September. Early summer means high water at the river crossing and lingering snow; late July to September is easiest. Nights at the lake are cold in any month.

Honest expectations

The walk is steep and gains around 900 metres, harder than its length suggests. The river crossing is genuinely difficult after snowmelt or rain. There is no shelter, water must be treated, and phone signal is absent. Weather can bring snow even in August.

Nearby

Kegeti gorge is the approach; Tokmok lies north.