1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

Almaty , Kazakhstan

1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

Active

17h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The first stop is the mysterious Kaindy Lake — a natural wonder featuring a sunken forest, where fir trees seem to float in the crystal-clear emerald water. Next, we head to the picturesque Kolsai Lake, surrounded by mountains and dense coniferous forests. Here, you can take a walk along the shore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. We end the day at one of Kazakhstan's most breathtaking locations — the Charyn Canyon. Its majestic cliffs and the Valley of Castles will leave a lasting impression and serve as a perfect finale to the journey. You’ll enjoy comfortable transportation, an attentive guide and countless opportunities for stunning photos. This adventure offers vibrant emotions, unforgettable views, and a full immersion into the wild beauty of Kazakhstan.

Available options

1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

What's included

Guide services

Entrance tickets to National parks of Kolsay, Kaindy and Charyn canyon

Comfortable tourist bus

UAZ vehicle to Kaindy

Detailed itinerary

At the Black Canyon, we’ll make a brief stop of approximately 10-15 minutes to admire this striking natural formation. Guests will have the chance to take photographs of the canyon’s dramatic dark cliffs and unique geological textures.

While it’s a short visit, the scenery offers a powerful contrast to the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable visual highlight of the tour.

At Kaindy Lake, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by one of Kazakhstan’s most unique natural wonders — the sunken forest. The lake’s submerged trees, rising through turquoise waters, create a surreal and unforgettable landscape.

We’ll begin with a scenic outdoor breakfast(bring your own), allowing time to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. After the meal, there will be time to explore the area on foot and take photographs from various viewpoints before continuing the journey.

At Kolsay Lake, guests will enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, surrounded by pristine mountain scenery and dense coniferous forest. This is an ideal opportunity to take photos of the lake’s clear, reflective waters and picturesque surroundings.

We’ll take a break in a scenic area, allowing time to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. Guests are welcome to explore the area at their own pace or simply take in the views before we continue the tour.

At Charyn Canyon, guests will take a guided walk through one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural landmarks. The route leads through the famous Valley of Castles, where towering rock formations create a dramatic and almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Along the way, there will be opportunities to take photographs, learn about the canyon’s geological history, and simply enjoy the scale and silence of this awe-inspiring landscape. The walk is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, with time allocated for rest and exploration.

What's not included

Snacks

Personal expences

Entertainment (boats, horse-riding, etc)

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meeting point at 4:00 AM at Abay-Zharokov, parking near the Alatau metro station, Zharokova 119 (Yandex/2GIS)

About Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free to enter, fees for attractions

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.

Historical/Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Green Bazaar

Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.

Sports/Adventure 2-3 hours Entrance and rental fees vary

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint Half-day to full-day trip Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Lagman

A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.

Shashlik

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baursaks

Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Snowboarding Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kazakh, Russian
Widely spoken: Russian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Almaty-2 Railway Station

By bus

Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Kok Tobe Saryarka Zhetysu

Day trips

Charyn Canyon

200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip

Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.

Kolsai Lakes

300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.

Issyk Glacier

60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip

Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Festivals

Almaty Apple Festival • September Almaty International Film Festival • September Almaty Jazz Fest • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets