2-Day Almaty Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy Lake & Charyn Canyon

Trek between turquoise lakes and walk through red sandstone cliffs in two days

A 2-day guided tour from Almaty visits Kaindy Lake with its submerged forest, Kolsay Lakes in the mountains, and Charyn Canyon's red rock formations. The itinerary includes an overnight stay in a traditional Kazakh guesthouse, all meals, transport in a 4WD vehicle, and an English-speaking guide who explains the region's geology and ecology as you move between sites.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Kazakh Wilderness: Lakes Kaindy and Kolsay

• Visit Kaindy Lake and see submerged forest
• Explore Kolsay Lakes and surrounding wilderness
• Overnight stay in traditional Kazakh hotel
• Dinner at accommodation

Day 2: Charyn Canyon Exploration

• Breakfast at accommodation
• Visit Charyn Canyon and Valley of Castles

The experience

Kaindy Lake is the centerpiece of the first day. The lake sits at altitude in the Almaty mountains, and its waters are known for the petrified trees that rise from the lake floor: a forest that drowned when a landslide dammed the valley decades ago. You'll see the submerged trunks from the shore and walk the perimeter to take in the contrast between the turquoise water and the forested slopes around it. From there, the route moves to Kolsay Lakes, a chain of three alpine lakes ringed by dense forest and snow-capped peaks. Trekking paths run alongside the water, and the guide will point out the terrain and the wildlife adapted to it.

The second day centers on Charyn Canyon, where red sandstone cliffs tower overhead and the canyon walls reveal layers of geology carved by wind and water over centuries. A section called the Valley of Castles features rock formations that resemble fortifications. You'll walk into the canyon to see the scale and color of the formations up close before the return to Almaty. The 4WD vehicle handles the rough mountain roads and the varied terrain between sites, and pickup from your Almaty hotel is included.

Overnight accommodation is in a traditional Kazakh guesthouse or hotel, and breakfast and dinner are provided both days. Children from age 5 are welcome on the tour. The guide speaks English and Russian and travels with the group throughout.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide throughout the two days.
• 4WD transport between all sites.
• overnight accommodation in a traditional Kazakh guesthouse or hotel.
• breakfast and dinner on both days.
• drone video sometimes captured during the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tour Kazakhstan

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see three distinct landscapes (submerged forest, alpine lakes and canyon walls) without arranging your own transport or navigation in the mountains. The 4WD vehicle and guide handle the logistics, and the overnight stay means you move at a pace that lets you walk and observe rather than rush between sites in a single day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Kaindy Lake and why is it famous?

Kaindy Lake holds a submerged forest of petrified trees that rise from the lake floor. A landslide created a natural dam in the valley, and the water that filled behind it drowned the forest. The trees remain upright underwater, visible from the shore and creating an unusual geological feature in the Almaty mountains.

How much walking or trekking is involved on this tour?

The tour includes trekking paths alongside Kolsay Lakes and walking into Charyn Canyon to view the rock formations and the Valley of Castles. The pace is moderate and the route is suitable for all fitness levels, though the altitude and mountain terrain mean the walking is at a steady pace over uneven ground.

What kind of vehicle is used, and why?

A 4WD car is used for the entire tour because the roads between Almaty, Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon are rough mountain terrain. The four-wheel drive handles steep grades, unpaved sections and stream crossings that a standard vehicle cannot manage.

Where do I stay overnight, and what meals are included?

You stay overnight in a traditional Kazakh guesthouse or hotel on the first night. Breakfast and dinner are provided on both days of the tour, so meals are covered as part of the booking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Almaty?

Yes, pickup from your Almaty hotel is included. The guide will arrange the time and meeting point when you confirm the booking.