2-Day Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty

Walk the Charyn Canyon rim, then hike to an alpine lake ringed by forest.

A 2-day private tour from Almaty visits Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lakes with a licensed English-speaking guide, SUV transport and overnight accommodation in Saty village. Day one takes you down into the canyon to the Charyn River, then to the moon-like terrain of the right bank and the Black Canyon. Day two includes a walk along Kaindy Lake's shore and optional horseback riding or boat trips.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Charyn Canyon area

• Walk along canyon to Charyn river
• Enjoy views and take photos
• Visit center with washrooms and shops
• Stop at moon-looking terrain by river
• Walk and enjoy calmness
• Drive to Black canyon and explore

Day 2: Visit Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

• Drive bumpy gravel road to lake
• Hike last 1.5 km to lake
• Walk along lake shore
• Visit picturesque spots nearby
• Optional boating or horseback riding

The experience

The tour starts with a drive through multiple climate zones toward Charyn Canyon. You'll walk down into the canyon itself, following the river and passing photo spots along the way. An optional side trail branches off for experienced hikers. A visit center at the canyon offers clean facilities and a small shop. Later you'll stop at the moon-looking terrain on the right bank of the Charyn River (a quieter spot reached by gravel road), then continue 20 minutes to the Black Canyon, also carved by the river.

Overnight stays at a guest house in Saty village in a double room with bathroom. The second day takes you toward Kaindy Lake by bumpy gravel road. The final 1.5 kilometers is hiked on foot, though horseback riding or a taxi option exists if you prefer. Once there, you walk the lake shore and visit nearby spots. Boating and horseback riding are available if you arrange them with your guide in advance.

The guide is licensed and speaks English throughout. Transport is by private SUV with air conditioning. National park entrance fees, bottled water, breakfast and dinner are included. The operator accommodates vegan, halal and allergy-friendly meals on request.

What’s included

• National park entrance fees.
• private SUV transport with air conditioning.
• licensed English-speaking guide.
• overnight accommodation in a double room with bathroom at a guest house in Saty village.
• breakfast and dinner.
• bottled water (1.5 liters per person daily).
• vegan, halal and allergy-friendly meals available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Silk Road Guiding

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying in Almaty without a rental car: pickup is included, and the private SUV handles the full two-day route. The fixed itinerary means both the canyon and the lake fit into a single overnight trip without backtracking.

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Top questions

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 like when you reach it?

Kaindy Lake sits in an alpine setting ringed by forest. You walk along the shore and visit picturesque spots nearby. The lake is accessible by a 1.5-kilometer hike after the gravel road ends, though horseback riding or taxi options are available if you prefer not to walk that stretch.

Can I ride a horse or take a boat on this tour?

Horseback riding and boating are both optional and available at Kaindy Lake if you arrange them with your guide in advance. Horseback riding starts from 12 EUR per person and boating from 20 EUR per person.

What happens on the first day in Charyn Canyon?

Day one includes a walk down into Charyn Canyon to the river with photo stops along the way, then a drive to the moon-like terrain on the right bank of the Charyn River and a stop at the Black Canyon, also on the river. An optional side trail for experienced hikers branches off during the canyon walk.

Where do I sleep, and what's included in the overnight?

You stay overnight at a guest house in Saty village in a double room with a private bathroom. Dinner and breakfast are included with your accommodation.

How many climate zones does the drive pass through?

The tour drives through multiple climate zones on the way to the canyon and lakes, showing the diversity of landscapes around Almaty.