2-Day Kolsay Lakes & Charyn Canyon tour from Almaty

Two days in the Tian Shan Mountains: lakes, canyon and a night in the foothills

A 2-day private tour from Almaty visiting Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon with a Russian-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, overnight stay in a mountain guesthouse, and all meals included. The route covers the north slope of the Tian Shan range, moving from alpine lakes on day one to the canyon's castle-like rock formations on day two before returning to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Visit Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes

• Travel to Kaindy Lake
• Explore Kaindy Lake
• Drive to Kolsay Lakes
• Visit Kolsay Lakes
• Overnight at local guesthouse

Day 2: Explore Charyn Canyon and return

• Breakfast in guesthouse
• Drive to Charyn Canyon
• Walk along Charyn Canyon path
• Lunch in Baisiet village
• Return to Almaty

The experience

Day one starts with a drive southeast from Almaty to Kaindy Lake, a subalpine water surrounded by the Tian Shan peaks. From there it's about 15 kilometers to Kolsay Lakes, a pair of alpine reservoirs on the north slope of the mountains. The evening ends at a private guesthouse in Saty village where you stay overnight in a single-gender room with other members of your booking group.

Day two begins at 8 a.m. with a two-hour drive to Charyn Canyon. The route takes you through the Black Canyon before reaching the main site, where you walk along a path through the canyon floor and see rock formations that resemble castle walls and turrets. After exploring the valley of Castles and the views from the canyon rim, the drive back to Almaty completes the tour. The guide speaks Russian throughout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.

Transport, dinner on the first night, breakfast on the second morning, all park fees and taxes, and the overnight accommodation are included. Vegetarian meals are available on request. Children from age 4 are welcome, and infants travel on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Russian-speaking guide.
• overnight stay in a private room at a mountain guesthouse.
• dinner on day one and breakfast on day two.
• all park entry fees and taxes.
• vegetarian meals available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years): free · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideRussian

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 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Hello, Kazakhstan!

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to visit all three sites in one trip. The overnight mountain stay means you'll reach Charyn Canyon early on day two with time to explore it thoroughly before returning to Almaty.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years): free. Children under 4 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 like when you arrive?

Kaindy Lake is a subalpine lake surrounded by Tian Shan peaks. The operator describes it as a view "worth a thousand words," and it is the first stop on day one after the drive from Almaty.

Where do you sleep on the overnight stay?

You stay in a private room at a local guesthouse in Saty village, assigned by gender with other members of your booking party.

Is the guide fluent in English?

The guide speaks Russian. If you need English or another language, confirm availability when booking.