Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon tour from Almaty

The water at Kolsai is so clear it looks almost invisible.

A full-day guided tour from Almaty visiting three protected sites: Kaindy Lake in a mountain forest, Kolsai Lake with meadows and ridges, and Charyn Canyon with its red rock formations and gorges. The tour includes all park entry, an English or Russian-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and a photo souvenir. Lunch is your own choice at the on-site cafe. The drive takes 17 hours round trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit lakes and Charyn Canyon

• Travel to Kolsai Lake by UAZ vehicle
• Optional horse ride with escorts
• Explore Kolsai Lake and pine forests
• Have lunch at lake cafe
• Visit Kaindy Lake and admire clear water
• Travel to Charyn Canyon
• Explore Charyn Canyon cliffs and gorges
• See Valley of Castles and Moon Canyon

What’s included

• Entry to Kaindy, Kolsai and Charyn Canyon national parks.
• air-conditioned vehicle with USB and TYPE-C chargers at each seat.
• professional guide in English or Russian.
• transfer from Almaty.
• photo souvenir.
• neck fan in summer or warm gloves and blanket in winter.

Times

• Every day 04:30

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Before you book

Group Up to 25

Live guide English and Russian

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 8h before

Ages Adult (14 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 13 years)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Panda Travel

Prices and times updated yesterday

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The experience

The day starts with a transfer from Almaty to Kaindy Lake, where pine forest and mountains ring the water. A boat or catamaran ride is available if you want it, and there's a cafe on-site serving pilaf, lagman, manti, shish kebab and salads. From there you travel by UAZ vehicle to Kolsai Lake, where the landscape opens into green meadows. If you want to go further into the lake area, you can ride horses with experienced escorts for an additional fee.

Charyn Canyon is the final stop: a sprawl of red cliffs, gorges and formations that took millions of years to carve. The itinerary covers the Valley of Castles, the Charyn River, and the Black and Moon Canyon sections. The vehicle is air-conditioned throughout, and each seat has USB and TYPE-C chargers so your phone stays charged between stops. In summer, the company provides a neck fan with cold air at no cost. In winter, warm gloves and a blanket come free.

Your guide is a professional who speaks English or Russian and knows the region's history. Bring cash in the amount of 5,000–10,000 tenge per person for lunch, snacks or any extras. The full outing is a long day, but all three park entries and transport are arranged before you arrive.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 13 years).

What is Kaindy Lake like, and can I take a boat ride there?

Kaindy Lake is surrounded by mountains and pine forest. A boat or catamaran ride around the lake is available if you choose it, and there's a cafe on-site with local dishes like pilaf, lagman, manti and shish kebab.

Can I ride horses at Kolsai Lake?

Yes, you can ride horses with experienced escorts to go further into the Kolsai Lake area. Horse riding is an optional add-on for 7,000 tenge per person for a round trip.

What does Charyn Canyon look like?

Charyn Canyon has grandiose red cliffs, gorges and bright rock formations created over millions of years. The tour covers the Valley of Castles, the Charyn River, and the Black and Moon Canyon sections.

How long is the full tour, and what's included in the price?

The tour is 17 hours round trip from Almaty. Included are entry to all three national parks, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with USB chargers, a professional guide in English or Russian, and a photo souvenir. Lunch is not included but available at the cafe.

What should I bring for comfort on this long day?

Bring cash for lunch and extras (5,000–10,000 tenge per person is recommended). In summer, the company provides a neck fan at no cost. In winter, warm gloves and a blanket are free. Warm socks are available for an additional fee.