Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lake Day Tour: Ancient Canyon Experience

A 12-million-year-old canyon, a mountain lake, and a village lunch in one day

This 12-hour day tour from Almaty combines two landscapes: a descent into Charyn Canyon, a 12-million-year-old natural monument of layered sedimentary rock, and hiking along Kolsai Lake, which mirrors the Tien Shan mountains. You'll walk a 3 km path to the canyon river, take lunch in Baiseit village, and return to your hotel by 7pm with a professional English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake Tour

• Depart hotel to Charyn Canyon
• Admire panoramic canyon view
• Walk to river along canyon path
• Rest at riverside
• Lunch in Baiseit village cafe
• Depart to Kolsay Lake
• Hike and take pictures at Kolsay Lake
• Depart to Almaty
• Arrive at hotel

The experience

The day starts at 7am from your hotel and heads toward Charyn Canyon. By 9:30 you'll stop in Baiseit village for lunch at a local café, where you can see the open-air market and taste Kazakh food (vegetarian options available on request). The canyon itself arrives at 10am: you'll stand on the observation deck for the panoramic view and photographs, then descend into the canyon itself and walk a wide path down to the river, 3 kilometers over about 40 minutes, before resting at the water's edge.

At noon you depart for Kolsai Lake, arriving by 2pm. The lake sits high in the mountains and reflects the Tien Shan peaks across its surface. You'll hike and photograph for roughly two hours, then head back toward Almaty at 3pm, arriving at your hotel around 7pm. Your guide handles the route, answers questions about the history and geology of both sites, and is responsible for your safety throughout.

Transport and parking are included. Lunch is included. The walking is steady but not technical. The canyon path is wide and the pace is set by the group. Early starts and long days suit travelers who want to see two distinct landscapes without splitting them across separate trips.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide for the full day.
• hotel pickup and return transport.
• lunch at a local café in Baiseit village.
• parking fees at both sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (4 to 70 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Kazia Tour

Is this one for you?The 12-hour day and steady 3 km walk suit travelers who want to see two distinct landscapes without splitting them across separate trips and don't mind an early 7am start.

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Top questions

How difficult is the walk down into Charyn Canyon?

The path to the river is 3 kilometers and takes about 40 minutes at a steady pace. It's a wide, established trail with no scrambling or technical sections, and you rest at the riverside before heading back up.

What is Kolsai Lake like when we arrive?

Kolsai Lake sits in the mountains and reflects the Tien Shan peaks across its surface. You'll hike and take photographs there for roughly two hours. The exact route depends on the group's pace and interests.

What kind of lunch is served in Baiseit village?

Lunch is at a local café in Baiseit village and features Kazakh cuisine. If you're vegetarian or have food allergies, let the operator know in advance and they'll make allowances.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your Almaty hotel is included. Departure is 7am and arrival back is around 7pm.

What makes Charyn Canyon special geologically?

Charyn Canyon is a 12-million-year-old natural monument made up of complex layers of sedimentary rock. Your guide will explain the geology and history as you walk through it.