Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes tour: Submerged forest

Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, then Kaindy's submerged forest and Charyn Canyon

A 2-day tour from Almaty visiting Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged forest, with a night in a mountain-view hotel in the village of Saty. The route covers Moon Canyon and Black Canyon on day one, then Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon on day two, with breakfast, dinner, snacks, park entry and transport included. A live guide speaks English or Russian.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Moon and Black Canyons plus Kolsay Lake

• Pick up from Almaty
• Travel 4 hours to Moon Canyon
• Explore Moon Canyon trails and views
• Visit Black Canyon for photos
• Arrive at Kolsay Lake and relax
• Travel to Saty village for overnight
• Have lunch in local village
• Have dinner in local village

Day 2: Kaiyndy Lake and Charyn Canyon

• Breakfast in the village
• Travel to Kaiyndy Lake by Soviet van
• Explore trails and sunken forest at Kaiyndy Lake
• Return to village for lunch
• Travel to Charyn Canyon
• Walk at bottom of Charyn Canyon
• Hike to canyon viewpoint

The experience

The tour starts with a 4-hour drive from Almaty to Moon Canyon, where you explore colorful rock formations and hike the trails for photos. A quick stop at Black Canyon follows (about 15 to 20 minutes to take in the panoramic view) before you arrive at Kolsai Lake. You spend roughly 1.5 hours there to rest, photograph and absorb the landscape, then head to the village of Saty for the night. The accommodation is shared rooms separated by gender. Private rooms are available for an extra fee.

Day two begins with breakfast in the village, then a Soviet van takes you to Kaindy Lake, where you explore scenic trails around the sunken forest: trees that were submerged when the lake formed. After lunch back in Saty, you travel to Charyn Canyon around 4pm for a short walk at the canyon floor and a small hike to see the canyon from above. The air-conditioned vehicle, entrance tickets to the national parks, bottled water and a photo recap from the tour are all included.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for the full 2 days.
• Soviet van transport to Kaindy Lake.
• entrance tickets to national parks.
• breakfast and dinner.
• small local snacks.
• bottled water.
• accommodation in shared rooms on night one.
• photo recap from the tour.
• live guide in English or Russian.
• pickup from Almaty.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday and ThursdayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (4 to 60 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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.You can choose from 44 pickup points.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by KazViaTours

Is this one for you?The tour involves moderate hiking and walking at each site (Moon Canyon trails, a short walk at Charyn Canyon's base and a small hike to the canyon rim), so it suits travelers comfortable with uneven terrain and some physical activity over two days. Early starts and a 4-hour drive on day one mean an early morning pickup. If weather turns poor, the operator offers an alternative date or different tour.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

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.

How far is Moon Canyon from Almaty, and what do you do there?

Moon Canyon is roughly 4 hours from the city by vehicle. You explore the otherworldly landscape of colorful rock formations, hike along trails and take photos of the unique scenery.

What is Kaindy Lake and why is it special?

Kaindy Lake is known for its submerged forest: trees that stand underwater in the lake. You explore scenic trails around the lake to see and photograph this unique natural feature.

Where do you sleep, and can you get a private room?

You stay in the village of Saty in shared rooms separated by gender on night one. Private rooms are available for an additional 20 USD. Contact the tour manager for details.

What meals and drinks are provided?

Breakfast and dinner are included, along with small local snacks and bottled water throughout the tour.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the starting point?

Pickup from Almaty is included in the tour. A live guide in English or Russian leads the group.