Charyn, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tour: Canyons & Mountain Lakes

Four natural wonders in one day: canyon walks, two alpine lakes, and a hidden gorge

A full-day tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake and Black Canyon with an English or Russian-speaking guide and all park fees included. You walk the Valley of Castles through dramatic rock formations, see Kolsai's mountain reflection, ride horses at Kaindy's emerald waters and submerged trees, and explore the dark volcanic gorge of Black Canyon before returning to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore lakes and canyons in nature

• Visit Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon
• Walk along canyon floor and admire cliffs
• See natural mirror lake with mountain reflections
• Offroad tour to unique mountain lake
• Experience horseback riding and take photos
• Visit Black Canyon near Charyn Canyon
• Enjoy panoramic photos and peaceful contemplation

The experience

How do you fit four separate landscapes into a single day from Almaty without renting a car or hiring a private driver? This tour chains them together: the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon, where wind-carved cliffs tower over the canyon floor; Kolsai Lake, a quiet alpine basin that mirrors the surrounding peaks; Kaindy Lake high in the mountains, ringed by forest and dotted with the skeletal remains of trees that drowned when the lake formed; and Black Canyon, a narrow gorge cut through dark volcanic rock by the Charyn River. The guide handles the route and timing, and all park entry fees are built in.

The day runs 15 hours door-to-door, so you leave early and return late. Horseback riding happens at Kaindy, and a meal of local cuisine is part of the itinerary. Bring your passport: the eco-park checks documents at entry. The mountain air runs about 5 degrees colder than Almaty, so pack warm layers and sturdy walking shoes. The terrain includes canyon-floor walks and uneven ground. If you're vegetarian or have food allergies, notify the operator before the tour so they can adjust the meal.

The guide speaks either English or Russian, so you choose the language when you book. Both versions follow the same route and stops. The difference is only in the commentary and how much back-and-forth you can manage with the guide during the day.

What’s included

• Guide service in English or Russian.
• all park entry fees and taxes.
• horseback riding at Kaindy Lake.
• local cuisine meal.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (8 to 70 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Kazia Tour

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Russian, so pick the language you understand best: both versions cover the same four sites and follow the same route, and the choice only affects how much you can chat with the guide during the day.

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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.

What is the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon actually like to walk through?

The Valley of Castles is the most dramatic section of Charyn Canyon, where the rock has eroded into formations that resemble ancient fortresses. You walk along the canyon floor itself, surrounded by towering cliffs shaped by wind and water over millennia, with views that feel otherworldly.

Why is Kaindy Lake called a fairy tale and what makes it different from Kolsai?

Kaindy Lake sits high in the mountains and is known for its striking emerald-colored water and the dead trees standing upright in it: remnants from when the lake formed and flooded the forest. Kolsai, by contrast, is a quiet alpine lake famous for mirroring the mountains around it, earning it the local name "Natural Mirror."

What is Black Canyon and why is it included if Charyn is already a canyon?

Black Canyon is a separate gorge carved by the Charyn River through dark volcanic rock, creating a narrow, shadowy landscape completely different from the Valley of Castles. It is tucked near Charyn but offers a hidden, dramatic mood ideal for photography and quiet reflection away from the main canyon crowds.

Is this tour physically demanding, and who should not book it?

The tour involves walking, horseback riding and 15 hours of travel, so moderate physical fitness is needed. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. Contact the operator if you have mobility concerns or medical conditions.