Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon day trip from Almaty

Three lakes, one canyon, 16 hours of walking and driving through Almaty's mountains

A full-day tour from Almaty visiting Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon with a professional guide, round-trip transport and all park entry fees. The day combines hiking around two alpine lakes and walking through a canyon to the Charyn River, with a small gift for every guest. Moderate fitness is needed; the tour runs 16 hours and is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

• Walk around Kolsai Lake
• Hike to Kaindy Lake
• Walk in Charyn Canyon and hike to Sharyn River
• Visit Black Canyon viewpoint

The Experience

You start early and spend the day moving between three distinct landscapes within a few hours' drive of Almaty. Kolsay Lake sits surrounded by mountains where you walk the shoreline; Kaindy Lake is unusual for the poplars that grow straight out of the water, and you hike about 2.5 kilometers to reach it. Charyn Canyon closes the day with a walk down into red cliffs and a short hike to the Charyn River itself, plus a 15-minute stop at the Black Canyon viewpoint. A professional guide leads the whole route, and the van handles all the driving so you only walk when you choose to.

Entry to all three parks is included, along with the transport between them and back to Almaty. The guide speaks the language you book in and stays with the group throughout. Every traveler receives a small gift during the tour—a practical touch that marks the day. The itinerary builds around hiking and walking rather than sitting: expect to be on your feet for stretches, especially the 2.5-kilometer approach to Kaindy Lake, and the terrain is uneven in places. The full day runs 16 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Almaty.
• entrance fees to Kolsay Lakes National Park, Kaindy Lake National Park and Charyn National Park.
• a professional guide for the full day.
• a small gift for every guest.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Joinme Asia

Is this one for you?The guide speaks the language you choose at checkout, so you follow the commentary without translation. Book this if you want to hike and walk at your own pace through three different landscapes in one day—the guide leads, but the stops and the walking are yours to control.

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Top questions

What is Kaindy Lake and why do people hike there?

Kaindy Lake is a unique alpine lake where poplars grow directly out of the water—a rare sight that makes it worth the 2.5-kilometer hike from the parking area. The trees create an unusual landscape you can only see by walking in.

How much walking and hiking is involved in this tour?

You walk around Kolsay Lake's shoreline, hike 2.5 kilometers to Kaindy Lake, and walk through Charyn Canyon to the river with a short hike included. The day is built around movement rather than sitting; moderate fitness is needed to complete it comfortably.

Does the tour include meals or snacks?

The tour includes all park entry fees, transport and a professional guide, but snacks and meals are not included—bring food and water for the day, especially since you'll be hiking and walking for several hours.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The tour runs 16 hours total, including the drive from Almaty and back. Pickup happens early in the morning; confirm the exact start time when you book, as it depends on your hotel location.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 2, though they must be comfortable with several hours of hiking and walking. Infants can sit on an adult's lap during the drive. The 2.5-kilometer hike to Kaindy Lake and the canyon walking require a moderate level of fitness.

What should I bring for this day?

Bring water, snacks, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection and a camera. The terrain is uneven in places and you'll be walking for several hours, so wear layers since mountain weather can change. The guide and transport are arranged; you only need to show up ready to walk.