Kolsai, Kaindy & Charyn Canyon: Day Trip from Almaty

Summary

Charyn’s wild cliffs, blue lakes and laughter over Kazakh lunch

You’ll start before sunrise from Almaty for a full day exploring Charyn Canyon’s wild rock formations, tasting homemade Kazakh lunch in Saty village, bouncing up mountain roads to Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest, and finishing beside Kolsai Lake’s quiet waters. Expect real conversation with your guide and small moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

I opened my eyes just as we were pulling away from Almaty — still dark outside, city lights blinking past the window. Honestly, I almost bailed when I saw the 5am pickup time. But by the time we stopped for coffee (Kazakh instant, nothing fancy), everyone in our little group was half-awake and swapping sleepy jokes. Our guide, Ayan, grinned and told us to save our energy for Charyn Canyon. He wasn’t kidding. When we finally stepped out at the “Valley of Castles,” I felt that dry canyon wind hit my face — sharp but clean — and the silence was huge except for a magpie squawking somewhere below. The rocks looked like something out of a dream or maybe an old movie set. My shoes filled with red dust almost immediately.

We climbed down into the canyon together, picking our way between boulders while Ayan pointed out shapes in the cliffs (“That one’s supposed to be a sleeping camel — you see it?”). I didn’t really, but nodded anyway. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet and stared at the layers of stone — oranges, browns, even some weird purple streaks if you squinted right. After that we drove through Black Canyon (quick photo stop), then rattled into Saty village where lunch was waiting at a family guesthouse. Hot soup and bread on a wooden table; someone’s grandma kept refilling my tea before I could finish it.

The ride up to Kaindy Lake was in this old Soviet van that bounced so much I thought my teeth might rattle loose (Ayan called it “Kazakh massage”). From the parking spot we walked through pine trees — cold air and that wet-earth smell after last night’s rain — until suddenly there it was: Kaindy Lake with those sunken tree trunks sticking out of blue water like something half-magical. Some folks took horses instead of walking; I stuck to my boots but kind of wished I’d tried riding just for the story.

Later at Kolsai Lake, everything felt quieter somehow. The sun had started dropping behind the mountains and there was this silvery light on the water. It got chilly fast — I pulled on every layer I’d brought. We didn’t stay long but it’s one of those places that gets under your skin. Even now, back in noisy Almaty, sometimes I still think about that hush by the lake and wonder what it’d be like to wake up there instead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Charyn Canyon and Lakes

• 05:00 Pick-up from Almaty
• 05:40 Depart from city
• 07:00 Coffee and restroom break
• 08:30 Arrive at Charyn Canyon
• Walk along canyon and visit spots
• 10:00 Depart Charyn Canyon
• Visit Black Canyon viewpoint
• 12:00 Arrive at Saty village
• Transfer to Kaindy Lake parking
• Walk or ride to Kaindy Lake
• 14:30 Return to Saty village
• Lunch at guesthouse
• 16:00 Transfer to Lower Kolsai Lake
• 17:00 Leave Kolsai Lakes National Park
• 20:30 Coffee and restroom break
• 22:00 Drop-off in Almaty

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Almaty to Charyn Canyon?

The tour lasts about 17 hours total including all stops and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Almaty starts at 5am before departure.

Do you need to hike to reach Kaindy Lake?

Yes, there is a 2km walk from parking to Kaindy Lake; horses or local taxis are available if preferred.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A hearty local lunch is included at a guesthouse in Saty village; vegetarian options are available.

What kind of vehicle is used for Kaindy Lake transfer?

The transfer uses a Soviet UAZ-452 van due to rough roads near Kaindy Lake.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, all national park entrance fees are covered in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?

No, children under 5 years old are not allowed due to travel times and hiking requirements.

What should I bring for this trip?

Bring sturdy shoes for walking/hiking, warm layers (it can get cold), and some snacks or water if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup from Almaty, all entry fees for Charyn Canyon and both lakes, bottled water throughout the journey, transfer up mountain roads by classic UAZ-452 van to reach Kaindy Lake’s trailhead (with horses or local taxi as an option), plus a filling homemade lunch at a Saty village guesthouse before heading back late evening.