Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon: 2-Day Tour with Yurt Stay

Summary

Sleep under Kazakh stars hike canyons eat local food near Almaty

You’ll travel from Almaty through Moon & Black Canyons to Kolsai Lake, sleep in a yurt or room near mountain rivers, share local food by bonfire light, ride off-road vans to Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest, and hike Charyn Canyon’s wild trails with your guide. Expect laughter around campfires and moments of real quiet under Kazakh skies.

What’s the experience like?

"You know, in the old days, people would ride horses for days just to reach these lakes," our driver grinned as we bumped along the road out of Almaty. I could hear the pride in his voice — and honestly, after about two hours of winding through open steppe and those weirdly hypnotic yellow hills, I started to get it. The Moon Canyon stop was quick but surreal — those shadows made everything look sharper somehow. Black Canyon was even stranger; the silence there felt thick, almost like you could taste it.

By late afternoon we reached Kolsai Lake. The water was this deep blue-green that didn’t look real at first. Our guide, Aida, pointed out wildflowers growing between rocks (she knew every name — I forgot them instantly). Some people went boating; I just sat on a log and listened to the wind moving through pine needles. Dinner came later at the yurt camp — lamb stew bubbling over an open fire, bread that tasted smokier than usual. Someone tried to start a karaoke session after but most of us ended up outside instead, watching sparks drift up into a sky packed with stars.

The next morning was colder than expected — my breath fogged up as we loaded into an old Soviet van for the off-road bit to Kaindy Lake. That ride rattled my bones but made me laugh too (the driver called it “Kazakh massage”). Kaindy itself is strange and beautiful: pale tree trunks rising straight out of the water like something from another planet. We hiked a bit; someone’s boots got stuck in mud and everyone cracked up. Later at Charyn Canyon’s Valley of Castles, walking down to the river felt endless but worth it — red rock walls glowing in late sun. My legs were tired but my head felt clear in a way I can’t really explain.

I still think about that first night by the river — how quiet it was except for laughter from the fire and maybe one horse snorting nearby. If you want comfort there are rooms too (with bathrooms), but honestly? Waking up under canvas with cold air on your face is half the point here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moon Black Canyons and Kolsai Lake

• Visit Moon Canyon viewing spot
• Stop at Black Canyon
• Walk around Kolsai Lake
• Optional horseback riding or boating
• Enjoy home-cooked local lunch
• Stay in yurts or rooms
• Dinner and bonfire gathering

Day 2 — Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon

• Breakfast at camp
• Off-road trip to Kaindy Lake
• Hike or horseback ride at Kaindy Lake
• Visit all Kaindy Lake spots
• Walk 1.5 km in Charyn Canyon
• Return walk along Charyn River
• Enjoy home-cooked local lunch

Top questions

How long does this Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes tour take?

The tour lasts 2 days with one overnight stay near Kolsai Lake.

Is accommodation included on this day trip from Almaty?

Yes, you’ll stay either in shared yurts or rooms with attached bathrooms at a foothill camp.

Are meals provided during the Kolsai Kaindy Lakes tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included; vegetarian options are available if requested.

How do you get to Kaindy Lake on this tour?

An off-road Soviet van takes you from camp to Kaindy Lake as part of the itinerary.

Is hiking required at Charyn Canyon?

You’ll walk about 1.5 km along the bottom of Charyn Canyon to reach the river and return.

Are children allowed on this tour?

No, children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour due to difficulty level.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this trip?

No, participants need moderate fitness for long drives and hikes; not suitable for limited mobility or serious health issues.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Almaty?

The tour includes transportation from Almaty but check if specific hotel pickup is arranged when booking.

What’s included

Your two days include all national park entry fees, modern van or bus transport with air conditioning from Almaty plus an off-road Soviet van ride to Kaindy Lake, dinner and breakfast (with vegetarian options), bottled water throughout, overnight accommodation in either shared yurts or rooms with private bathrooms at a foothill camp near Kolsai Lake, plus evening bonfire fun (karaoke if you’re brave) before returning next day via Charyn Canyon’s trails.