Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon: Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Almaty’s wild lakes and canyons in one long, surprising day

You’ll pack five wild places into one day: walk Charyn Canyon’s red trails with a small group, pause at Moon & Black Canyons for photos, share a home-cooked lunch in a local house (vegetarian options included), then hike down to see Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest before heading back to Almaty with tired feet and new stories.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see the color change, you’re lucky,” our driver grinned as we bumped along the last stretch toward Kaindy Lake. I’d barely slept — too anxious about missing the pickup — but by the time we left Almaty behind, everyone was trading snacks and stories. The minibus had this faint smell of dust and mint gum, windows streaked from last night’s rain. Our guide, Aida, kept us awake with stories about the canyon’s old legends (I only half caught them over the engine noise), but I remember her saying something about wolves that still makes me shiver a bit.

The first real stop was Charyn Canyon. It’s not as famous as that other canyon across the world, but honestly, standing at the edge with wind tugging at my jacket and that endless red maze below — it felt like being on another planet. We wandered down trails where tiny yellow flowers grew out of rock cracks. I tried to take a photo but dropped my phone (don’t worry, it survived). There were maybe six of us plus Aida; small enough that nobody got left behind when someone wanted to linger for an extra shot or just stare quietly. She pointed out Moon Canyon next — a quick stop — and then Black Canyon, which looked almost painted in shadow. The air there was cooler somehow.

Lunch came just when my stomach started making embarrassing noises. We stopped at this family house for a home-cooked meal — hot soup and bread so fresh it steamed when you tore it open. Someone asked if there was a vegetarian option and they nodded like it was no big deal (which is rare in some places). Sitting there with muddy boots under the table felt oddly perfect.

The drive to Kolsai Lake took longer than I expected; I dozed off for a bit and woke up to sunlight flickering through pine trees. Hiking down to Kaindy Lake after that was a little rough on my knees (it’s maybe 30 minutes?), but worth every step when you finally see those ghostly tree trunks rising out of blue water. I tried to say “Kaindy” properly — Li laughed at my accent — but honestly, everyone seemed too busy just staring at the lake to care much about words right then.

By the time we headed back toward Almaty, everyone was quiet or asleep except Aida humming softly up front. My shoes were filthy, my head full of colors and strange shapes from those canyons and lakes. I still think about how small I felt looking out over all that space — like maybe I left a piece of myself somewhere between the rocks and water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Almaty natural landmarks

• Walk along Charyn Canyon photo spots
• Stop at Moon Canyon viewing spot
• Visit Black Canyon viewing spot
• Walk and enjoy Kolsai Lake views
• Hike and photograph Kaindy Lake

Top questions

How long is the Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes day tour from Almaty?

This is a full-day tour with an early morning start from Almaty and return late evening.

Is lunch included on this Charyn Canyon day trip?

Yes, a home-cooked lunch featuring local cuisine is included; vegetarian options are available.

How difficult is the hike to Kaindy Lake?

The hike takes about 30 minutes each way; moderate fitness is recommended due to uneven terrain.

What kind of vehicle is used for transfers?

A comfortable minibus handles most transfers; an off-road Soviet van is used for access to Lake Kaindy.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

No, children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.

How many people are in each tour group?

The groups are small enough so you won’t get lost in a crowd—usually around six people plus your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Almaty by comfortable minibus with air conditioning, entry fees for all national parks visited along the route, bottled water throughout the journey, an off-road transfer by classic Soviet van to reach Lake Kaindy, plus a home-cooked lunch at a local house with vegetarian options available before returning in the evening.