Kolsai and Kaindy lakes with Charyn canyon guided tour

Price: from €150

Location: Around Almaty
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year
Duration: 2 days

Location:	Around Almaty
Group of:	person max for 1 guide
Difficulty:	Easy
Season:	All year
Duration:	2 days

About program

Discover Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyon: A Perfect 2-Day Adventure

Embark on a two-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kazakhstan’s Almaty region, perfect for travelers who appreciate nature's beauty but prefer to avoid long treks in mountainous terrain. This itinerary takes you to two of the region’s stunning national parks, featuring six iconic locations in the Charyn Canyons on the first day and two enchanting lakes—Kolsai and Kaindy—on the second.

Day 1: Exploring the Charyn Canyon

The Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most visited natural attractions, is a must-see destination that’s regularly ranked among the top three tourist hotspots in the country. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2018, the canyon offers an unforgettable blend of unique geological formations and panoramic vistas.

Your journey begins at the Valley of Castles, named for its towering sedimentary rock formations that resemble medieval fortresses. Locally known as "Kyzylsai," or "Red Canyon," this iconic site provides an awe-inspiring introduction to the canyon’s beauty. A climb to the panoramic platform offers sweeping views of the gorge, perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Beyond the Red Canyon, you’ll explore several hidden gems on the right bank of the Charyn River.

Day 2: The Magic of Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

On the second day, immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of two alpine lakes.

Lower Kolsai Lake: Known as the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan,” this tranquil lake sits at an elevation of 1,850 meters above sea level and offers lush green surroundings reminiscent of Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia.
Kaindy Lake: Famous for its submerged Tianshan fir trees, this otherworldly lake is a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike. Its crystal-clear waters within a secluded mountain gorge create an ethereal atmosphere.

The two lakes are just 26 kilometers apart, making them a convenient and enriching pair to visit in one day.

Why Choose This Tour?

This 2-day adventure combines accessible exploration with the chance to see some of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural wonders. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged charm of the Charyn Canyon or the serene beauty of alpine lakes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in the Almaty region.

Book now and create lasting memories in one of Central Asia’s most stunning destinations!

Photos from the tour

Details

Requirements

General fitness will help. We supposed to hike/walk ~5 km per day with some elevation gain during this trip.

Prices

1 traveler—520EUR per person
2 travelers—300EUR per person
3 travelers—210EUR per person
4 travelers—180EUR per person
5 travelers—150EUR per person

Itinerary. Day 1: Almaty / Charyn canyon / Kaindy lake / Saty village

7:30 Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel or any other place you choose. Beginning of your trip.
9:30 You'll stop by at gas station along the road. Coffee, snacks, rest room.
11:00 First impression of Charyn Canyon, Valley of Castles. You'll walk along the gravel road for 4.5 km(round trip) until the bank of Charyn river, pure oasis in the desert, and have some rest in that magnificent place. There is a chance to take a taxi up to the parking lot.
13:00 Coming back to parking lot, exploring local visit center. It's nice and authentic one. There you can find cozy souvenir shop along with nice pictures of the area and clean rest room.
13:30 You will drive a little bit to more remote and private area in order to have lunch there. Simple but nice pocket lunches.
14:00 Hit the road again! From now on you will stay on the right shore of Charyn river off the beaten tracks and crowds of people. Bumpy gravel roads will bring you to hidden gems of Charyn national park. This part of the tour will be very relaxed and effortless since all of the sights are really close to the parking lots. We will see vast Moon canyon (also called Lunar canyon) as well as some other sights of the area. Please have a look at our gallery and let your imagination to fill the rest.
17:00 One last distance to cover for this day — road to Saty village where you'll stay overnight in cozy guest house. 1.5 hours drive by picturesque valley. Worth seeing landscape!
19:00 Long-awaited local homemade dinner will be a cherry on the pie for this day.
20:00 Overnight at the guest house, free time.

Itinerary. Day 2: Saty village / Kaindy lake / Kolsai lake / Black canyon / Almaty

8:00 Breakfast, packing.
9:00 Today you'll start your journey with Kaindy lake. There is a 12 km gravel road awaits you!
9:40 Trekking to the lake, 3 km for round trip. Nice and fairly easy trail along the river to the lake's shore. You going to see the lake from 3 different perspectives: the lake's shore, "flatlay"-view from above and confluence of Kaindy river.
12:00 return to the parking lot and way back to Saty village.
13:00 lunch at the guest house.
14:00 Departure to Kolsai lake. Within 20 minutes drive by smooth road you'll arrive to the parking lot and the lake is already visible from there!
14:30 You'll start your 1.5 hours program at the lake. Shore of the lake itself is really nice to see. Furthermore, you can rent a boat and get a different perspective of surrounding area and the lake itself (rental is not included in the tour's price).
16:00 Departure back to Almaty. 300 km of stunning and diverse landscapes to cover!
20:00 Arrival to Almaty city, guide will leave you wherever you prefer.

What's included

Service of English-speaking guide.
Transportation by comfortable SUV.
Overnight in cozy guest house (twin room with shower by default).
All meals during the tour except for Breakfast in Day 1 and Dinner in Day 2. Note: we can provide vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free foods by request.
All national park entry fees.
Drinking water along the trip (1.5 liters per person a day).

Not included

Alcohol beverages.
Rent of boat.
Horse riding expenses.

Equipment list

Comfortable waterproof shoes.
Raincoat (GORE-TEX or similar).
Long pants and a long sleeve shirt.
Cap.
Sunscreen protection.
Insect repellent (ticks are quite active from April to July; mosquitos can also be annoying near the water).
Personal medication.
Passport is a must. Part of our trip will take place near the boarder with Kyrgyzstan.