2 Days: Charyn, Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Tour
Day 1 — Almaty → Charyn Canyon → Black Canyon → Kaindy Lake → Saty
Early morning departure from Almaty
Our journey begins early in the morning with a drive east from Almaty towards the spectacular landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan.
Charyn Canyon
Our first stop is Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural landmarks. We will explore the famous Valley of Castles, where towering red-rock formations have been shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
After exploring the canyon and enjoying its dramatic scenery, we continue deeper into the mountains.
Black Canyon
On the way towards Kaindy, we will stop at the Black Canyon, a striking gorge carved by the Charyn River. Its dark cliffs and rugged landscapes offer a completely different atmosphere from the colorful formations of Charyn Canyon.
Kaindy Lake
We then continue towards Kaindy Lake, famous for its mysterious submerged spruce trees rising from its turquoise waters. Surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains, Kaindy is one of the most unusual and photogenic places in Kazakhstan.
After visiting the lake, we continue to the nearby village of Saty, where we spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Overnight: Saty village
Day 2 — Saty → Kolsai Lakes → Almaty
After breakfast, we head towards the magnificent Kolsai Lakes, a chain of alpine lakes surrounded by dense forests and high mountain peaks.
Kolsai Lakes
We will spend most of the day enjoying the mountain scenery at a relaxed pace. Depending on your preference, you can choose between:
A mountain hike along the scenic trails around Kolsai Lake;
A horseback ride through the surrounding mountain landscapes;
A boat ride on Kolsai Lake, enjoying the peaceful alpine scenery from the water.
There will be plenty of time to relax, take photographs and enjoy the fresh mountain air without rushing through the experience.
In the late afternoon, around 4:00–5:00 PM, we begin our drive back to Almaty.
We arrive in Almaty in the evening, where our tour comes to an end.
End of the tour: Almaty
Price Information
Price includes:
All accommodations (guesthouses & local stays)
All meals
Drinking water throughout the trip
All entrance fees to national parks and attractions
Comfortable transportation
English-speaking driver-guide
All guide’s expenses (food, accommodation, fuel, etc.)