3 Day Adventure: Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon & Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
Day 1 — Almaty – Basshi – Aktau & Katutau Mountains – 700-Year-Old Willow – Basshi
- Our adventure begins with an early departure from Almaty towards Altyn Emel National Park.
We drive to the village of Basshi, the gateway to the national park, and continue towards the spectacular Aktau and Katutau Mountains. These extraordinary landscapes are famous for their colorful clay formations, dramatic canyons, and almost otherworldly scenery.
We spend the day exploring the Aktau and Katutau area, enjoying short walks and taking time to appreciate the vast open landscapes of the national park.
After exploring the mountains, we visit a remarkable 700-year-old willow tree, a natural landmark that has survived for centuries in this harsh and beautiful landscape.
In the evening, we return to Basshi for a relaxing overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Overnight: Basshi guesthouse
Day 2: Basshi – Singing Dune – Charyn Canyon – Saty
After breakfast, we set off towards the famous Singing Dune, one of the most remarkable natural landmarks of Altyn Emel National Park.
We have time to walk along the enormous sand dune and enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding steppe and mountains.
Afterwards, we continue towards Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural wonders. We explore the spectacular Valley of Castles, walking among towering red rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years.
In the afternoon, we continue to the mountain village of Saty, located near Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake.
Overnight: Saty guesthouse
Day 3. Kaindy Lake – Kolsai Lake – Almaty
We start the day with a visit to the mysterious and beautiful Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged spruce trees rising from the turquoise mountain waters.
After Kaindy, we continue to Kolsai Lake, surrounded by forests and dramatic peaks of the Northern Tien Shan.
At Kolsai, guests can choose how to spend their time depending on their interests:
🐎 Horse riding through the mountain landscape
🥾 A short mountain hike around the lake
🚣 Boat ride on Kolsai Lake
🌿 Or simply relax and enjoy the sceneryWe spend the afternoon at Kolsai until approximately 4:00–5:00 PM, before beginning our drive back to Almaty.
We arrive in Almaty in the evening, marking the end of our journey.
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.)