Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip
Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Discover the natural treasures of Almaty on this guided day trip. Marvel at the peaceful Kaindy and Kolsai lakes before exploring the towering cliffs and red rocks of Black and Charyn Canyons.
Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes Day Tour from Almaty
This day tour from Almaty suits nature lovers seeking comfortable transport and expert guides to explore Kazakhstan's notable lakes and canyons.
Highlights
- Explore Kazakhstan's notable lakes and canyons, including Kolsai, Kaindy, Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons.
- Walk through Charyn Canyon to see bright red rock formations.
- Optional short horseback ride to the shores of Lake Kaindy.
- Travel in a Soviet-era UAZ minibus for part of the journey.
- Visit Moon Canyon in summer, a landscape resembling the lunar surface.
Tour Description
Meet your guide early in Almaty and board a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus equipped with USB and TYPE-C chargers at every seat. Enjoy a comfortable ride to Lake Kolsai, where you spend approximately two hours walking and learning about the area. Optional boat or catamaran rides are available onsite (not included).
Afterward, have lunch at a local cafe (not included) offering traditional dishes such as pilaf, lagman, manti, shish kebab, and salads. Then travel to Lake Kaindy aboard a Soviet-era UAZ minibus. Admire the spruce forest and crystal-clear waters. An optional horseback ride from a nearby village to the lake is available for an additional fee.
Continue to explore the canyons. Learn about the geological features of Charyn Canyon with its bright red cliffs and gorges, followed by the Black Canyon known for black rocks and large caves. In summer, visit Moon Canyon with its moon-like terrain before returning to Almaty.
Tour Advantages
- Own fleet of vehicles with charging ports at every seat.
- Free neck fans provided in summer to stay cool during hot weather.
- Free warm and touch gloves provided in winter; warm socks available for purchase.
- Experienced, informative, and energetic local guides.
- Competitive prices for tours and excursions across Kazakhstan.
- Meeting point: Baitursynov 104, opposite Astana International Hotel, near Barbero hairdresser. The van has Panda stickers and waits from 04:30 to 05:00.
- Tours run regardless of weather; rescheduling available before departure.
Included
- VIP transportation in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus
- Professional guide
- Tickets to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake
- Transfer to Kaindy Lake parking on a Soviet UAZ minibus
- Raincoats provided if it rains onsite
- Photo for memory
Not Included
- Food (available for purchase onsite)
- Horseback ride at Lake Kaindy (available for purchase onsite)
- Boat or catamaran rides at Lake Kolsai (available for purchase onsite)
Important Information
- UAZ bus does not have child seats; please bring your own if needed.
- Extra services must be paid onsite in cash (tenge).
- Lunch at the cafe typically costs about 5000 tenge (10 USD) per person.
- Optional 2 km horseback ride costs 8000 tenge (around 15 USD) per person.
- Optional 30-minute boat (5-person) or catamaran (4-person) ride costs 10000 tenge (around 20 USD).
- ECO taxi on locations costs 500 tenge one way (around 1 USD).
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
To ensure a smooth experience, book in advance, bring cash in tenge for optional extras, and dress appropriately for weather conditions.
