Almaty Day Expedition: Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes

Highlights

• Visit Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black & Moon Canyons in a single trip.
• Ride an authentic UAZ 4x4 shuttle through rugged mountain terrain.
• Discover ancient spruce trees rising from vibrant turquoise alpine waters.
• Walk among towering, millions-of-years-old red rock formations.
• Choose optional horseback ride through pine forests or boat rentals on the lake.

Description

Start your journey early from central Almaty, heading east toward the snow-capped peaks of the Northern Tian Shan range. Travel through open countryside as you leave the city behind and head straight into Kazakhstan’s most dramatic landscapes. Your first stop is the famous Lake Kolsai, known as the jewel of the Northern Tian Shan. Enjoy roughly two hours to stroll peaceful lakeside footpaths, take in the reflections of pine forests on the water, or rent a boat to glide across the calm alpine basin. Afterward, pause at a local village cafe to recharge with traditional regional dishes like hot lagman, manti, or pilaf. Next, switch to an authentic Soviet-era UAZ 4x4 shuttle to tackle the rugged mountain trail up to Lake Kaindy. Famous for its eerie submerged forest, Kaindy features dried Asian spruce trunks rising straight out of turquoise glacial waters. Explore the area on foot or opt for a horseback ride to the shoreline. Conclude the day exploring the region’s spectacular geological wonders. Walk between the colossal red rock towers of Charyn Canyon, marvel at the dark basalt cliffs of Black Canyon, and step onto the otherworldly landscape of Moon Canyon (summer season) before the return drive to Almaty.

Includes

Round-trip transport Professional English/Russian live tour guide

Excludes

Meals and personal snacks Transfer to Kaindy Lake parking via Soviet UAZ 4x4 shuttle Personal expenses and staff gratuities Horseback ride (Available to purchase onsite) Boat/Catamaran ride (Available to purchase onsite)

Important Information

• There are no child seats on the UAZ bus. Please bring your own if your child requires one. To take advantage of the extra offered, you must pay in cash onsite in tenge. Lunch at the cafe costs around 5000 tenge (10 USD) per person Optional 2 km horseback ride costs 8000 tenge (around 15 USD) per person Optional 30 minute boat tour (5 people) or catamaran tour (4 people) costs 10000 (around 20 USD) ECO taxi on locations 500 tenge one way (around 1 USD)

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund