From Almaty: Private 4x4 Photo Expedition to Lakes & Canyons

Highlights

• Capture breathtaking drone photos and videos of the Lakes & Canyons
• Experience three of most dramatic landscapes in a single, perfectly timed day.
• Visit Moon & Black Canyons and capture unique photos of the rock formations
• Walk along the rim of Charyn Canyon and learn about the Valley of Castles

Description

Kolsai Lake: The Emerald Mirror at Golden Hour We begin our journey at an altitude of 1,800 meters, but with a twist. Instead of a standard midday visit, we arrive to catch the soft morning light. You'll enjoy a picnic-style lunch (included) as the surrounding spruce forests are perfectly reflected in the lake's glassy, emerald surface. Use your free time to capture reflections, rent a rowboat for a different perspective (optional, payable locally), or simply absorb the profound silence of this alpine gem. Kaindy Lake: The Submerged Sentinel Prepare for a truly surreal sight. We'll explore this 400-meter-long lake, formed by a 1911 earthquake, where the bleached trunks of submerged spruce trees stand like ghostly masts in the turquoise water. Our guide will lead you to the most photogenic vantage points. Moon Canyon: A Detour to Another Planet We'll take you to a stop that most tours miss entirely. This lesser-known canyon, named for its otherworldly, pale grey and white rock formations, offers a landscape so stark and beautiful it feels like stepping onto the moon. It's a perfect, quiet spot for unique drone footage and photos away from the crowds. Black Canyon: A Journey Through Deep Time We make a dramatic pause at this stark, volcanic canyon. The dark, almost black rock walls rise sharply, offering a raw, primordial contrast to the other stops. You will feel the immense scale of time and capture striking, moody photos. Charyn Canyon: The Finale in the Valley of Castles The climax of our expedition is the magnificent Charyn Canyon. We'll bypass the main tourist platform and take a moderate 2-km walk along the canyon rim and down to the Charyn River. Here, you can touch the ancient sedimentary layers. Your guide will share the secrets of the 'Valley of Castles,' a 12-kilometer stretch of jagged red cliffs. Pro tip: Bring your polarized sunglasses—the color contrast is unbelievable.

Includes

Guided tour of Kolsai Lake Guided tour of Kaindy Lake Guided tour of Moon Canyon Guided tour of Black Canyon Guided tour of Charyn Canyon Comfortable SUV English-speaking guide All road tolls Entrance tickets Lunches 1 liter of water per day Drone video

Excludes

Rowboat rental at Kolsai Lake Hotel in Almaty (booked by yourself) Horse riding (Kaindy Lake)

Important Information

• Moderate 2-km walk at Charyn Canyon Bring polarized sunglasses for better color contrast

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund