Highlights
- Seek a challenging excursion rather than an easy one
- Tackle a 16 km active hike made for those who love a challenge
- Hike through a dense spruce forest to reach the stunning Kolsai Lake 2
- Follow a professional guide who knows every trail, viewpoint, and story
- Adapt the pace and route to your fitness level on a private tour for up to 2
Description
Day 1: From Canyons to the Sunken Forest
Start your adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Almaty and head to Moon Canyon. These aren't just dots on a map—they're nature's 'secret rooms.' The dark volcanic cliffs create otherworldly landscapes, and the absence of tourist crowds lets you soak in the silence and grandeur in peace.
After lunch, head to Kaindy Lake—the region's most mystical attraction. A short hike (3–4 km round trip) leads you to a place where dead spruce trees rise from turquoise water like masts of sunken ships. This lake was formed after the 1911 earthquake, and its atmosphere is truly mesmerizing.
In the evening, check into a cozy guesthouse in the village of Saty. A home-cooked dinner of national dishes awaits you.
Day 2: The Big Hike — Kolsai 1 → Kolsai 2
After an early breakfast of homemade food, drive to Kolsai Lake 1 (1,818 m)—the starting point of your main adventure. Begin the 16-kilometer hike (round trip) through a dense spruce forest along a mountain river. The trail ascends steadily: over 5–6 hours you'll gain 600 meters in elevation. With every step, the forest opens up to reveal panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
At 2,250 meters, you are rewarded with Kolsai Lake 2. Its turquoise water, surrounded by steep slopes and glaciers, is the ultimate payoff for your effort. Stop for a picnic lunch with lunch boxes right on the shore. This is a moment to pause, breathe, and simply take it all in.
For those who want more: if you're in good shape, an extension to Kolsai Lake 3 (2,700 m) is possible—another 4 km and 450 m of ascent. Your guide will decide together with you.
The hike back takes less time but is no less beautiful. Return to the guesthouse, enjoy a hot dinner, and spend a peaceful night in the mountains.
Day 3: Canyons and Return
After breakfast, drive to Black Canyon—another hidden viewpoint offering sweeping vistas of deep gorges and dark cliffs. Then, the star of the day: Charyn Canyon and its Valley of Castles. Over 12 million years, water and wind carved these whimsical red rock formations. Descend to the canyon floor and walk 2.5 km along the riverbed, marveling at the incredible stone shapes.
Stop for lunch in the village of Baiseit—a local café with home-style cooking. Then, enjoy a comfortable drive back to Almaty.
Includes
Private tour format
Home-cooked meals
Accommodation in Saty Village
Private SUV transport (1-2 people) for all transfers
English-speaking guide
Accommodation: 2 nights in a guesthouse in Saty village (twin share)
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners as per itinerary
Bottled water (1L per person per day)
All entrance fees to National Parks
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
Excludes
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Optional horseback ride
Optional boat ride
A challenging hike to Kolsai Lake 3 is available as an option for those with good physical fitness and health
Important Information
- The tour involves a 16 km hike with 600 m elevation gain
- The tour is designed for active travelers seeking a challenge
- Accommodation is in a local guesthouse in Saty Village
- The total hiking distance on Day 2 is approximately 16km with a 600m elevation gain. A good fitness level is required
- The hike to Kaindy Lake is short (approx. 3-4 km round trip), and horse riding is an optional extra
- The hike in Charyn Canyon's Castle Valley is 2.5 km one way along the valley floor
- Weather in the mountains can change rapidly; be prepared for all conditions
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
