PRIVATE TOUR Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes (3 Days)
Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Embark on a 3-day journey with Nomad Outfitter KZ, featuring Charyn’s dramatic canyons and Kolsay Lakes' alpine beauty, including an 18 km hike to the breathtaking second Kolsay Lake.
Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes 3-Day Tour from Almaty
This 3-day tour suits hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers visiting Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes near Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Highlights
- Hiking trek between Kolsai 1 and Kolsai 2 lakes
- Off-road drive along the right bank of the Charyn River
- Visit six different sites instead of only the Valley of Castles
- Scenic drives through varied landscapes suitable for most travelers
Description
Charyn Canyons lie 180 km from Almaty, extending 100 km and featuring relict trees like Sogdian ash and Turanga. Kolsai Lakes, located 300 km southeast of Almaty, are part of a national park established in 2007 and home to diverse wildlife.
The first lake, Saty, sits at 1,818 meters altitude. Mynzhylky, the second lake, is 5 km from Saty at 2,252 meters. The third lake, Sarybulak, at 2,850 meters, is close to the Kyrgyzstan border. The lakes are connected by the Kolsai River, known for fresh mineral-rich water and summer temperatures around 10°C.
Nearby Lake Kaindy, named after its birch groves, lies close to Kaindy Gorge. Visitors can also stop at places like Ak Kaiyn grove.
Itinerary
Day 1
- 07:00 - Pickup from guest addresses and depart for Charyn Canyons (200 km)
- 10:00 - Visit the Valley of Castles Canyon with a 2.5 km trek and photo stops inside
- 11:00 - Rest on the bank of the Charyn River
- 12:00 - Ascend back to the car park (2.5 km); cab service available during high season
- 13:30 - Lunch break
- 14:00 - Depart for Moon Canyon (25 km)
- 14:30 - Panoramic view of Moon Canyon
- 15:30 - Depart for Stone Shelf panoramic view (15 km)
- 16:00 - Photo stop at Stone Shelf
- 16:30 - Depart for 'Napoleon' panoramic site (2.5 km)
- 17:00 - Photo stop at 'Napoleon' site
- 17:30 - Depart for 'Austrian View' panoramic site (2 km)
- 18:00 - Visit 'Austrian View' then head to Saty village (120 km)
- 19:00 - Visit Black Canyon, part of the main canyon of the Charyn River
- 20:00 - Check in at guest house and have dinner
- 21:30 - Time around the campfire
- 22:30 - Overnight at guest house
Day 2
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the guest house
- 08:30 - Depart for Saty Lake (Kolsai 1st lake, 20 km)
- 09:15 - Photo session and prepare for trekking
- 09:20 - Trek to Mynzhylky Lake (Kolsai 2nd lake), 9 km one way. Horse riding available during warmer months (extra cost)
- 12:30 - Arrive at Mynzhylky Lake for rest, photos, and lunch (lunchboxes provided)
- 13:30 - Return trek to Saty Lake, 9 km
- 16:30 - Return to vehicles and depart for Saty village (20 km)
- 17:30 - Dinner and overnight at guest house
Day 3
- 08:30 - Breakfast at the guest house
- 09:00 - Depart for Kaindy Lake (15 km on unpaved road)
- 09:30 - Arrive at parking and trek 2 km to the lake; horse rentals available in high season (not included)
- 10:30 - Visit lake shore, panoramic viewpoint, and Kaindy River inflow
- 12:00 - Return trek to parking area (2 km)
- 13:00 - Depart for guest house with scenic stop overlooking the Chilik River valley
- 13:30 - Lunch at guest house
- 14:00 - Depart for Almaty (300 km)
- 18:00 - Arrive in Almaty
Includes
- Comfortable SUV transportation
- Services of an English, Chinese, or Russian-speaking guide
- Eco-fees for national parks
- 2 nights accommodation in private rooms at a guest house
- Three meals per day, excluding breakfast on day one and dinner on day two
- 1.5 liters of drinking water per guest per day
Excludes
- Personal expenses
Important Information
- Route difficulty: Medium to high. The trek between the first and second Kolsai lakes is strenuous and may not suit guests with cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure.
- Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent, especially in spring.
- When visiting the Kolsai Lakes, carry valid identity documents due to the border zone location.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring layered clothing. Book in advance during peak seasons to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes guided visits to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, and Kaindy Lake, hiking between Kolsai Lake 1 and Lake 2, off-road driving, and scenic drives across diverse Kazakhstan landscapes.
Charyn Canyon is located about 180 kilometers east of Almaty in Kazakhstan.
Yes, there are hiking opportunities, including trekking between Kolsay Lake 1 (Saty) and Kolsay Lake 2 (Mynzhylky) for hiking enthusiasts.
Yes, the tour features off-road driving along the right bank of the Charyn River suitable for auto tourists.
This tour is ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and travelers interested in exploring Kazakhstan's unique landscapes by vehicle and on foot.
You will visit six distinct sites across the Charyn Canyon area, beyond just the Valley of Castles.
Basic hiking gear such as comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended; specific equipment needs depend on the season.
Yes, families can join as the tour offers scenic drives and activities suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels.
The best time is generally from late spring to early autumn when weather conditions are favorable for hiking and outdoor activities.
Check the official tour website or local booking platforms for the most up-to-date hours and booking options in Kazakhstan.
