1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
In one day, you can visit the most beautiful places with spectacular nature: Charyn Canyon, "the little brother of Grand Canyon," Kolsay Lake, the pearl of Tyan Shan Mountain, and Kaindy Lake, a flooded forest. Incredible views of the most unusual, mysterious, and inexplicable natural phenomena won't leave you indifferent.
Inspire yourself with the beauty of Kazakhstani nature.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour requires minimum number of travellers ( 5 people).If it is canceled because the minimum isn't met,you will be offered different date or a full refund
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
1 L per person
Local cuisine or vegetarian food as per request in guest house or yurt
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Dinner
(for +18 travelers)
Breakfast
Boating/16 usd, horse riding /23usd per person half an hour
What To Expect
Charyn Canyon
From Almaty to Charyn Canyon 2,5 hours by minibus. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon’s little brother. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. We will visit "Valley of Castles", the length is 2,5 km, the depth is 20-80 meters. The story of the Canyon is that it was formed about 25 million years ago. If you are keen of hiking, we can for hiking 2.5km for one side till the Charyn river or you can take a car with open roof for 500 kzt to one side to admire the view from the car. There are spectacular, beautiful view of Canyon and river.
Lake Kaindy
After Charyn Canyon we will go to Saty village where we will have lunch in local guest house or yurt. After lunch it will take 40 minutes to Kaindy lake. We will change car 2 times (old cars), after that we will walk around 15 minutes to reach Kaindy lake. Free time on Kaindy lake will take around 1 hour. Lake Kaindy is at an altitude of 2000m and geologically very young. This 400m long lake was formed in 1911 after an earthquake triggered an enormous limestone landslide, which formed a natural dam in the gorge that was covered by spruce trees.
Options
1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Almaty Tour at reasonable price.
19radia,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide can speak English very well, and the service is excellent. Yet, the price is reasonable to us. The places we visited were beautiful. The driver drove cautiously and followed the traffic regulations. Very nice trip for us.
Unforgettable Experience
443rajj,
Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience with Almaty Inspiration Tour (AIT) for the Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lake, and Black Canyon adventure, was exceptional. I was not sure which tour to use, private or group. One lake or two. Sometimes there's too much information in the internet but I'm so glad I listened to my hotel concierge who highly recommended the private tour with AIT. What made this experience so wonderful boils down to the quality of the guide, driver and the team that organized the tour. Of course the destinations were spectacular (and other reviews cover those details) so let me focus on the actual tour. Alina from AIT was so responsive to my questions. i received prompt and detailed answers even before i officially booked the tour with detailed information that helped me choose the right program. Our tour guide Assel was really what made the trip so wonderful. She knows the local staff at each destination and was in full command of the itinerary. The trip is very well organized. Assel is wonderful at listening to our needs and preferences which made the trip so comfortable. For example there are options to use the horse at extra cost, walk, or an off-road taxi to finish the last leg of journey to Kaindy Lake. It's bit chaotic at the scene, with numerous tourists attended by a much fewer local horse-riding staff. I saw many tourists (perhaps those that came in larger group) that seemed lost. Assel was so awesome. She helped us get really good service immediately and we were on a horseback. She rode a horse herself with us and it was so much fun. She didn't push us to use one option or other (I've read how some tours do this to monetize), but really let us decide at all points during the day. Each time we had amazing support and she helped us navigate each place with ease. She also doesn't overwhelm us with information and gave us plenty of time to ourselves so I can really spend time with my son. Other private tours I joined failed in this balance where the guide micro-manages and feeds too much information/history rather than allowing us to absorb and enjoy the moment. Not the case here with AIT and Assel! I debated a bit about whether I should spend the extra money to do a private tour. But I absolutely made the right decision choosing AIT. This tour takes more than 14 hours. The extra care, comfort, smoothness and ease of execution that comes with AIT is so worth it! Finally I must mention that the driver Azat really is wonderful. Very safe driving, nice car and just a pleasure to spend the entire day with. Highly recommended!
Almaty trip guide
631reemap,
Aug 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing trip.Thanks Assel for being an amazing guide,making me comfortable and also thanks for clicking amazing pictures of mine in the best locations.
An exceptional experience with English speaking guide.
abhishekc591,
Apr 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked three days of full day tours in April and we are glad that we did it with them. Booking Al Maty Inspirational tour guide was the best decision we made for our trip! Our guide (Assel) was incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, caring and made the experience truly unforgettable. She was very patient and thoughtful given that we were traveling with kids. They also provided a very comfortable SUV car for our day tours. If you are looking for an English speaking guide who is knowledgeable and looking to explore a new destination with ease, you need not look any further than Assel from Al Maty inspirational tours.
Fantastic
1245traveller,
Mar 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I would highly recommend this company. Ms Alina was your guide and I can say thay she is not just a fantastic guide but she is also great human being. She helpwd us nabjgate the unexlpored beauty of Almaty
Humble and wonderful experience
app00rva,
Jan 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Assel was fabulous and I would highly recommend her for multiple tours. Kazakh as a country has a lot of language barrier, so she helped a lot with the tour and communication. I have a very positive vibe. So I would recommend her for great tours.
One day Trip to Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake.
prasanthbk,
Dec 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our journey from Dubai to Almaty, Kazakhstan, was a mesmerizing experience, enriched by the region's captivating natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Our expedition to Charyn Canyon was a highlight, showcasing the rugged, yet serene landscape of Kazakhstan. The panoramic vistas of the canyon were simply breathtaking, providing a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. Equally impressive was their visit to Kolsoy Lake, a pristine alpine lake nestled in the mountains. The lake's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering peaks, offered a serene escape and a multitude of photographic opportunities. This natural wonder exemplified the untouched beauty of Kazakhstan's outdoors. A standout experience was the traditional lunch in a local village. The hospitality and warmth of the hosts added an authentic touch to their journey. The cuisine, rich in flavours and made with locally sourced ingredients, provided a delightful taste of Kazakh culinary traditions. This meal not only satiated their appetites but also offered a glimpse into the daily life and customs of the local people. The journey was made even more enriching by their guide, Alina. Her excellent command of the language and deep knowledge of Kazakh culture, nature, and key historical sites significantly enhanced their understanding and appreciation of the region. Alina's insights into the history and significance of each site they visited brought the landscapes to life, connecting them to the rich tapestry of Kazakh history and culture. In conclusion, our trip to Almaty was a remarkable blend of natural splendour, cultural immersion, and educational enrichment. It was a journey that not only provided them with stunning visuals and thrilling experiences but also deepened their understanding of a land rich in history and tradition. This trip to Almaty, especially with the guidance of an expert like Alina, is highly recommended for anyone seeking an adventure that is both visually enchanting and intellectually rewarding. Thank you Alina and Salta.
Adventure in Kazakhstan
kaputnik,
Dec 9, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide, Alina, and Mr Driver were awesome. Tour had some adventurous surprises? like a horse rides, soviet van off-road rides, rides in an open-air jeep to see the black canyon in all its splendour (hang on for your dear life!) and a delicious lunch at local family stay's house. Beautiful scenery, good service and company. Highly recommended to book with them if you come visit Almaty!
Assel: A Guiding Light Through Kazakhstan's Beauty ✨
divinessshhh,
Nov 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Assel, our guide for the Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lake, and Black Canyon adventure, was exceptional. Her expertise and passion were evident from the start. Assel catered to our preferences, shared insights, and created a sense of camaraderie. Her warmth made it a delightful, social exploration. Our horseback riding experience was a true highlight of the journey. The local guide was very friendly and skilled in handling the horses and had deep knowledge of the terrain which made us feel safe and confident throughout the ride. We were fortunate to share a meal at a local Kazakh family's home for lunch. It embodied the region's culinary heritage, leaving a lasting impression with rich flavors and a heartwarming ambiance. A testament to Kazakh cuisine and genuine hospitality. This experience deserves all the stars in the Milky way! ✨✨✨🌌
Assel is the best guide.
benkO4779FP,
Nov 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing views. And thanks to Assel for being the best guide to provide insight, history, and the best photograph opportunities. We were so lucky to have Assel as our guide. We also enjoyed a great meal of local food. 8 out of 5 stars.
From US$130.00
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Operated by Almaty Inspiration Tour