Private Tour
1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Embark on a private adventure to Kazakhstan's stunning Charyn Canyon, Kaiyndy, and Kolsay Lakes. Enjoy a fully personalized experience with expert local guidance, flexible itineraries, and exclusive access to breathtaking natural wonders. This tour sets itself apart by offering unparalleled comfort, customized pacing, and the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path sites. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, you’ll discover Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes, all while enjoying a seamless, memorable journey tailored just for you. Book now for an unforgettable day of discovery!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Total stops take 9 hours including (2 hours in Caryn Canyon, 3 hours in Kaiyndy Lake and 4 hours in Kolsay Lake) and driving time take 6-8 hours including both sides. Stop times might be customized by traveler's request.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Charyn State National Nature Park
Begin your adventure with the dramatic Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan." Here, you’ll explore the famous "Valley of Castles," where towering rock formations carved by wind and water resemble ancient fortresses. Walk along the canyon's paths, capturing breathtaking photos of its red and ochre walls that glow under the sun.
Next, we visit the mysterious Kaiyndy Lake, home to a sunken forest created by an earthquake. The crystal-clear, turquoise waters hide ancient trees whose tops emerge above the surface, creating an eerie yet stunning scene. A walk around the lake offers incredible views and the chance to experience nature’s quiet, surreal beauty.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
In-Person Tour Guide
Snacks
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Coffee and/or Tea
Alcoholic Beverages
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Tour
Private CUV
Pickup included
Group Tour
Van/Bus/Mini Bus
Pickup included
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day out of Almaty!
Bogdan P,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an absolutely incredible day exploring Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaiyndy with Ayan. From the moment he picked us up, he was professional, friendly, and incredibly helpful. He shared lots of interesting local knowledge and went out of his way to ensure we were comfortable throughout the entire trip. If you're looking for a private tour in Almaty, I cannot recommend this tour and Ayan highly enough—he truly made the experience unforgettable!
Wonderful day trip to Charyn Canyon and the lakes.
John K,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had a wonderful day trip all thanks to Sam who was an excellent guide and host. We strongly recommend him to all visitors and wish him success in his business.
Wonderful & Memorable Day Trip from Almaty
William W,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great experience with Sam's Tour on its one day private tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes. My guide, Ayan was extremely engaging, helpful and supportive throughout the trip, and most importantly a safe driver. Although this was a long day tour (12+ hours), the time passed quickly because Ayan was great company and we enjoyed our conversations in English. If you are considering a day tour whilst in Almaty, you can’t go wrong in booking this tour with Ayan as your guide and driver. It’s money well spent as you’ll return to your accommodation in the evening having learnt more about Kazakhstan, and having had sufficient time to admire the lakes and canyons at your own pace and learn of their history. The lunch provided at a restaurant overlooking Kaindy Lake was also very good! All in all, Ayan will take very good care of you!
Great one day tour!
Sarah H,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We took this tour to the canyon and lakes with Sam. It was such a great day!! Everything was well organized and the schedule was flexible throughout the day. All of the sights were amazing, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Sam was great to spend the day with - very professional, patient, and easy to talk to. We felt well taken care of. I would definitely recommend any tours with him!
Excellent Service.
rickmundm,Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ayan is an excellent tour guide and exceeded my expectations. He speaks well in English, accommodating to all my requests and very professional. I am very satisfied with his companion eventhough it's raining ( not your fault) however he took a lot of awesome photos for me. He is customer centric oriented, highly recommended and superb. Kudos to him.
This is a long excursion...
SANDY N,Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a long excursion but very rewarding and really worth it. The scenery is stunning and our guide Sam was excellent. He was very engaging and his command of English is very hood.. The trip by Russian taxi to the lake was fun!
Great day trip from Almaty
Sonja V,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour to very interesting/beautiful places. It is a long day with a lot of driving, but it is definitely worth it. The drive to Kaiyndy Lake is very adventurous and memorable. Everything was well organized and the guide/driver was very friendly. I can only recommend this tour.
Excellent outing
Christine C,Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The night before I contacted the tour operator to ask what the pickup time was and received a prompt reply. My husband and I were picked up at our hotel at the stipulated time of 7.30 am by Ayan, our young guide/driver. We thoroughly enjoyed our outing to the canyon and the lakes. Ayan was fiemdly, informative, very accommodating and most importantly he was a very good driver. We had lots of time to wonder around and never felt rushed. This is a very good tour, though expensive but then it’s a private tour so it was well worth the money. We got back to the hotel at 8.30 pm, tired but thoroughly enjoyed our outing. Thanks Ayan!id highly recommend this tour!
The Most memorable Trip
YOUSUF N,Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great experience with Sam’s Tour. Our one day private tour to charyn, Kolsai & Kaindy was excellent!! Our guide Ayan from Sam’s tour was helpful and supportive throughout the trip. Though this was a long day tour, we didn’t find any difficulties because our guide was ready to help and guide us during the long treks. His car and his driving skills through out the trip was perfect! He speaks really well in English, so you won’t face any language restrictions. If you ever get a chance to book at Sam’s tour, do ask for our guide Ayan. Thanks to everyone we had a great time in Kazakhstan.
Had such a great time,...
NatashaDahl N,Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had such a great time, truly beautiful wonders of nature and extremely picturesque! Definitely worth visiting, and even the long drive was made super comfortable and fun with our guide Sanzhar (Sam)
Related Experiences
Operated by Tengri Trails