Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
15 hours
Mobile ticket
Welcome to Kazakhstan! You will visit the unique Charyn Canyon, and the pearls of the Tian-Shan mountains - Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. We value our tourists, therefore we provide you with comfortable transport, an English-speaking guide, and local food. Join us on our small group trips to see the most beautiful places in Central Asia.
Please note: This tour is not suitable for children under 5years old due to long travel times and the nature of the itinerary.
PICK UP FROM HOTELS START AT 5 AM. WE DEPART FROM CITY AT 5:40AM
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not allowed for travelers who can not withstand long trips by car, long walks and hikes
Not allowed for travelers with disabilities, injuries, diseases that limit physical abilities
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Not recommended for children under 6
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Charyn Canyon National Park
05:00 Pick-up and departure from Almaty 07:00 Shortstop for coffee/WC 8:30Arrival at Charyn Canyon "Valley of the Castles", visiting several spots, walking along canyon 10:00 Departure from Charyn Canyon
Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)
Moon Canyon is a unique, pale colored section of Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan, known for its smooth, moon like landscapes that contrast with the canyon’s red cliffs.
What‘s Included
National parks entrance fees
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hearty lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available)
Transfer to Kaindy Lake on the legendary Soviet van UAZ-452
Soft & Hard drinks
Special food & drinks
Horseback-riding 7000kzt (13$)
Taxi van instead of hiking 500KZT (1,5$)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private tour to Lakes & Canyon
Private tour to Lakes & Canyon: Fully private tour with flexible itinerary, perfect for couples, friends and families
Pickup included
Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
763 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended
Veronika Z,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was truly amazing—very engaging and active, with fascinating locations. We were conveniently picked up directly from our hotel, which made everything smooth and stress-free. Our guide, Alibi, was exceptionally attentive and kind. He shared nice insights throughout the tour and made the whole experience even more enjoyable with his warm and friendly attitude. The whole-day trip was tiring, but I still found it very memorable and absolutely worth it. Highly recommended!
Got to see a lot in one tour. Perfect
Misbahnaz,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour. Long and a bit tiring but totally worth it. Didi our tour guide is excellent, the driver is great too. Beautiful nature.
Exceptional
omamaymay,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's been an exceptional day. A very nice guide, who took the time to use the translator to explain because unfortunately I don’t speak English. The meal was great, nothing to say about that day that was just beautiful
Nice guide! Nice driver!
billsawanya,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice! Recommend for solo, couple, friend group and family. 🫶🏻
The tour was well...
AnandaPutri L,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was well organized, I was happy to join this tour. Thanks for the best plov I've ever had, it was really delicious.
Great tour to see the nature of Kazakhstan
Vacation564681,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Zhandos was gentle and cared all the participants to enjoy the tour, and provided us good information about the places we visited.
Amazing and Well-Organized Day Trip
238aakashn,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very well organized and smoothly managed from start to finish. The itinerary covered all the major highlights including Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon, and each location was absolutely beautiful. The guide was friendly, informative, and ensured everyone was comfortable throughout the trip. Transportation was convenient, and the timing at each stop was well planned. Overall, it was a memorable experience and definitely worth it.
Great tour
ph0ngw,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was well-organized and our tour guide Sabina she was nice, humble and amazing. Only one thing for us was the lunch provided is too small portion, maybe we are too exhausted from morning trip caused us feel very hungry in the afternoon 😂 but overall was a great experience.
Beautiful Nature and Excellent Organization — Highly Recommend!
BellaLisovitskaya,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an absolutely amazing trip to the Kolsai Kandi Lakes and Charyn Canyon! The experience was unforgettable from start to finish. Our tour guide, Didi, was fantastic — very caring, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable. He shared lots of interesting information throughout the trip and made sure everyone felt comfortable and included. All the details about the tour were clearly provided in advance via text message, which made everything very easy and stress-free. The group was small, which created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, and the bus was very comfortable for the whole journey. Highly recommend this tour and especially guide Didi if you want a beautiful and well-organized trip! 🌄✨
The good and the bad were pretty evenly balanced
Relax50628276306,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I understand that the schedule was tight, but I still wish we could have had more time to look around—it’s a bit disappointing. The most unfortunate part was that the vehicle was too cramped, and I think everyone felt uncomfortable. I even had to squeeze myself by the door to fit in 😭 Still, it was a great experience to meet friends from different countries during the tour.
From US$59.00
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