Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
15 hours
Mobile ticket
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Experience five breathtaking natural wonders in one unforgettable day from Almaty.
Start at iconic Charyn Canyon — towering red rock walls carved over millions of years, often called the little brother of the Grand Canyon.
Continue to the mysterious Black Canyon with its dark volcanic cliffs, and the surreal Moon Canyon — pale formations that look like a lunar landscape.
Then hop aboard a legendary Soviet UAZ-452 off-road van for an adventurous ride to Kaindy Lake — a submerged forest where spruce trees rise from crystal-clear turquoise water.
End the day at peaceful Kolsai Lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain peaks.
In between, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local family's home in Saty village — real Kazakh hospitality our guests call the highlight of the day.
Private Tour: Same epic route for your group only — flexible pace, personalized attention, no strangers.
English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 5 AM. All entrance fees included.
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
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.
Options
Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour
Pickup included
Private tour to Lakes & Canyon
Private tour to Lakes & Canyon: Fully private tour with flexible itinerary, perfect for couples, friends and families Pickup included
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
862 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
3 canons and 2 lakes
564milical,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent tour today, and Bauka was an outstanding guide. He was a young, knowledgeable gentleman who made the experience both informative and enjoyable. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and deep understanding of the area really enhanced the tour. He was happy to answer questions and shared interesting insights throughout the experience. I would highly recommend this tour, especially if you're fortunate enough to have Bauka as your guide.
Great tour
Freedom04573329840,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour is very nice, it provided a sufficient amount of time to enjoy the scenery. Our guide Saniya done a really great job. She always answer our questions patiently and tell us fun facts about the lake and animals.
Value for money, best tour ever
luiscarloi,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed the tour! Mukhtar was very hands on and really guided us well. The logistics is also very organized. Time spent on the destinations are also ample enough. Food was also delicious. Thank you so much!
A trip into the beautiful nature of Kazakhstan
Dream47840282630,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was excellent. Didi was a very nice guide. It's a long drive from Almaty, but the canyon and the two lakes are beautiful.
Perfect Trip
rajivgoel irse,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect timing Very good guide and delicious veg food..
A complete journey from Almaty
Rosabel13,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice experience with many places to visit in a shot, just be aware if we decide to do the journey is long. Our guide was a nice and knowledgeable guy.
Highly organized and worth every penny spent
Luis C,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed the tour! Mukhtar was very hands on and really guided us well. The logistics is also very organized. Time spent on the destinations are also ample enough. Food was also delicious. Thank you so much!
Kazakhstan, so beautiful
niamhc987,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic tour. Very well organised, Sanye was a really friendly and helpful guide. Charyn Canyon was an enjoyable short hike, but for me Moon Canyon is the most beautiful, I would have liked a little more time there. The scenery of the steppes and mountains on route is mesmerising. It would have been nice to have a few photo stops for this. Overall, a great experience.
Excellent tour, value for money and great guide
markpanama101,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Obviously a long day 05:00-21:00ish but saw everything I wanted and expected. Organisation was excellent and guide Dinara was brilliant - cheerful and engaging. And Nurzhan was a very good driver.
Well-Organized and Enjoyable Tour
matsP1686HM,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00John was pleasant, helpful, and professional throughout the tour. The tour was well organized, ran smoothly, and was an enjoyable experience. Highly recommended!
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