Kolsai, Kaindy lakes and Charyn canyons 2 days small group tour
Overview
Available languages
48 hours
Mobile ticket
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Within 2 days tour 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, cozy guest houses, an English-speaking guide, and local food. Join us on our 2 days small group trip to see the most beautiful places in Central Asia.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
National parks entrance fees
English speaking guide
Overnight in the Saty Village
Dinner
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Transfer to Kaindy Lake on the legendary Soviet van UAZ-452
Boating (13$) and horseback-riding (13$)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Kolsay lake
Accommodations
Overnight in Saty village
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
Hearty lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available)
DINNER
Dinner
Hearty dinner of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available)
Charyn Canyon National Park
Walking inside the canyon, visiting the upper viewing spot, photographing 08:00 Pick-up and departure from Almaty 10:00 Shortstop for coffee/WC 11:00 Arrival at Charyn Canyon "Valley of the Castles", visiting several spots, walking along canyon 13:00 Departure from Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon National Park
Black Canyon, viewing spot, photographing 13:30 Shortstop at Black Canyon, viewing spot 13:50 Departure from Black Canyon
Lower Kolsai Lake
Walking, visiting several spots 15:00 Lunch in the guesthouse 15:40 Head to Kolsai lake 16:00 Kolsai Lake, walking, visiting several spots, horseback-riding (optional) 18:00 Leaving Kolsai Lakes National Park 18:20 Check in the guesthose 19:30 Dinner in the guesthouse
Kaindy lake and Yellow Canyon
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
vegetarian option is available
LUNCH
Lunch
Hearty lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available)
Lake Kaindy
Walking, visiting several spots, photographing 08:00 Breakfast in the guesthouse 08:30 Head to Kaindy lake 11:30 Drive back to the Saty village
Charyn Canyon National Park
Yellow Canyon, viewing spot, photographing 12:00 Head to Yellow Canyon 13:30 Walk around Yellow canyon 15:00 Lunch on the way back to Almaty 18:00 Drop off in Almaty
Options
Kolsai, Kaindy lakes and Charyn canyons 2 days small group tour
Pickup included
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very well-organized, amazing guide (Amina), highly recommend
U3524YWdariak,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on a 2-day trip to the Kolsay and Kaindy lakes, as well as to the Charyn Canyon. The entire organization of the trip was at a very high level, and communication with the company was quick and seamless. Our guide, Amina, was amazing—very well-organized, communicative, and extremely knowledgeable (she answered all the questions we asked). She was also very eager to chat with participants and shared her recommendations for restaurants, places, etc. in Almaty. Another big advantage was the option to choose meat-free dishes, which is not so obvious in this region. I highly recommend trips with this agency to everyone.
Great trip (and people!) to the nature of Kazachstan
myrthev730,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This group trip was amazing! It was a blast to meet new people on this trip, especially our guide Amina, who made sure we had the best time! Not only showing us around the amazing nature of Kazachstan and explaining the origin of everything and being able to answer all of our questions (really impressive I must say:)), but also making sure we all have a great time with each other. She was also very helpful when I needed something:) The transport was also really good and fun🙌🏼 I couldn’t recommend this trip more, the nature you will see is incredible and also as a solo traveler, it’s a great way to meet some new people🤗 Thanks for this trip, it was really great!!
Amazing experience
anyta358,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything from the pick-up, to the guesthouse and the food we had there was fantastic. Special mention to Amina who was the guide. She was friendly, knowledgeable, nice and super professional! Time at the lakes and canyon was enough to enjoy all stops.
Trip to Kolsai, Kaindy, and Charyn Canyon
Tour24238857394,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful solo trip to Kaindy and Kolsai lakes, even with the drizzling rain. My tour guide, Amina, was fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly punctual. The tour was very well-organized, making it easy to enjoy the stunning landscapes without any stress. Despite the weather, both lakes were breathtaking, and it was the perfect way to end my time in Kazakhstan. Highly recommended for anyone traveling solo!
2 days excursion
Riccardo G,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great excursion, attention to detail! Amina guide very professional, helpful and excellent English language! Wonderful place! B&B stay with Yurt and meals included!
Amazing experience .. and a lot of Km 🤩
521elisai,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Hi There! 👋🏻 As cabin crew I work a lot around the world. This is my second experience into Almaty area and country side. This time my boyfriend went with me to enjoy the layover, the whole experience and to be honest We had a funny time!! If I may make a suggestion about our guides is could be nice if they explain during the tour more about the area and what we are watching also into the pick up during the long drive. Anyway, I suggest this tour ‘cause they are very organize, food and locations (iurta or guest house) were nice and clean! Kisses from Italy 🇮🇹 Elisa
Two days tour with Saya
lorenzovV6015TE,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderful two days, with great company, but above all, with a wonderful guide, Saya, a special girl. The two-day tour is beautiful, challenging, but the scenery makes all the effort worthwhile. I hope everyone can have such a wonderful experience with this tour.
The condensed tour with super nice service
Daydream32252320625,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Overall: We could go to the 3 most famous and popular destinations around Almaty in 2 days. We could afford to save energy in physical and spare time to enjoy each destination. I surely recommend a 2 day tour. Kazakhstan very nice has abilities of attracting travelers so they offer many departure schedules. Additionally we can pay by cash in both KZT and USD. Before the tour: They provided quick communication in English via Whatsapp. We can avoid any suspicions before departure. At the evening on the day before the tour, the tour guide gives us detailed pickup information. So it can be smooth. They booked Yandex taxi for me from my hostel to pick up location and from drop off location to my hostel. It includes tour expenses. During the tour: We can enjoy the amazing nature landscapes of Charyn canyon, black canyon, Kolsai lake and Kaindy lake with a super kind guide and good transportation. During my tour, Sayazhan handled it as a guide. I experienced many tours around the world but her customer care was super. Additionally they offered a 15 seater Toyota hi ace. We can spend comfort time on long distance travel. Accommodation and food were provided by a local guest house. It was clean and delicious. We can choose shared Yurt or standard room with other travelers. Cuisine was also selectable from chicken, beef or Vegetable. Kazakhstan very nice is not a small agency and they offer many tours and many guides belong to them. The satisfaction really depends on the guide, but I can recommend the tour handled by Sayazhan was super.
A 'must do' when you're in Almaty!
BoardingPass694149,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's a wonderful tour. Our guide Sasha was very knowledgeable and helped us understand the history and culture very nicely. The locations were beautiful beyond words. The traditional home cooked Kazak food was good too.
Amazing two day tour from Almaty
olafg10,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this tour! You get incredible value for your money. The sister guides, Assem and Saya, are full of energy and create such a great vibe throughout the trip. I had so much fun, and the landscapes were absolutely stunning. The yurt was simple but comfortable and clean, and the food was delicious. Overall, it’s a solid 5 stars from me, highly recommended!
From US$120.00
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