Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes + Charyn Canyon private 2-day tour
Overview
Available languages
2 days
Mobile ticket
You might already know that Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon are the top must-visit places in case you are travelling to Almaty. We suggest you private tour and full service but at the same time good price and flexibility. We will make our best so that you can enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of Kazakhstan!
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Kolsai Lake - Saty village
Accommodations
Guest House in Saty village
Charyn National Park
We will start our trip from your hotel early in the morning. After 2.5 hour drive we will reach the unique natural sight of the Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon and it's most attractive part - Valley of Castles. Ancient canyon was formed 2.5 million years ago. It's stone sculptures and breathtaking views are incredible. You will have couple of hours to walk along the bottom of the canyon till the Charyn river. Or you take a ride on a local eco park jeep taxis.
Kolsai Lake
Another 1.5 hour drive will bring us to the Kolsai Lake. Astonishing mountain lake with crystal clear water will admire any visitor. You will have free time to relax and enjoy this place. Kolsai Lakes are the chain of 3 mountain lakes separated by coniferous forests and mountain rocks. There is a nice trail around the Lake. Boat riding (except winter) and horse riding activities are available. There are few options for restaurant/cafes available at the lake. We can have lunch in one of them. After a busy day we will check in at the comfortable guest house where you will enjoy a good dinner by hospitable hosts.
Saty village - Kaindy Lake - Almaty
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Lake Kaindy
The next day will start with breakfast and departure to the Kaindy Lake. This is one of the most unique lakes in the world with old spruces that rise above the water surface. Formed as a result of the earthquake in 1911 this place became such a delightful natural phenomenon. The cold water in the lake keeps the forest preserved.
On the way back to the city we will stop at the view point of one picturesque part of the Charyn canyon called Black Canyon. You will observe fast Charyn river flowing in between high black stone walls of the canyon. We will stop at the local village for a lunch or to take snacks. And then continue our way to Almaty. In the next hour and a half we will reach the city.
Options
Guest House Accommodation
Guest House accommodation Dinner & Breakfast included Pickup included
Hotel Accommodation
Hotel accommodation: Double/twin rooms in one of the hotels near the Kolsai Lake Breakfast only included Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Offroad transfer to Kaindy Lake
Accomodation
Breakfast
Guide service
Meals at cafes / restaurants
Boat riding (available at Kolsai Lakes)
Horse riding (available at Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The 3 locations are must...
Jennifer S,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The 3 locations are must see if you visit Kazakhstan. 2 days is much more reasonable than 1 day for this tour. We still missed best time to take photos for each location in our 2 day trip. The best way to arrange the tour is to arrive Charyn Canyon a little earlier than us, finish top before sun light gets harsh, rest and lunch, then walk bottom late afternoon, then drive to Kolsai lake area for over night. The next day get up early 5 am for Kolsai lake sunrise view and photos. Then breakfast at 8 am. Get to Kaindy lake in early afternoon 12-2pm when dead tree truck are all in sun light for better reflection in water. Morning time is not good for Kaindy lake photos. I only know this after my trip. So if you also do private trip, request the right arrangement with your guide, that is if you like photography.
Excellent
D890MMjeanm,Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can only recommend this tour. Although the tour was very simple it was never well prepared and went smoothly throughout. Nur-Sultan easily a competent knowledgeable and friendly guide. Good company and no problem, go for it.
Our Amazing Experience
Vacation764813,Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the canyon tour was excellent with nursuktan guide.he took special interest and took us to smaller diversions where the rocks are closer and also gave us tea by the river side .the kolsay lake is beautiful and nur took us along the trail around the frozen lake .it was breathtaking view and we stayed back in the hotel by the lake side . the restaurant of the hotel is glass walled structure at the cliff so that u get a 270 degree view of the lake n the mountains while having a meal in the comfortable temperature within . i strongly recommend doung this tour wth Nursuktan guide .
NEOmad is not a reliable tour operator
patch168,Jul 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00NEOmad is not a reliable tour operator. I booked a tour several months in advance and the tour was cancelled shortly before my departure for Almaty. Needless to say I was left very little time to find another tour operator for this trip. If you want a reliable tour operator, book with someone else.
Nice trip and professional driver
Nurjehan B,Mar 28, 2024
- Review from Viator
4.00Lovely nice trip for the 2 days tour despite long car ride but very panaromic view of the snowy mountains and sight of lambs, cows, horses etc . We are driven well and very comfortable ride and our guide Mr Bruce is friendly, helpful n professional. Thank you !
Short Visit to the Almaty Region
Ed17 UK,Mar 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good tour for those with limited time to spend in the Almaty area. We hiked through the Charyn Canyon, visited the Black Canyon, hiked along and across the frozen Kolsai lake and did a combination horse back riding and hiking to and along the Kaindy lake. The places we visited were very beautiful and pristine, true natural wonders of Kazakhstan. Our tour guide, Nursultan, was very familiar and knowledgeable of the areas visited. He shared a lot of history, culture, and traditions of the Kazakh people during the long drives, which, made the trip more interesting. He also took us to places where we can sample / eat traditional food. Overall, very good, fun, and memorable tour!
Great introduction to Kazakhstan
Hassam A,Mar 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Had the best time in this 2 day tour to see the Charyn canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. We ere travelling with our six year old and our guide Nursultan made every effort to make the trip comfortable and went ahead with the pace our six year old could keep up. Our guide was experienced, had a ton of local knowledge and history and communicated well in English. Totally recommend this trip to an introduction to Kazakhstan
Best tour in Almaty region
292hassama,Feb 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best time in this 2 day tour to see the Charyn canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. We were travelling with a six year old and our guide Nursultan made every effort to make the trip comfortable and went ahead in a comfortable pace that out six year old could keep up. Our guide was experienced, had a ton of local knowledge and history and communicated well in English. 5/5 recommended for an introduction to this culturally rich country
Very good sightseeing tour in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
nhond188,Nov 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The sightseeing tour of Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon was wonderful. My tour guide is friendly and very helpful; he took a very good care of me. I highly recommend this tour.
Nice tour
JavierBrea,Sep 24, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00Our tour guide was very kind. He contacted us the day previous to the tour by Whatsapp and he picked up us on time. The car was comfortable as well as the accommodation. About the visited places, we specially liked the Kaindy lake and the Charyn canyon. The Kolsai lake was also nice, but in my opinion it is a very turistic place. As a summary, it was a great experience.
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Operated by NEOmad