Private Tour
Private Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake with Optional Kaindy Lake tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This special tour will cover the four most frequently visited places: Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Monn, and Black. If you haven't visited these places, you are not qualified to say that you have traveled to Almaty as a tourist.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Remaining time is allocated for transportation.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Park fees
Bottled water
Parking Fees
Professional guide/driver
Boating and horseback-riding (from 6000 KZT/person depending on route/duration)
Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Kolsai Lake
We will start our wonderful trip from Almaty City by picking you up from the exact place where you are accommodated, then depart to Kolsai Lake. You will admire the landscape of Kolsai Lake with tour guide for almost two hours, you can take a boat or catamaran ride around the lake if you would like to (not included)
Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)
in this part of tour, you will experience most spectacular view of moon and black canyon for almost one hour, and see the flow of Canyon river deep in the black rocked valley.
Options
Kolsai Lake, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon Tour
Three Canyons & Kolsai Lake: We will cover Charyn, Moon & Black Canyons, and Kolsai Lake in this option.
Minivan or 4x4 drive or SUV
Pickup included
Charyn Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsai
Charyn Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsai: We will cover 4 main attractions: Charyn & Black Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsai Lake.
4X4 Minivan or SUV
Pickup included
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
one of the best tour guides ive met
397janinag,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mr. Erasyl is an excellent guide. he speaks fluent english and is very intelligent. it was a 6 hour roundtrip car ride and we had great conversations about a lot of things. he is very caring and always attended to our needs despite him being just a day after having his tooth extraction! so professional. doing a private tour is worth the money bec you can go at your own pace and make stops whenever necessary (for snacks and restroom breaks). The canyon is stunning. bring sunblock and some snacks bec it entails a lot of walking and climbing stairs. it was worth all the effort! the lakes are pretty to but i prefer the big almaty lake more. for me the best part is the canyons.. we even saw a wild fox. we enjoyed this trip as well as the conversations along the way. highly recommended!
Amazing Almaty
kathreen s,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were very fortunate to have Erasyl as our private guide in Almaty. From early morning pickup to our return to the hotel, he took excellent care of us with his professional approach and advanced English. Erasyl impressed us with his deep knowledge of Kazakhstan's history, science, business, culture, and even politics. He shared fascinating information throughout our journey while always being respectful and mindful of cultural boundaries during our conversations. Erasyl went above and beyond during our visits to Lake Kaindy and Lake Kolsay. When I struggled with walking in these areas, he provided helpful assistance that made me feel comfortable and supported. His hard work, helpful nature, and genuine care made our experience truly special. Erasyl is a wonderful ambassador for his beautiful country Kazakhstan, and we hope he continues to share his knowledge and passion with more visitors in the future.
A day well spent
KANIL R,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience Good guide Good weather Good food A memorable day Family bonding and ...... ...
A++ Awesome Experience
gavinmX1091MZ,
Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My girlfriend and I had a fantastic time. We highly recommend the private tour. It is a long day, however our guide was amazing. He was friendly, polite and extremely knowledgeable. All 3 sites are beautiful, and the private tour was perfect for taking the stress out of the day. If your in Almaty this is the best tour.
Loved it for a flexible, customized experience
DebbieD L,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour review This is a great option if you’re looking for a flexible and personalized tour/itinerary. My flight was delayed coming into Almaty and they were able to accommodate that by adjusting the start time of the tour. (I would never have made it if I’d done a group tour!) I most wanted to see Kaindy Lake and we were able to do that first, followed by a lunch break and Charyn Canyon. It was a bit of a long day but Erasyl made it fun with lots of facts about the destinations as well as Kazakh life and culture as we rode. I learned so much! Bonus - Erasyl was a great personal photographer. Overall, given my short time in Almaty, it was great to have this flexible option and have everything completely customized to your priorities. Highly recommend!
Driver was great. Spoke...
Ryan D,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Driver was great. Spoke English very well. Tour was a long day but was well-organized and a great way to see different bits of landscape. Would highly recommend.
Amazing Tour
sehejs2019,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing. Thanks to our guide. Everything shown with utmost patience and kindness. Loved this experience.
Exceptional tour
Explore47401077171,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Choosing this private tour was the best decision. Erasyl took me to three amazing destinations, and the transportation was incredibly comfortable, even in challenging locations. What I appreciated most was his flexibility; he was always willing to adjust the plan based on my needs. Our day was filled with great conversations about Kazakhstan's culture, business, and daily life, making the journey feel personal and engaging. He organized a fantastic horseback ride at Kolsay Lake and even turned out to be an excellent photographer, capturing some truly great memories. His professionalism and kindness shone through when I realized I had left my sunglasses in his car. He went above and beyond by finding them and dropping them off at my hotel's front desk. Erasyl is more than a guide—he's a true host and I can't recommend him enough.
Great tour! Seamless and...
Alec S,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! Seamless and easy way to see sights outside of Almaty. Would definitely recommend this tour.
A long but excellent...
Kara H,
May 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A long but excellent day/tour to see many interesting sights in the area. Was able to choose the pace and was given options for taxis if needed (vs only walking/hiking) at each stop. Also we stopped for lunch at a delicious local place that I was glad to have tried. Good tour for solo travels or those traveling in pairs or groups.
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