Skip to content
Adventure

From Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Day Trip

NewAlmaty, Kazakhstan
  • Duration16h
  • Group sizeMax 19 guests
  • CancellationNon-refundable
  • Guided inEnglish

About this experience

Start your journey early from central Almaty, heading east towards the snow-capped peaks of the Northern Tian Shan range. Travel through open countryside as you leave the city behind and head straight into Kazakhstan's most dramatic landscapes. Your first stop is the famous Lake Kolsai, known as the jewel of the Northern Tian Shan. Enjoy roughly two hours to stroll peaceful lakeside footpaths, take in the reflections of pine forests on the water, or rent a boat to glide across the calm alpine basin. Afterwards, pause at a local village café to recharge with traditional regional dishes like hot lagman, manti or pilaf. Next, switch to an authentic Soviet-era UAZ 4x4 shuttle to tackle the rugged mountain trail up to Lake Kaindy. Famous for its eerie submerged forest, Kaindy features dried Asian spruce trunks rising straight out of turquoise glacial waters. Explore the area on foot or opt for a horse ride to the shoreline. Conclude the day exploring the region’s spectacular geological wonders. Walk between the colossal red rock towers of Charyn Canyon, marvel at the dark basalt cliffs of Black Canyon, and step onto the otherworldly landscape of Moon Canyon (summer season) before the return drive to Almaty.

Where you'll meet

Meeting Point

Dostyk Ave 50, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Open in maps

Where you'll go

  1. 1

    Charyn Canyon (upper part)

  2. 2

    Valley of Castles (lower part)

  3. 3

    Charyn Canyon National Park

  4. 4

    Charyn River

  5. 5

    Moon Canyon

  6. 6

    Black Canyon

  7. 7

    Kolsai Lake

  8. 8

    Kaindy Lake

What's not included

  • Food (available to purchase onsite)
  • Horseback ride (available to purchase onsite)
  • Boat/catamaran ride (available to purchase onsite)
  • Any other personal shopping or expenses

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Cash

Accessibility and suitability

  • There are no child seats available on the UAZ bus, so please bring your own if needed. Payments for extras must be made in cash (tenge) onsite.
  • Lunch at the café costs 3,000 tenge (~7 USD) per person.
  • An optional 2 km horseback ride is 6,000 tenge (~12 USD) per person.
  • A 30-minute boat or catamaran tour (for 4-5 people) is available for 5,000 tenge (~10 USD).
  • ECO taxi services cost 500 tenge (~1 USD) one way.

Meet your guide

GuideC7F58Verified guide

2 years guiding

Speaks English, Hindi

About Miles Away At Miles Away, we believe that true travel begins where the beaten path ends. Headquartered in Mumbai, we specialize in crafting immersive, seamless, and high-energy group tours and custom journeys across the majestic landscapes of Central Asia and Beyond — including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkey. Whether you are seeking the ancient Silk Road architecture of Samarkand, the pristine alpine lakes and rugged peaks of Almaty, or the vibrant cultural tapestry of Istanbul, Miles Away brings you face-to-face with authentic local traditions, panoramic landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. Why Travel With Us? Local Expertise & Handpicked Itineraries: Every tour is designed and curated by experienced travelers to ensure you balance iconic landmarks with hidden gems. Hassle-Free Experiences: From smooth transfers and boutique accommodations to insider local guides, we take care of the details so you can focus on the journey. Small Group Comfort: We keep group dynamics engaging, flexible, and comfortable, making our trips perfect for solo travelers, couples, and friends alike. Step out of your routine and discover the extraordinary—your next great story is just Miles Away.

Customer reviews

No reviews yet

Only travellers who completed this booking can review it, so there is nothing here until the first group has been.

Ask GuideC7F58 a question

Something you want to check before you book? The guide answers here, and we can see the conversation if anything goes wrong.

Sign in to ask

More in Almaty

More Adventure, elsewhere

You might also consider