Issyk’s turquoise shore and the forest path to Bear Waterfall, then up to the Assy Plateau for wide-open observatory views and a yurt night under big skies.
A canyon day that goes beyond the main path—Valley of the Castles, Lunar Canyon, and high lookouts like Austrian View and Stone Shelf.
A lakes finish with contrast: Kaindy’s submerged spruce “forest” and Kolsay’s clear alpine shoreline, before a scenic drive back to Almaty.
Over three incredible days, you’ll explore a stunning array of destinations, including Issyk Lake, Bear Waterfall, Asy Plateau, Aul Tumar, Charyn Canyon, and the breathtaking Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. This journey promises an immersive experience of Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes.
ITINERARY
- Day 1: Lake Issyk, Bear Waterfall, Asy Plateau07:00 - Departure from Almaty
09:00 - Arrival at Lake Issyk; a short walk to the lake (1 km each way)
10:00 - Departure to the Turgen Gorge
11:30 - Arrival at Bear Waterfall; a trek of 4 km (round trip)
13:30 - Departure to the ethnos Aul Tumar
14:00 - Arrival in the village; accommodation in yurts and lunch
15:30 - Departure to Assy Plateau for an observatory visit
16:30 - Arrival; walk and photo opportunities
17:30 - Departure back to Aul Tumar
18:30 - Arrival; dinner, free time, and rest - DAY 2: CHARYN CANYON08:00 - Breakfast at the guesthouse
09:00 - Departure to Charyn Canyon
11:30 - Arrive at Charyn Canyon Panoramic Sites #1 and #2 - Valley of Castles (Qyzylsay). A short trek (2 km each way)
13:00 - Lunch break (packed lunch) before continuing the journey
13:30 - Drive to Panoramic Site #3 - Lunar (Zhabyr, Uzunbulak) Canyon View
14:15 - Continue to Panoramic Site #4 – Stone Shelf viewpoint
15:00 - Drive to Panoramic Sites #5 and #6 - Napoleon and the Austrian Viewpoint
17:00 - Depart from Charyn Canyon to Saty village
18:00 - Visit the Black Canyon, part of the main canyon of the Charyn River
19:00 - Check in at the guest house and have dinner
20:00 - Overnight stay at the guest house
- Day 3: Lakes Kolsai and Kaindy08:30 - Breakfast at the guesthouse
09:00 - Departure to Lake Kaindy (15 km, offroad)
09:30 - Arrival at the parking lot; a short walk to the lake (2 km)
10:30 - Explore three locations at Kaindy lake
12:00 - Return to the car (2 km)
13:00 - Departure to the guest house, with a stop at the panoramic platform overlooking the Chilik River valley
13:30 - Lunch at the guesthouse
14:30 - Departure to Lower Kolsai Lake (15 km)
15:00 - Enjoy a short walk along the shore of Lower Kolsai Lake
16:30 - Departure from the lake to Almaty (300 km)
20:30 - Arrival in Almaty
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Price List
Included in the tour price
Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
6 People
- Comfortable SUV transportation
- Services of an English/Chinese/Russian-speaking guide
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at a Guest House
- Three meals a day, excluding breakfast on the first day, dinner on the last day
- National Park Permits & Entrance Fees
- 1.5 liters of drinking water per guest per day
- Personal expenses
- Pet-Friendly Travel: Bringing your furry friends (dogs and cats) along is welcome! A fee of $10 per day applies.
Not included in the tour price
$275 per person ($1 650 total)
$300 per person ($1 500 total)
5 People
4 People
$350 per person ($1 400 total)
$400 per person ($1 200 total)
3 People
Solo Tour
$900 total
$500 per person ($1 000 total)
2 People
Photogallery
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