Located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty, Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan's most spectacular natural wonders. Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," Charyn Canyon stretches for approximately 154 kilometers along the Charyn River. Recognized for its unique geological features, Charyn Canyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting its global significance and natural beauty.
Situated 100 kilometers southwest of the Charyn Canyons amid the breathtaking scenery of Tien Shan mountains, are a natural wonder renowned for their pristine beauty and atmosphere. Consisting of three stunning alpine lakes, each with its own unique charm, the Kolsay Lakes are a paradise for all travelers.
Lake Kaindy derives its name from the birch grove that tourists pass through on their way to the lake. Formed by a powerful earthquake in 1911, a portion of the mountain slid into the gorge, obstructing the flow of the Kaindy River. This caused the river to flood the gorge, and the cold waters preserved the submerged Tian Shan spruces, creating a unique underwater forest.
Lake Kaindy derives its name from the birch grove that tourists pass through on their way to the lake. Formed by a powerful earthquake in 1911, a portion of the mountain slid into the gorge, obstructing the flow of the Kaindy River. This caused the river to flood the gorge, and the cold waters preserved the submerged Tian Shan spruces, creating a unique underwater forest.
General Information
Witness the unique underwater forest of submerged Tian Shan spruces of the Kaindy Lakes and relax at the Kolsay Lake, offering serene landscapes.
Discover the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," known for its stunning landscapes and unique geological features.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Scenic drives through picturesque landscapes suitable for all travelers.
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Enjoy comfortable accommodations and local hospitality.
The tour is, without exaggeration, the most exhilarating two-day exploration of the Almaty region sights. Our journey takes you through six natural wonders, including the stunning Charyn Canyons with their two distinct canyons and four panoramic viewpoints. You'll also explore the serene Alpine Kolsay lake and discover four enchanting spots around the unique Kaindy lake.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
07:00 - Pick up guests from their addresses and depart for the Charyn Canyons (200 km)
10:00 - Visit the Valley of Castles Canyon, the most popular canyon of the Charyn River. Descend and trek with photo stops inside the canyon (2.5 km)
11:00 - Rest on the bank of the Charyn River
12:00 - Ascend from the canyon back to the car park (2.5 km). During high season, a cab service from the national park is available if needed
13:30 - Lunch break
14:00 - Depart for Moon Canyon (25 km)
14:30 - Stop at the panoramic view of Moon Canyon
15:30 - Depart for the next location, the Stone Shelf panoramic view (15 km)
16:00 - Arrive at the Stone Shelf for a photo stop
16:30 - Depart for the "Napoleon" panoramic site (2.5 km)
17:00 - Visit the "Napoleon" site for a photo stop
17:30 - Depart for the "Austrian View" panoramic site (2 km)
18:00 - Visit the "Austrian View" and then depart for Saty village (120 km)
19:00 - Visit the Black Canyon, part of the main canyon of the Charyn River
20:00 - Check in at the guest house and have dinner
21:30 - Enjoy time around the campfire
22:30 - Overnight stay at the guest house
10:00 - Visit the Valley of Castles Canyon, the most popular canyon of the Charyn River. Descend and trek with photo stops inside the canyon (2.5 km)
11:00 - Rest on the bank of the Charyn River
12:00 - Ascend from the canyon back to the car park (2.5 km). During high season, a cab service from the national park is available if needed
13:30 - Lunch break
14:00 - Depart for Moon Canyon (25 km)
14:30 - Stop at the panoramic view of Moon Canyon
15:30 - Depart for the next location, the Stone Shelf panoramic view (15 km)
16:00 - Arrive at the Stone Shelf for a photo stop
16:30 - Depart for the "Napoleon" panoramic site (2.5 km)
17:00 - Visit the "Napoleon" site for a photo stop
17:30 - Depart for the "Austrian View" panoramic site (2 km)
18:00 - Visit the "Austrian View" and then depart for Saty village (120 km)
19:00 - Visit the Black Canyon, part of the main canyon of the Charyn River
20:00 - Check in at the guest house and have dinner
21:30 - Enjoy time around the campfire
22:30 - Overnight stay at the guest house
DAY 2
08:30 - Breakfast at the guest house
09:00 - Depart for Kaindy Lake (15 km, unpaved road)
09:30 - Arrive at the parking area and trek to the lake (2 km). Horse rentals are available during the high season (not included in the tour price).
10:30 - Visit three locations at the lake: the shore, the panoramic viewpoint, and the inflow of the Kaindy River into the lake
12:00 - Return to the parking area (2 km)
13:00 - Depart for the guest house, stopping at a panoramic site with views of the Chilik River valley
13:30 - Lunch at the guest house
14:30 - Depart for Kolsay lower lake (15 km)
15:00 - Take a short walk along the shore of Kolsay lake
16:30 - Depart from the lake parking area and head back to Almaty (300 km)
20:30 - Arrive in Almaty
09:00 - Depart for Kaindy Lake (15 km, unpaved road)
09:30 - Arrive at the parking area and trek to the lake (2 km). Horse rentals are available during the high season (not included in the tour price).
10:30 - Visit three locations at the lake: the shore, the panoramic viewpoint, and the inflow of the Kaindy River into the lake
12:00 - Return to the parking area (2 km)
13:00 - Depart for the guest house, stopping at a panoramic site with views of the Chilik River valley
13:30 - Lunch at the guest house
14:30 - Depart for Kolsay lower lake (15 km)
15:00 - Take a short walk along the shore of Kolsay lake
16:30 - Depart from the lake parking area and head back to Almaty (300 km)
20:30 - Arrive in Almaty
Additional Information
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Duration2 Days - Route DifficultyStandard and suitable for individuals with average physical fitness.
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PrecautionsIt is mandatory to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent (especially during the spring period). -
Identity DocumentsWhen visiting the Kolsay lakes you should have your identity documents (border zone). -
Total route length700 km by car and 6 km by trekking. -
ChildrenInfants under 2 years old travel free of charge. Child seats can be provided upon prior arrangement.
Price List
Included in the tour price
All our tours are private, offering a personalized experience tailored to your group.
Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
6 People
- Comfortable SUV transportation
- Services of an English/Chinese/Russian-speaking guide
- Accommodation at a Guest House
- Three meals a day, excluding breakfast on the first day, dinner on the second day
- Eco-fees for "Charyn" National Park
- 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
$175 per person ($1 050 total)
$200 per person ($1 000 total)
5 People
4 People
$200 per person ($800 total)
$250 per person ($750 total)
3 People
Solo Tour
$550 total
$300 per person ($600 total)
2 People
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Discover the Nomad Outfitter Team
Recognized by Lonely Planet as a leading outdoor provider in Almaty, Nomad Outfitter team has established itself as a premier choice for outdoor adventures. Since joining the Kazakhstan Tourist Association in 2018, our commitment to exceptional service and local expertise has been consistently strengthening. TripAdvisor has honored us with the "Traveler's Choice" award for five consecutive years (2020-2024), highlighting our dedication to providing unforgettable experiences based on traveler reviews.
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