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.
Lake Kaindy is named after the birch grove that grows in the nearby gorge, close to the national park checkpoint. The Kaindy Gorge and the Kaindy River, which runs along the gorge's base, share the same name. On the journey to the lake, guests will pass the Kaindy River multiple times, with a planned stop at the serene Ak Kaiyn birch grove.
The first lake, Saty (Kolsai 1st), sits at an altitude of 1,818 meters, stretching one kilometer long, 400 meters wide, and reaching a depth of 80 meters. Mynzhylky (Kolsai 2nd) is located 5 kilometers away at an altitude of 2,252 meters. The third lake, Sarybulak, is perched at 2,850 meters above sea level, close to the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border.
The lakes are connected by the Kolsai River, with fresh, mineral-rich water. In some areas, the lakes reach a depth of 80 meters. In the summer, the water temperature is around 10°C, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm steppe climate.
General Information
For hiking enthusiasts, the tour includes a trek between the picturesque Saty Lake (Kolsai 1st) and Mynzhylky Lake (Kolsai 2nd). Meanwhile, auto tourists will enjoy breathtaking views along the right bank of the Charyn River, as well as a scenic stop at the beautiful Lake Kaindy.
The canyon portion of the trip is the most action-packed one-day program available in the Almaty region. While 99% of travel agencies focus on a single attraction—the Valley of Castles—our guests experience six natural sites, including two stunning canyons and four breathtaking panoramic viewpoints.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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
08:00 - Breakfast at the guest house
08:30 - Departure to Saty Lake (Kolsay 1st, 20 km)
09:15 - Photo session. Preparatory procedures for trekking
09:20 - Rise to the lake Mynzhylky (Kolsay 2nd). Trekking 9 kilometers in one direction. In the warmer months, the option of horse riding is available to Mynzhylky
12:30 - Arrival at Mynzhylki lake. Rest, photo session, lunch (lunchboxes from the guest house)
13:30 - Slow return to Saty Lake, 9 kilometers
16:30 - Return to the cars, departure to Saty village (20 km)
17:30 - Dinner, overnight stay at the guest house
08:30 - Departure to Saty Lake (Kolsay 1st, 20 km)
09:15 - Photo session. Preparatory procedures for trekking
09:20 - Rise to the lake Mynzhylky (Kolsay 2nd). Trekking 9 kilometers in one direction. In the warmer months, the option of horse riding is available to Mynzhylky
12:30 - Arrival at Mynzhylki lake. Rest, photo session, lunch (lunchboxes from the guest house)
13:30 - Slow return to Saty Lake, 9 kilometers
16:30 - Return to the cars, departure to Saty village (20 km)
17:30 - Dinner, overnight stay at the guest house
Day 3
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
14:00 - Depart for Almaty (300 km)
18:00 - 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
14:00 - Depart for Almaty (300 km)
18:00 - Arrive in Almaty
Additional Information
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Duration3 Days - Route DifficultyMedium/High. Trekking between first and second Kolsay lakes is a strenuous activity and may not be suitable for guests with cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure.
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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 22 km by trekking combined. -
ChildrenNot suitable with children.
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
- 2 Nights’ accommodation at a Guest House
- Three meals a day, excluding breakfast on the first day, dinner on the last 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
$260 per person ($1 560 total)
$295 per person ($1 475 total)
5 People
4 People
$285 per person ($1 140 total)
$340 per person ($1 020 total)
3 People
Solo Tour
$800 total
$450 per person ($900 total)
2 People
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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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