Charyn Canyon beyond the usual route: six unique viewpoints including —Valley of the Castles, Lunar Canyon and the Stone Shelf.
Set hiking day at the lakes: Kolsay 1 to Kolsay 2 (Mynzhylky), ~18 km round trip through spruce forest and alpine meadows, with time for photos and a picnic.
Visit Kaindy Lake’s submerged spruce grove, with unhurried drives between steppe and foothills and cozy guesthouse nights with home-style meals.
ITINERARY
- DAY 107:00 - Depart from Almaty, hotel pick-ups, and begin the journey through agricultural fields
10:00 - 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 208:00 - Breakfast at the guesthouse
08:30 - Drive to Kolsay 1 (Saty Lake), 20 km
09:15 - Trailhead briefing, gear check, quick photo stop
09:20 - Start the hike to Kolsay 2 (Mynzhylky), ~9 km one way (Horseback option available in warmer months.)
12:30 - Arrive at Kolsay 2: rest, photos, and picnic lunch (lunchboxes from the guesthouse)
13:30 - Hike back to Kolsay 1, ~9 km
16:30 - Return to the parking area; drive back to Saty village (20 km)
17:30 - Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse - DAY 308:30 - 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
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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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