Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn
in One Day
- Hotel pick-up in AlmatyHotel pick-up
- from $130 per person
Itinerary
This private day tour from Almaty fits Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon into one long day, with a stop at the Black Canyon on the way.
Pick-up from your address; drive to the Kolsai Lakes (285 km)
Stop at the Black Canyon
Kaindy Lake: a short trek (1.5 km each way) to three spots: the view from above, the river inflow and the shore
Back to Saty village (15 km), with a viewpoint over the Chilik River
Lunch at a guest house, included
Kolsai Lake and a walk along the shore
Drive to the Valley of Castles
The Valley of Castles viewpoint
Drive back to Almaty
Back in Almaty
All year, bluest in summer
We run this route all year: the roads to Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn stay open in winter. From late May to mid-October the water is at its bluest, and in winter the lakes freeze and the mountains turn white.
Moderate
At Kaindy you walk about 1.5 km each way on a forest trail with some steep, rooty sections. The walk along the Kolsai shore is flat, and you choose how far to go.
Where the road takes you
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By roadRoutes are shown approximately.
Moments from this route
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What our travelers say
KAINDY, KOLSAY and CHARYN 1-Day Tour
I took the 1 day tour to Kolsay Lakes, KAINDY Lakes and Charyn Canyon and it was all organized quickly and perfectly
Great tour!
Went on the tour to see Kazakhstan nature gems: Charon canyon and famous mountain lakes. Sergei our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful, lots of interesting details, views, and good vibes. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to see maximum in short period of time.
Great tour
Had a 1-day Kaindy and Kolsai lakes, Black and Charyn canyon trip with Sergei as my driver and guide. Before the tour, the organizers were very prompt in replying, kindly answering to all my questions and concerns. For the tour, my guide Sergei was very helpful, providing all necessities that I have not thought of such as coins, tissue, extra cash for horseriding etc. He made sure to prioritize my physical condition and interests in deciding the direction of the tour. Thanks to him, I had a very good experience, and I am willing to travel with this agency again in the future.
Great private express tour
We did the express tour to Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake. As it was a private tour we could tailor the tour to our liking. Pick up was on time and Yeldar was a very informative guide and safe driver. We enjoyed our day to the fullest.
Flawless experience
We didn't have long in Almaty so booked this tour to ensure we had time to see the canyons and lakes near the city. We found our driver Roman and guide Artur to be very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. The tour was organised perfectly and we would recommend Outfitters KZ to everyone.
Best tour to the lakes and Canyon
We booked a private tour for my husband and I and requested for an English speaking guide. Max took us on the express tour. He was excellent and patiently answered all our questions. Highly recommend this trip!
Quick, comfortable and breath-taking.
Together with a spouse we took a private tour Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes. Igor was applied as our guide. We are satisfied with the service provided. It was really well-organized. That's what we needed. So, if you have a time-limit being in Almaty but want to be closer to the nature and get more information about the local culture you definitely should go with Outfitters. Highly recommended, Vlady
Questions about this tour
When is the best time for this tour?
We run this route all year: the roads to Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn stay open in winter. From late May to mid-October the water is at its bluest, and in winter the lakes freeze and the mountains turn white.
How hard is the walking?
Moderate. At Kaindy you walk about 1.5 km each way on a forest trail with some steep, rooty sections. The walk along the Kolsai shore is flat and you choose how far to go.
Is it suitable for children or older travelers?
It is a very long day: pick-up at 05:30 and back around 21:30, with about 570 km of driving. We suggest it for children over 10 and for travelers who are happy with many hours in the car. Our 2-day Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy tour is more relaxed.
What should I wear and bring?
We recommend you bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
- A warm layer, as mountain and steppe weather changes fast
- Cash for personal expenses
We provide drinking water on every tour.
Is the road to Kaindy Lake paved?
Yes. The road to Kaindy is now paved, so no UAZ transfer is needed.
Can I ride a horse at Kolsai instead of walking?
Yes. Each person gets their own horse, led and controlled by a professional from start to finish. Let us know when you book.
Is this a private or shared tour?
Private: only your group travels in the car, with your own guide. The price per person drops as your group grows, from $130 per person. Group tours with set dates start in March 2027.
What if the weather is bad, or I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free for our standard tours. For special tours or large groups, where we book rooms or activities in advance or pay a deposit to a hotel or partner, there is a 20% deposit: we refund it if you cancel 5 or more days before the tour, and not if you cancel later. If snow, heavy rain or a road closure makes the route unsafe, we move you to another day or cancel at no cost.
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