My Trip

Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour

4.9 (1042 reviews) Almaty, Kazakhstan

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

⏱15 hours 👥Shared group tour 💬Offered in: English ⚡Instant Confirmation 🔢Max group size: 18

About this experience

Welcome to Kazakhstan! Experience five breathtaking natural wonders in one unforgettable day from Almaty.

Start at iconic Charyn Canyon — towering red rock walls carved over millions of years, often called the little brother of the Grand Canyon.

Continue to the mysterious Black Canyon with its dark volcanic cliffs, and the surreal Moon Canyon — pale formations that look like a lunar landscape.

Then hop aboard a legendary Soviet UAZ-452 off-road van for an adventurous ride to Kaindy Lake — a submerged forest where spruce trees rise from crystal-clear turquoise water.

End the day at peaceful Kolsai Lake, surrounded by pine forests and mountain peaks.

In between, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local family's home in Saty village — real Kazakh hospitality our guests call the highlight of the day.

Private Tour: Same epic route for your group only — flexible pace, personalized attention, no strangers.

English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 5 AM. All entrance fees included.

What to Expect

1
Stop 1 hour

Charyn Canyon National Park

05:00 Pick-up and departure from Almaty 07:00 Shortstop for coffee/WC 8:30Arrival at Charyn Canyon "Valley of the Castles", visiting several spots, walking along canyon 10:00 Departure from Charyn Canyon

2
Stop 20 minutes

Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)

Moon Canyon is a unique, pale colored section of Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan, known for its smooth, moon like landscapes that contrast with the canyon’s red cliffs.

3
Stop 20 minutes

Charyn National Park

Black Canyon, viewing spot, photographing

4
Stop 2 hours

Lake Kaindy

12:00 Arrival at Saty village, transfer to Kaindy Lake In Kaiyndy lake car goes until parking point. From parking until the lake 2km of walk. You can use horses or taxi insead of walking. 14:30 transfer to saty 14:30 Lunch in the guesthouse

5
Stop 1 hour

Kolsai Lake

16:00 Transfer to the Lower Kolsai Lake from Saty 17:00 Leaving Kolsai Lakes National Park 20:30 Shortstop for coffee/WC 22:00 Drop-off in Almaty

What's included

  • ✔ National parks entrance fees
  • ✔ Bottled water
  • ✔ Air-conditioned vehicle
  • ✔ Hearty lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available)

Not included

  • ✘ Soft & Hard drinks
  • ✘ Special food & drinks
  • ✘ Horseback-riding 7000kzt (13$)
  • ✘ Taxi van instead of hiking 1000KZT (2$)

Languages Offered

Live tour guide1
  • ENEnglish

Good to Know

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not allowed for travelers who can not withstand long trips by car, long walks and hikes
  • Not allowed for travelers with disabilities, injuries, diseases that limit physical abilities
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • Not recommended for children under 6

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently Asked Questions

15 hours.

English.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

See the "What's included" list above for full details.

Click "Book Now" on this page to complete your booking securely.

Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice

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From USD 59.00