Full-Day SUV Tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lakes

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon
• 02 Discover the turquoise waters of Kolsay Lake surrounded by alpine scenery
• 03 Visit Kaindy Lake and witness its unique sunken forest rising from the water
• 04 Travel through scenic routes featuring steppes, mountains, and traditional Kazakh villages

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Almaty on a full-day SUV tour covering Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake. Travel through vast steppes, mountain roads, and scenic valleys while exploring three of Kazakhstan's most iconic natural wonders. Walk along canyon trails, admire turquoise alpine lakes, and visit the famous sunken forest at Kaindy Lake. Enjoy guided insights, local experiences in Saty village, and stunning photography stops before returning to Almaty after an unforgettable adventure through diverse terrain.

Walk along canyon trails, admire turquoise alpine lakes, and visit the famous sunken forest at Kaindy Lake.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Almaty, Sharyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes National Park

Languages English, Russian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Full-Day Nature Adventure to Kaindy, Kolsay, and Charyn

• 06:00 AM pickup from the hotel by SUV and start the journey towards Kaindy Lake.
• 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM arrive at Kaindy Lake and explore the famous sunken forest. Optional horseback ride or Soviet van ride to the upper viewpoint, followed by walking and hiking.
• 11:30 AM to 02:30 PM proceed to Kolsay Lake and enjoy a scenic walk around the lake surrounded by mountain landscapes.
• 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM arrive at Saty village and enjoy a traditional lunch.
• 04:30 PM to 06:00 PM reach Charyn Canyon and explore the dramatic rock formations with guided walks and eco-taxi rides.
• 08:30 PM return to Almaty and drop off at the hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• English-speaking guide-driver
• Transfer according to the route
• Bottled water per person
• National park tickets

What's Not Included

• Alcohol
• Horse riding
• Boating
• Additional costs not mentioned in the tour itinerary
• Drone video services charged at 35 USD

What to bring

• Good-grip shoes and comfortable clothing depending on the season.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Almaty, Казахстан

Tour start

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.