Kazakhstan · Nature Walks

2-Day Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake Tour from Almaty with Kaindy

2 Days Round trip from Almaty Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Revel in the wild nature of Charyn National Park
02 Walk through Charyn Canyon and visit the Valley of Castles
03 Admire the beauty of Kolsai Lake
04 Take photos and enjoy a short hike around Kaindy Lake
05 Explore the Black Canyon and Moon Valley

Drive from Almaty to Charyn National Park to enjoy its wild nature, walk through Charyn Canyon, and visit the Valley of Castles before continuing to beautiful Kolsai Lake. On the second day, travel to Kaindy Lake for photos and a short hike, then continue to the Black Canyon and Moon Valley for more walking and sightseeing. This 2-day journey combines dramatic canyon landscapes, scenic lakes, and local guesthouse hospitality.

This 2-day journey combines dramatic canyon landscapes, scenic lakes, and local guesthouse hospitality.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Almaty, Sharyn Canyon, Charyn National Park

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Valley of Castles, and Kolsai Lake

08:00: Get picked up from your homestay in Almaty and travel to Charyn National Park to enjoy its wild nature. Also visit the Valley of Castles.
11:00: Walk inside Charyn Canyon, enjoy sightseeing, and have lunch inside the canyon.
16:00: Drive to Kolsai Lake and enjoy sightseeing.
19:00: Head to Saty settlement.

Dinner and overnight at the local guesthouse (B, L, D).

Day 02

Saty to Kaindy Lake, Black Canyon, Moon Valley, and Almaty

08:00: Have breakfast in Saty village.
10:00: Drive to Kaindy Lake by off-road vehicle. Take photos and go for a short hike around the lake.
13:00: Head to Saty settlement and have lunch.
14:30: Drive to the Black Canyon and Moon Valley.
16:00: Enjoy walking and sightseeing in Moon Valley.
19:00: Return to Almaty (B, L, D).

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Almaty 3 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Professional guide service in Central Asia with all-inclusive service (transport, guide, accommodation, and local cuisine)

What to bring

Comfortable clothing and footwear (preferably hiking or mountain boots)
Any medicine you might need for personal use
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Headwear
Passports
A great mood

Know before you go

Scenic view tour to Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon: Kolsai Lakes - "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan" - represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible to all visitors. It is the most beautiful lake, with a lack of civilization and an abundance of mushrooms. Horse lovers can order a horseback tour to this place. The highest lake is small. It is located on the border of firwood and the alpine meadows and amazes visitors with its harsh alpine beauty, as well as its rich flora and fauna.

Logistics