Almaty City is a fantastic base for exploring Kazakhstan’s diverse natural beauty in just a weekend. Unlike many cities that serve as transit hubs, Almaty offers immediate access to stunning landscapes, from alpine lakes to dramatic canyons and colorful mountains. We particularly love the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes for their surreal waters and the Charyn Canyon for its striking rock formations — all just a few hours outside the city. These tours provide a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and comfortable accommodations, making them ideal for those wanting to enjoy Kazakhstan’s wild side.
If you’re short on time but craving a taste of the country’s natural and cultural richness, these 2-day tours deliver memorable experiences, from staying in yurts with local hospitality to exploring ancient sites and colorful mountains. Whether you prefer a private, tailored experience or a group tour with lively company, there’s something here for every type of traveler.
Quick Overview
This guide features a mix of nature-focused excursions, cultural trips, and adventure-packed options. Some tours focus on exploring famous lakes like Kolsay and Kaindy with their crystal-clear waters, while others combine these with spectacular canyons such as Charyn. Several tours include overnight stays in guesthouses or yurts, providing authentic Kazakh hospitality, and some emphasize adventure activities like horseback riding and jeep safaris. For an all-inclusive experience, check out the Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy 2-Day Tour with Mount View Stay, which boasts a comfortable mountain hotel and guided visits to all the main sights.
Below, we explore each tour in detail, helping you decide which one matches your interests, budget, and style of travel.
1. Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour
At number 1 on our list, this tour captures the essence of Kazakhstan’s natural splendors. Over two days, you’ll learn about stunning mountain lakes, dramatic canyons, and traditional Kazakh hospitality. The experience includes spending a night in a yurt, which offers a taste of nomadic life, plus a chance to sample local cuisine in a remote village. This tour is highly rated, with a 4.8/5 from over 300 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction with the balance of comfort and authenticity.
What makes this trip stand out is its focus on natural beauty combined with culture. Traveling in a comfortable vehicle, you’ll visit the Kolsai Lakes, famous for their emerald waters, and the Kaindy Lake, known for its sunken forest. The Charyn Canyon offers a jaw-dropping landscape, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” The overnight in a yurt is a highlight, especially for travelers eager to experience Kazakh nomadic traditions firsthand.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive experience blending nature, culture, and local life, this tour is a top pick, especially given its high rating and the chance to stay overnight in a traditional yurt.
2. Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon
Coming in at number 2, this tour offers a rich itinerary with a focus on exploring Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, along with the Charyn Canyon. It’s slightly more budget-friendly, with an average rating of 4.6/5 from 129 reviews, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking great value.
Highlights include visiting the Black and Moon Canyons and enjoying a bonfire and disco in the evening, adding a fun social element. Staying in a guest house with local residents naturally enhances the authenticity of your experience. The tour emphasizes easy access and relaxed travel, making it suitable for those who want to see a lot without strenuous hikes or overly rustic accommodations.
Reviewers praise the scenic diversity and friendly atmosphere. One noted, “The lakes are stunning, and staying in a local guesthouse made it feel like a true Kazakh adventure.”
Bottom Line: For travelers looking for value-packed, layered landscapes with lively social evenings, this tour hits the sweet spot.
3. Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy 2-Day Tour with Mount View Stay
At number 3, this tour balances natural beauty and comfort. For just $150 per person, it includes local meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), entrance fees, and a night in a hotel with mountain views. The small group size, combined with an English-Russian-Kazakh-speaking guide, ensures a personalized experience.
This trip is perfect for those who want a hassle-free, well-organized tour with a focus on photography and scenery. The hotels with mountain vistas elevate the overnight experience, and the included meals let you relax and focus on the views. Guests appreciate the smooth logistics and engaging guide, with one saying, “The photos don’t do justice to how spectacular the landscapes are in real life.”
Bottom Line: This is an ideal option for those wanting comfort, good value, and a focus on scenic photography.
4. 2-Day private in Kolsay & Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon
Number 4 features a private tour experience, with exclusive visits to Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes plus an overnight stay at the Saty Village. The personalized aspect appeals to travelers seeking flexibility and privacy—perfect for families or small groups.
This tour is priced at $275 per person, emphasizing tailored itineraries and direct interaction with your guide. The private arrangement means you can customize your schedule, perhaps adding extra time at certain viewpoints or enjoying a quiet dinner in the village. Guests mention that the private nature of the tour allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper engagement.
Bottom Line: If privacy and flexibility matter most, this tour offers a luxurious, personalized journey with all the major sights.
$275 per person
5. Almaty: 2-Day Altyn-Emel National Park Tour with Meals
Number 5 takes you farther afield into Altyn-Emel National Park, rated 5/5 from just one review. This tour is perfect for adventurers eager to see Kazakhstan’s unique landscapes like the Singing Dune, Aktau Mountains, and the 700-year-old willow tree.
The package includes meals and an overnight in Basshi, with entrance fees covered. The Singing Dune provides a whimsical experience as the wind creates a humming sound—an unforgettable natural symphony. Guests love the diverse surreal landscapes and the chance to see volcanic formations.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers seeking a mix of adventure and cultural sights in a well-organized, full-day experience.
$214 per person
6. Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake & 3 Canyons
This tour, rated 3.7/5 from 3 reviews, combines lake visits with canyon explorations. You’ll stay overnight in Saty Village, experiencing the campfire party and starry sky. It’s ideal for budget travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Highlights include visiting Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes, along with hiking through Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons. The evening campfire and disco add social fun, making it a lively, relaxed getaway. Reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and friendly atmosphere, though some note the basic accommodation may not suit everyone.
Bottom Line: A good choice for those who want adventure, social fun, and stunning landscapes on a budget.
$92 per person
7. Two Day Tour to Altyn Emel: Singing Dune and Aktau Mountain
Ranking at 3.5/5 from four reviews, this tour offers a deep dive into Kazakhstan’s wild landscapes, emphasizing unique geological formations. The Singing Dune is a highlight, along with Martian-like landscapes and a natural silence you’ll want to listen to.
The tour features local guides sharing insights, and the route highlights colorful mountains and volcanic formations. Reviewers appreciate the distinctive scenery but note that the tour may be more physically demanding.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurers wanting to experience Kazakhstan’s otherworldly terrain.
$270 per person
8. Almaty: 2-Day Altyn Emel Tour with Singing Dunes & Mountains
This tour offers a broad two-day exploration of Altyn Emel, featuring Singing Dunes, colorful mountains, and the ancient willow tree. Though ratings are unavailable, the highlights promise a rich landscape experience for lovers of geological and natural wonders.
Participants get to climb the dunes, view the layered mountains, and visit the natural spring. It’s suited for those seeking a comprehensive outdoor experience with less focus on cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature fans eager to see multiple landscapes in two days.
$200 per person
9. Almaty: 2-Day Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, & Kolsay Tour
This tour, priced at $250 per person, visits the classic trio of natural wonders. It shines for its well-rounded itinerary and cozy guesthouse stay. The tall rock formations of Charyn and sunken forest of Kaindy are the highlights.
The walk along Kolsay Lake allows for a peaceful moment amid stunning scenery. The homemade dinner and overnight stay provide a warm, local touch, making it suitable for travelers wanting comfort and adventure.
Bottom Line: A good all-around choice for comprehensive sightseeing in Kazakhstan’s main natural sites.
$250 per person
10. Charyn Canyon, Kolsay & Kaindy Lakes – Two Day Trip
This two-day tour, rated for its scenic riding in a comfortable SUV, covers major sights including Kazakhstani Switzerland — the alpine lakes and canyon scenery. Its focus on comfort and guided tours makes it perfect for travelers preferring a relaxed pace with scenic drives.
Expect visits to the famous Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake, with an emphasis on photography and easy exploration. It suits people who want a stress-free, guided experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a scenic, chauffeur-driven experience with minimal hassle.
$335 per person
11. From Almaty: 2-Day Turkestan tour, 10 locations
While not strictly a nature tour, this trip combines cultural and historic sites like the Khoja Ahmet Yasawi Mausoleum with natural wonders like Akmeshit Cave. It’s rated unknown, but the itinerary offers a deep cultural dive.
This option suits those who want a culture with a bit of sightseeing outside Almaty. It’s less about landscapes and more about the spiritual and historic sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and culture enthusiasts wanting a well-rounded short excursion.
$160 per person
12. From Almaty: 2-Day Yurt Camp, Horseback Ride, & Jeep Tour
Number 12 offers an authentic steppe experience with yurt accommodations, horseback riding, and an adventurous jeep ride to Lake Zhasylköl. The tour costs $399 per person and is rated with no reviews, but it promises a full Kazakh culture.
Highlights include cooking classes, horseback rides through the steppe, and off-road excursions. Staying in a traditional yurt in Zhylandy Valley provides a genuine connection to Kazakh lifestyle.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventure seekers who want cultural authenticity and outdoor fun.
$399 per person
13. PRIVATE TOUR Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy lakes (2 Days)
Finally, the private tour offers a luxurious, customizable experience. Starting at $500 per person, it provides panoramic views, exclusive access to viewpoints, and personalized service. It’s perfect if you want the full, tailored Kazakh natural experience without the crowds.
Guests love the scenic drives and private accommodations, which make for a more relaxed, intimate journey. The tour includes all highlights, making it a comprehensive package.
Bottom Line: If privacy, comfort, and personalized attention are your priorities, this tour is the top choice.
$500 per person
How to Choose Your 2-Day Tour in Almaty
Picking the best 2-day tour depends largely on your interests, budget, and travel style. If you want a full immersion in Kazakhstan’s landscapes and local culture, the Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour offers an authentic experience with an overnight in a yurt. For comfortable, guided sightseeing with less hassle, the Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy 2-Day Tour with Mount View Stay is excellent, especially with its mountain hotel.
Travelers on a tighter budget or seeking more outdoor adventure and social fun might prefer the Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake & 3 Canyons or the Black Canyon and Moon Canyon options. If privacy and tailor-made experiences matter most, the private tour offers a personalized, comfortable journey.
Consider also your fitness level — some trips involve scenic hikes or high-altitude stays — and seasonality, as these landscapes are best experienced in spring, summer, or early autumn.
Final Thoughts
Almaty offers an impressive range of 2-day tours, whether you’re after raw natural beauty, cultural insights, or outdoor adventures. For a luxurious escape, opt for the private tour, while budget travelers can enjoy the lively group experiences with campfires and local stays. Families and cultural explorers will appreciate tours with authentic overnight stays in yurts or guesthouses, like the Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak months, to secure your spot on these popular excursions. Whatever your choice, Almaty’s nearby wilderness promises a memorable escape into Kazakhstan’s wild heart.