Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour

Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural insight in the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan. For just a couple of days, you’ll explore stunning lakes, awe-inspiring canyons, and enjoy the hospitality that Kazakh nomadic traditions have preserved for centuries. Guided by knowledgeable locals like Aidar or Muhta, you’ll get a chance to see some of Kazakhstan’s most iconic sights while staying in traditional yurts and sampling homemade Kazakh cuisine.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the quality of guides—many reviews highlight their friendliness, storytelling skills, and attentiveness. Second, the diversity of scenery—from the peaceful waters of Kolsai Lake to the towering cliffs of Charyn Canyon, there’s plenty to marvel at. And let’s not forget the cultural experience of sleeping in a yurt, a rare chance to step into a nomad’s world.

The biggest consideration? The long drives between sites can feel a bit tiring, especially if you’re not used to extensive road trips. The itinerary is packed, but most find the pace manageable with breaks and a relaxed schedule. This tour suits travelers who love nature, culture, and good food, and who are prepared for some walking and outdoor activity.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor eager to see Kazakhstan’s highlights without the hassle of organizing logistics, this tour offers outstanding value and memorable experiences.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Lakes, canyons, and mountains that wow at every turn.
• Cultural Immersion: Overnight in a yurt and tasting traditional Kazakh dishes.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance your understanding.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vans/buses for long-distance comfort.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Plenty of time at each site without feeling rushed.
• Great for Social Travelers: Meet international travelers and share stories around the campfire.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

What’s Included and What’s Not?

For around the price, this tour offers impressive value: pickup and drop-off from select Almaty hotels, all transportation, home-cooked meals, bottled water, and accommodation. The overnight stay in a yurt—a traditional Kazakh dwelling—stands out as a highlight, with many reviewers describing it as surprisingly comfortable, with plug sockets and cozy bedding. If you prefer more privacy, rooms with attached bathrooms are available as an option.

Not included are private rooms or yurt upgrades, special foods, soft drinks, and optional activities like horseback riding or boating—these cost extra but are worth considering if you want more adventure. The tour is best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity and outdoor walking, as the itinerary involves hikes and uneven terrains.

Day 1: Lakes and Canyons

The journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Almaty, after which you settle into a comfortable van or bus with air conditioning. The first stop is Kolsai Lake, famed for its tranquil, emerald waters and surrounding pine forests. You’ll have ample time to explore, take photos, or rent a pedal boat, which many find adds a peaceful, reflective moment to the day. As one traveler noted, Kolsai was “particularly impressive” and “do get the pedal boat.”

Next, the group heads to Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” The towering rock formations, some resembling castles, provide a dramatic contrast to the lakes. There’s plenty of time to walk along the canyon rim or explore side paths. Reviewers say this site is “beautiful” and “well worth the visit,” with many appreciating the option to explore at their own pace.

Day 2: Kaindy Lake and Additional Canyons

The highlight of the second day is Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest of tall pine trees protruding from turquoise waters. The sight is genuinely breathtaking, especially for photography lovers or those seeking a quiet stroll. Several reviews call Kaindy “stunning” and “worth every photo.”

In addition, the tour includes visits to Black and Moon Canyons, lesser-known formations that add variety to the landscape. The itinerary is designed to balance sightseeing and leisure, with enough time to soak in the views and ask your guide questions.

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Cultural and Camping Experience

What sets this trip apart is the overnight yurt stay. Many reviews praise the experience—”surprisingly posh and comfortable,” with some noting the plug sockets and cozy bedding. The bonfire, storytelling, and Kazakh music create a warm, communal atmosphere, perfect for sharing travel stories with new friends. The sound of the mountain river outside makes for a peaceful night’s sleep, away from city noise.

Food and Hospitality

Food plays a big part in the experience. The included home-cooked Kazakh meals are described as tasty and plentiful, with some travelers mentioning specific favorites like manti and palu. Vegetarian options are available, and reviews often highlight the quality and authenticity of the cuisine. The hospitality of the Kazakh people, especially in remote villages, is consistently praised, adding a genuine cultural layer to the trip.

The Guides and Transportation

The tour is highly rated for its guides, with many reviewers calling them “brilliant,” “friendly,” and “knowledgeable.” Guides like Aidar, Muhta, and Zhenis bring stories and legends alive, making historical and cultural facts engaging. The driver’s skill also merits mention—long drives are made more comfortable by smooth, patient driving, even on winding roads.

Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort during the often long journeys. Nonetheless, some travelers mention that the long bus rides can be tiring, especially for those sensitive to motion sickness or with back problems.

Practical Details: Timing, Booking, and Suitability

The trip spans two full days, with a relaxed schedule allowing sufficient time at each stop. It’s suitable for travelers with average physical fitness who enjoy moderate walking. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, those with back, heart, or respiratory issues, or anyone with altitude sickness.

Pre-trip information is sent a day before, helping travelers prepare with a checklist of essentials—hiking shoes, sun protection, warm clothing, and rain gear. Remember, oversize luggage and baby strollers are not allowed, so pack light and efficiently.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers who want to see Kazakhstan’s most beautiful natural sites without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s perfect for adventure seekers comfortable with outdoor activities and long road trips. The cultural element of staying in yurts and tasting local food makes it appealing for travelers eager to experience authentic Kazakh hospitality.

Travelers who appreciate well-organized logistics and a chance to meet fellow travelers from around the world will find this tour rewarding. It offers a generous mix of sightseeing, leisure, and culture—delivered in a way that many reviewers describe as both fun and educational.

FAQs

Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and many travelers report enjoying the meals, which are home-cooked Kazakh dishes.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The activity level is considered average. Expect some walking, hiking, and uneven terrains, but nothing too strenuous for most people of moderate fitness.

What are the accommodations like?
You’ll spend a night in a yurt or a room with an attached bathroom, shared with participants of the same gender. The yurts are described as comfortable, with some amenity surprises like plug sockets.

Are the transportation and guides good?
Absolutely. Many reviews praise the smooth driving, friendly guides, and their ability to make the experience both fun and informative.

What should I bring?
Essential items include a passport, hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellent, a power bank, and warm clothing.

Is there any activity I might want to pay extra for?
Optional activities like horseback riding and boating are available from 6000 KZT per person and can add extra fun to your trip.

Final Thoughts

The Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour offers a fantastic taste of Kazakhstan’s natural scenery and nomadic culture. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and authentic yurts, it strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation. It’s particularly suitable for those who want to see the highlights without the stress of planning or navigating on their own.

If you’re looking for a trip that combines stunning landscapes, cultural authenticity, and friendly company, this tour is likely to leave you with lasting memories. The reviews consistently mention how well-organized and enriching the experience is, making it a top choice for anyone visiting Almaty with a sense of adventure.

Whether you’re after picture-perfect lakes, awe-inspiring canyons, or an authentic taste of Kazakh nomadic life, this tour delivers on all fronts. Just remember to bring your sense of curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here: