Experience the Best of Kazakhstan’s Nature in a Single Day
This private VIP tour offers a full day exploring some of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural wonders. For around $180 per person, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Almaty and taken on an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and cultural insights. The journey includes visits to the stunning Charyn Canyon, the surreal Lake Kaindy, and the tranquil Kolsai Lakes—a trio of sights that are often called the “must-see” highlights for travelers in the region.

What we especially love about this tour is how it combines the spectacular scenery with authentic local experiences—from admiring the rugged canyon walls to picnicking near mountain lakes, all with a knowledgeable guide to enrich the journey. Another highlight is the flexibility of options like horseback riding or a boat ride, which add a personal touch to your adventure.

A potential consideration is the long drive involved—around 3 hours each way—which might be tiring for those with limited mobility or very young children. If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced day, this might feel a bit rushed, but for those eager to see a lot in a short time, it’s a perfect fit.

This tour suits adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photo enthusiasts who want to experience Kazakhstan’s wild beauty without fuss. It’s also ideal if you value a private, guided experience that’s tailored with local insights and comfort.

Key Points

Stunning Landscapes: Visit some of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural sites, including Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, and Kolsai Lakes.
Authentic Local Culture: Experience the nomadic lifestyle and local village life, along with visits to open-air markets.
Flexible Activities: Optional horseback riding and boat rides let you customize your adventure.
Professional Guide: An English-speaking guide ensures you understand the history, geology, and culture of each site.
Comfortable Transport: Travel in a modern Hyundai Tucson SUV, making the long drives more comfortable.
All Entrance Fees Included: No hidden costs—just pay for food and optional extras onsite.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Kazakhstan’s Natural Wonders in One Day

If you’re a traveler eager to see more than just the city sights, this tour offers an immersive experience into Kazakhstan’s rugged and beautiful landscapes. Starting in Almaty, you’ll be driven in a comfortable Hyundai Tucson to some of the region’s most celebrated sites. The total experience lasts approximately 10 hours, making it a long but rewarding day.

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The First Stop: Lake Kaindy

Our journey begins at the famous Lake Kaindy, often called the “Sunken Forest Lake,” due to its submerged pine trees stretching out beneath the surface. The lake’s surreal turquoise waters are a photographer’s dream, and the combination of mountain scenery and the eerie, sunlit trees creates a scene that feels almost otherworldly. We spent nearly three hours here, giving us plenty of time to soak in the views, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility.

What makes Lake Kaindy special is its origins—formed by an earthquake that caused a landslide dam, trapping a mountain lake with an astonishing depth of up to 30 meters. The landscape here evokes a sense of untouched wilderness that reminds visitors of the raw power of nature.

Midday: Village Life and Lunch

Next, we headed to Saty Village for lunch (not included in the tour price). The drive through mountain roads offers a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of local herders, with traditional yurts and friendly villagers. Our guide shared stories about the region’s history and culture, making the lunch break both nourishing and educational. If you’re a foodie, you’ll appreciate the chance to sample local organic foods at this open-air market, which was praised in reviews for its authentic flavors and friendly atmosphere.

The Second Stop: Kolsai Lakes

After lunch, the tour moved to Kolsai Lakes, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.” These three alpine lakes are set amid lush forests and mountain peaks, reflecting the sky and surrounding hills like giant mirrors. We spent about two hours here, wandering along the shoreline and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

For those wanting a bit more activity, there’s an optional horseback ride to the lakes’ shores, which costs around 7,000 KZT per person. As one reviewer noted, the guide was very accommodating and even took a lot of pictures, making the experience joyful and memorable.

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The Grand Finale: Charyn Canyon

The final major stop is the Charyn Canyon, a natural masterpiece often compared to the Grand Canyon for its dramatic, layered rock formations. From the observation deck, the panoramic views of the canyon’s “Valley of Castles” are spectacular—an ideal spot for photos.

For those who want to stretch their legs, a 3-kilometer walk down to the river at the canyon’s bottom allows you to get closer to nature. Alternatively, you can hop onto an open-roof taxi for a fun and quick exploration of the canyon’s depths. The guide helps with photography and ensures everyone is safe and comfortable.

Along With the views, this stop encapsulates why the tour is so worthwhile: the scale of the canyon and the vivid colors of the rocks truly awe any visitor.

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What We Loved About the Tour

The highlight of this experience is the expert guiding. As Vinita shared in her review, “Erasyl is amazing! Very punctual and knowledgeable”. A personable guide makes a big difference in understanding the region’s geology and culture. It’s clear that guides like Erasyl are passionate about sharing their homeland, making the experience richer and more meaningful.

Another aspect we appreciated was the balance of activities—you get a good mixture of sightseeing, cultural insights, and optional adventures like horseback riding or boat trips. This flexibility helps tailor the day to your interests. Plus, the comfortable transportation in a modern SUV makes the long drives more bearable, and all entrance fees are included, so there are no surprises along the way.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration is the driving time—roughly six hours in total—meaning you’ll spend much of the day on the road. For travelers with limited stamina or those who prefer a more relaxed pace, this could be tiring. Also, since some activities like horseback riding or boat rides are optional and paid separately, you might want to budget extra if you want to indulge in those extras.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurers eager to see multiple sites in one day without the hassle of organizing transport and guides themselves. It suits nature photos and culture enthusiasts who want to understand and experience Kazakhstan’s landscape and lifestyle firsthand. The tour’s private nature and flexible options make it particularly appealing to families, couples, or small groups wanting a personalized experience.

If you’re someone who loves stunning vistas, authentic local culture, and comfortable guided experiences, this tour will tick many boxes. It’s especially great for travelers short on time but who still want a meaningful, scenic adventure.

The Journey to Lake Kaindy

As we left Almaty behind, the scenery started changing from urban sprawl to rugged mountains and lush valleys. The trip to Lake Kaindy takes approximately 3 hours, but it’s worth every minute. The road winds through remote villages and past traditional yurts, giving a glimpse of everyday life for local Kazakh nomads.

When we arrived, the first sight of Lake Kaindy is breathtaking. The sunlight filters through the pine trees submerged beneath the water, creating a surreal effect. The water’s turquoise hue contrasts beautifully with the dark tree trunks and the surrounding green mountains. You’ll find yourself snapping photos from every angle, trying to capture the otherworldly scene.

At Kolsai Lakes

The drive from Kaindy to Kolsai Lakes is equally scenic, ascending into the Alatau Mountains. The lakes themselves are a series of three connected bodies of water, each more charming than the last. The shallow, clear waters mirror the mountains and sky, inviting peaceful walks along the shoreline.

Many visitors, including the reviewer, appreciated how the lakes reflect the beauty of the mountain landscape, making it feel like a natural mirror. The optional horseback ride, which takes you along mountain trails, adds a fun and immersive way to engage with the landscape. The guide’s attentiveness and readiness to take photos mean you’ll come away with lovely memories—and a few great pictures, too.

Charyn Canyon’s Dramatic Cliffs

The final stop, Charyn Canyon, is a geological marvel. The layered, red and orange rocks carved by the river over millennia create a landscape that’s both grand and delicate. Standing at the observation deck, the vastness of the canyon is impossible to ignore. If you choose to walk down to the bottom, you’ll notice the wide, flat path leading to the river, offering an up-close appreciation of the canyon’s size and colors.

The optional open-roof taxi allows for a quick, fun ride along the canyon’s rim, giving a different perspective on the landscape. It’s a splendid way to finish the day, with sweeping views that make for postcard-worthy photos.

The Sum Up

This private tour packs a lot into one day, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want to see Kazakhstan’s top natural attractions without the hassle of planning multiple trips. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural insights, and personalized attention by a knowledgeable guide creates an experience that feels both authentic and memorable.

While the long drive might be tiring for some, the payoff is a comprehensive glimpse into the country’s diverse landscapes—from sunken forests and mountain lakes to dramatic canyon walls. The tour’s flexibility, including optional activities, allows you to tailor your day and enrich your adventure.

This experience offers great value for its price, especially when you consider that all entrance fees are included, and you’re traveling comfortably in a private vehicle with an expert guide. It’s perfect for those who love nature, photography, and cultural stories and want a one-day sampler of Kazakhstan’s wild beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 10 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a Hyundai Tucson SUV, an English-speaking guide, all entrance fees for attractions, a selfie stick, and bottled water.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, but there are options to purchase food at Saty Village and nearby areas.

Can I do horseback riding or boat rides?
Yes, both activities are available as optional extras, paid onsite. Horse riding costs around 7,000 KZT per person, and a boat trip on Kolsai Lake costs approximately 12,000 KZT per group for an hour.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves some walking and long drives, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility concerns or very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, cash, and an umbrella if needed.

Is alcohol or drugs allowed?
No, these are not permitted during the tour.

How flexible is the booking?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who makes a good fit for this tour?
Adventure travelers, nature and landscape enthusiasts, small groups or families, and anyone interested in Kazakhstan’s natural beauty and local culture will find this tour highly rewarding.

This day trip in Kazakhstan offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into some of the country’s most stunning natural features, all in a single, well-organized package. Whether you’re snapping photos of the sunken forest, hiking along mountain lakes, or marveling at canyon cliffs, you’ll return with unforgettable memories—and plenty of stories to tell.