- Charyn Canyon - Charyn Canyon, a 12-million-year-old natural wonder, we’ll spend two hours exploring its breathtaking beauty. Trekking approximately 2 kilometers to the Charyn River at the heart of the canyon, our guide will enlighten us with stories about its geological formation and cultural significance.
- Kolsai Lake - Next, we’ll head towards the enchanting Kolsai Lakes, nestled amidst the peaks of the Zailiisky Alatau mountains. Spending around one and a half hours here, we’ll soak in the serene atmosphere and marvel at the crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding greenery.
- Lake Kaindy - Continuing our journey, we’ll make our way to Lake Kaindy, another gem of the region. On aboard a vintage Soviet-era “bukhanka” minibus, we’ll traverse towards this stunning lake, known for its submerged forest and surreal beauty.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- Entry fees to Charyn Canyon National Park, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
- Transfer to Lake Kaindy on a Soviet UAZ minibus
- Roundtrip transportation in a minibus
- Guide
- Horse rental at Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes (12 - 23 USD)
- Boat rental at Kolsai Lake (12 USD)
- Microbus inside Charyn Canyon (1 USD)
- Microbus near Lake Kaindy (1 USD)
- Lunch
Experience the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, along with the stunning Kolsay and Kaindy lakes.
The entire tour lasts approximately 16 hours, including travel time. It takes about 3 hours to reach Charyn Canyon and an additional 1.5 hours to get to Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes.
Our journey begins at Charyn Canyon. Next, we’ll travel to the village of Saty for lunch before heading to Kaindy Lake in a vintage Soviet minibus known as the ‘Bukhanka.’ To reach the lake from the parking area, you can rent a horse, take the Bukhanka minibus for 500 tenge one way, followed by a 600-meter walk, or walk the entire 2.5 km. The road to Kaindy is rough and unpaved. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Kolsay, where some walking is required to view the lake.
Enjoy lunch and dinner at local roadside cafes. Dinner will be served at Baiseit village between 9 - 10 PM on our return to Almaty. The meal will be simple yet delicious.
- The road to Charyn Canyon takes 3 hours from Almaty
- The road from Charyn to Saty village takes 2 hours, from there it is 20 minutes to Kaindy and 20 minutes to Kolsay lakes
- The way back to Almaty is 4 hours
- Please bring your ID, warm clothes, a cap, sunscreen, and a snack for the road
- Stop for lunch and dinner will be for 30 - 40 minutes
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
