Experience the best of Charyn Canyon, Kolsai, and Kaindy Lakes on a 2-day tour from Almaty. Explore the breathtaking beauty of the Almaty region, starting with the canyons in the steppe and the lakes among mountains.
On Day 1, begin your adventure with an early morning pickup from Almaty from designated spots (custom pickup is not available). As you travel towards Charyn Canyon, enjoy the scenic drive through Kazakhstan's rugged landscapes. The road takes approximately 4 hours. Your first stop is Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon.” Here, you'll have ample time to explore the dramatic rock formations, take photos of the stunning red cliffs, and walk down to the river. As a bonus site we'll have a short stop at Black Canyon.
After visiting Black Canyon, we'll head to the village of Saty where you can rest in an authentic local environment and taste delicious local cuisine for lunch.
Having lunch we'll head to Kolsy lake where you can enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of Kolsai Lake, surrounded by dense forests and mountain peaks.
After that, we'll head back to the village for dinner and spend the night in a locals owned hotel with a stunning view of Magnificent Mountains. We accommodate our guests in a local guesthouses run by the villagers who live near Kolsay lake to dive into the culture on a shared room basis for female and male travellers separately. Guesthouses charge 30USD per a private room if you need one. Please feel free clarify the details from the manager once you book the tour, we will be in constant touch with each and every guest of ours!
On Day 2, take a Soviet van to the lake Kaiyndy. It is famous for its submerged forest and vibrant turquoise waters. This hauntingly beautiful lake, formed by an earthquake, is known for the trunks of spruce trees that rise eerily from the water's surface.
At the lake, enjoy exploring scenic trails around the lake and capturing the unique sunken forest. As a bonus site, visit the Moon Canyon with a short stop for taking photos and enjoying the nature. Throughout the journey, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the region's geology, history, and culture, making the experience not just visually spectacular but also educational.
Enjoy nature around before a long ride back to the city with a short stop for WC and coffee. Arrive back in Almaty at around 18:00-20:00 (depending on the traffic) and drop everyone off at one fixed drop off spot or on the way to it in order to avoid the traffic
