2 Day Summer Tour Charyn Canyon Kolsai Kaindy Lake
About this tour
Most popular 2-Day tour to the famous Charyn Canyon, the unforgettable Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy. This tour introduces the magical and enchanting canyon of the Charyn River in the middle of the desert foothills of the Northern Tien Shan, mysterious and extraterrestrial canyon named the Valley of Castles. Next, our adventure will take the road along the canyon up into the refreshing and green mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau into the valley where the Kolsai Lakes are located. These lakes are called the “pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”. Prepare to be enchanted by the wonders of nature and extraordinary adventures that await you on this unforgettable journey through Northern Alatau Mountains.
The road length from Almaty city to Lake Kolsai is more than 330 km. The duration of this trip is about 3,5 hours with the stops (one way). 97% of the route is an international toll highway and local good roads. The road leading to the lake from the village of Saty (12 km) is also paved, making it accessible by any vehicle.
As a bonus, I can include picking up or dropping off tourists at the airport in the tour price.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty to Cahryn Canyon
Day 1 Almaty to Charyn Canyon/Kolsai Lakes. Early pick up from a hotel and direct drive to Charyn canyon, which is located 220 km from the city. Our journey begins as we enter into the eastern part of the Almaty region neighboring the border with China and Kyrgyzstan. Arrival at the Charyn canyon. Discover the magical and enchanting canyon of the Charyn River in the middle of the desert foothills of the Northern Tien Shan, mysterious and extraterrestrial canyon named the Valley of Castles. Next, our adventure will take the road along the canyon up into the refreshing and green mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau into the valley where the Kolsai Lakes are located. These lakes are called the “pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”. Here we’ll spend the night in the Saty Kazakh mountain village. Dinner and overnight at the guest house in the village.
Day 2: Kolsai lakes to Almaty
Day 2 Saty village to Lake Kaindy to Almaty city. Early wake up, breakfast and drive to Kaindy mountain lake (15 km). Continue your exploration by taking special transport higher into the mountains towards the magnificent and beautiful Lake Kaindy. Light hiking to the lake. Two hours to enjoy the lake. Enjoy impressive views of the lake from different vantage points and spend some time amidst the tranquility of nature. You can walk or ride back from the lake to the transport below. Noon back to the village. Lunch at the guest house in Saty village. Afternoon departure to the Kolsai lakes. Hiking around the lower Kolsai lake. Departure and direct drive to Almaty city. Evening arrival to Almaty city. Overnight in a hotel.
What's included
The price includes a personal English-speaking guide with his own car and transportation services with entrance tickets to the sites. Accommodation and meals in Saty village are not included in the price.
Accommodation and meals for tourists in Almaty city are not included in the price.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Almaty to Cahryn Canyon