3 Day Winter Tour Medeu Charyn Kolsai Kaindy Lake
About this tour
3-day WINTER tour of Almaty to see beautiful winter mountain lakes, waterfalls, fir forests, rivers and peaks. The tour combines famous city attractions such as the Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort, Kok-Tobe Hill as well as natural beauty in the mountains of Charyn Canyon Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, etc. 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.
As a bonus, you will have dinner with a Kazakh family, tasting ancient Kazakh nomadic cuisine and a fascinating conversation about Kazakh cuisine and the history of Kazakh people.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty to Medeu skating rink
Day 1 Almaty city - the Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort. Pick up from a hotel. Drive by car to the Medeu Valley or the valley of Malaya Almatinka River. Early visit to legendary Medey mountain skating rink in the mountains near the city. Visit to famous Shymbylak international ski resort by cable car to view point at 3200 m asl. A 2-hour hike along the trail to the ski resort is possible. Afternoon visit and enjoy sunset and panorama view on popular Kok-Tobe Hill and city tower. Evening dinner with a Kazakh family in Almaty. Tasting of ancient nomadic food. 2 hours of relaxed and easy communication with a family about Kazakh traditions, history and modern life in Kazakhstan. Transfer and overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Almaty to Charyn Canyon
Day 2 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 3: Kaindy lake to Almaty
Day 3 Kolsai lakes to Lake Kaindy to Almaty city. Early wake up, breakfast and drive to Kaindy mountain lake by special soviet 4x4 SUV (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. Three 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 on the lakes are 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 Medeu skating rink