Summer Charyn Kolsai Kaindy Lakes Altyn Emel Turgen
About this tour
Most popular 5-Day SUMMER tour to the famous Charyn Canyon, the unforgettable Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, the Singing Dune in Altyn Emel National park, Turgen waterfalls and others. 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 on the Day 3 from the Altyn-Emel National Park to Lake Kolsai is more than 250 km. The duration of this trip is about 6 hours with stops. 97% of the route is an international toll highway and local good roads, and the last 15 km from the Saty village to the Kaindy lake are off-road. For off-road we use a special 4x4 SUV - the legendary UAZ vehicle.
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 Turgen Gorge
Day 1 Almaty city – the Medvezhyi and Kairak waterfall. Pick up from a hotel in Almaty city. Drive by car to the Ile- Alatau national park, the Turgen Gorge (97 km). Easy hiking to the Medvezhyi (Bear) waterfall (3 km) and then to Kairak waterfall (14 km). Picnic at the waterfall and photo session. Descent to parking. Return to the city. 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 Altyn Emel national Park
Day 2 Almaty city - The Altyn Emel national park. Early pick up from a hotel in Almaty. Drive to the Altyn Emel National park, Basshi village (280 km). Accommodation in the guest house of the Altyn Emel National park. Fast lunch in the village. Then afternoon drive to the Singing Dune by special 4x4 SUV (40 km). Easy hiking to the top of the Singing Dune. Photo session. Return to the village. Dinner and overnight in the guest house in the village.
Day 3: Altyn Emel national Park to Kolsai lake
Day 3 The Altyn Emel National park – the Charyn Canyon - Saty village. Early departure from the Altyn Emel National park and direct drive to Charyn Canyon (135 km). Snacks and drinks on the road. Arrival at Charyn Canyon and walking along the top of the valley to admire the view. Then descent by special transport along the Valley of Castles to the Charyn River. Short rest on the river bank and return by transport to the parking lot. Departure to the Kolsay Lakes. On the way, a short stop to view the Black Canyon. About 6-7 pm arrival in the village of Saty and accommodation in a guest house. Dinner and overnight stay in the guest house.
Day 4: Kaindy lake to Almaty
Day 4 The Saty village - the Kaindy lake – Almaty city. Early wake up and drive to the Kaindy mountain lake by special 4x4 SUV (15 km). Light hiking to the lake. Three hours to enjoy the lake. Noon return to the Saty village. Lunch at the guest house in Saty village. Afternoon departure to the Kolsai lakes. Hike around the lower Kolsai lake. Departure and direct drive to Almaty city. Evening arrival to Almaty city. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: Almaty to Big Almaty Gorge
Day 5 Almaty city - the Ayusai waterfalls. Early pick up from a hotel. Drive by car through the Ile- Alatau national park, The Big Almaty Gorge. The car is left on the parking. Easy hiking to the Ayusai gorge and trekking up to three waterfalls in the Ayusai gorge (5 km one way). Picnic and photo session on the lake. Return to the city, overnight stay 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 the national parks are included.
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 Turgen Gorge