Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Lunch Included

If you’re planning a trip to Almaty and craving a day filled with breathtaking scenery, this Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lakes, and Charyn Canyon tour offers a remarkable way to experience Kazakhstan’s natural beauty. From dramatic canyon walls to serene alpine lakes, this trip packs a lot into a 14-hour window, making it an excellent choice for adventure lovers.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the variety of landscapes—each stop has its own unique charm. Second, the local guides are both knowledgeable and friendly, making the journey more engaging. Third, the value for money is impressive, with all entrance fees, transportation, and a hearty lunch included. On the downside, the full-day schedule can be long, and some walking (around 2 km at each lake) might feel tiring for some.

This experience suits travelers who want a well-organized, authentic expedition into Kazakhstan’s natural wonders without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a good mix of sightseeing, light hiking, and culture.

Good To Know

• Diverse landscapes: From canyon formations to pristine lakes, each stop offers something special.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance the experience with insights and local tips.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicles and legendary Soviet vans ensure a smooth ride.
• All-in-one package: Entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water are included, providing great value.
• Moderate walking: Expect around 2 km walks at each lake, with options to use horses or taxis.
• Time management: The tour balances sightseeing with enough time for photos and exploration.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Early Morning Pickup and Charyn Canyon

Starting at 5:00 AM in Almaty, the tour kicks off early, which is perfect for beating the crowds and catching the most beautiful light. The first stop—Charyn Canyon, dubbed the “Valley of the Castles”—is a definite highlight. You’ll have about 1 hour to explore several viewpoints along the canyon, walking through a landscape that resembles a miniature Grand Canyon. The admission fee is included, so no surprises there.

One reviewer, Aliyah, mentions how she loved the stunning view and felt the guide was “cool and professional,” which shows how the guides help elevate the experience. The canyon’s dramatic rock formations and the opportunity for photos make it worth waking up early.

Black Canyon and Photo Opportunities

Next, a quick 40-minute stop at the Black Canyon within Charyn National Park allows for more stunning visuals. The viewing spots are perfect for snapping photos of the rugged terrain. This segment is relatively short but offers a great chance to appreciate Kazakhstan’s geological diversity.

The Enigmatic Kaindy Lake

By 12:00 PM, your group arrives at Saty Village, where the journey to the Kaindy Lake begins. You’ll transfer in a legendary Soviet UAZ-452 van, adding a touch of adventure to the trip. The drive takes you to the parking point, from where a 2 km walk leads to the lake — but don’t worry, options exist to use horses or taxis if walking isn’t your thing.

Kaindy Lake is famed for its submerged forest — a sunken stand of trees stretching out beneath the water, creating a surreal scene. The clear waters and eerie tree silhouettes make for fantastic photos, and the peaceful atmosphere offers a perfect break from the day’s busier stops. One reviewer highlights this stop as a favorite, describing it as a “mysterious sunken forest,” which truly captures the lake’s magic.

Kolsai Lakes: Mountain Serenity

After a short drive to the Lower Kolsai Lake, arriving around 4:00 PM, you get about an hour to enjoy the tranquil water and surrounding mountains. The Kolsai Lakes are known for their pristine waters and alpine setting, perfect for relaxing or snapping one last batch of pictures. The guided commentary offers insights into the area’s natural beauty, making this a peaceful, contemplative stop.

End of the Day and Return

The tour begins its return to Almaty around 5:00 PM, with a short coffee break around 8:30 PM to stretch your legs and refresh before the final stretch. You’re back in the city by 10:00 PM, tired but enriched by the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers solid value, especially considering the included entrance fees, bottled water, and hearty lunch. The lunch—simple snacks at Charyn—keeps you fueled without weighing you down. The transportation on comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and the legendary Soviet van adds an authentic touch and ensures smooth travel between sites.

Optional extras, like horse-riding or boat rides, are available for an additional fee, which could enhance your experience but are not necessary to enjoy the main sights. You should note that special dietary foods or soft drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you have specific dietary needs.

Authentic Experiences from Fellow Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the guides — one called the guide “cool and pro,” highlighting how their knowledge added depth to the experience. Aliyah appreciated how “our guide was cool guy and pro,” making the long day more enjoyable.

Several travelers also mention the stunning views at each stop. Lia described the landscapes as “breathtaking,” especially noting the crystal-clear waters of Kolsai and the dramatic rock formations of Charyn Canyon.

Suwan, another reviewer, appreciated the organization and comfort of the trip, noting that they “never felt rushed,” which is crucial on a full-day excursion. The opportunity to photograph and appreciate each site without feeling hurried is a significant plus.

Practical Details to Keep in Mind

• Duration: At around 14 hours, this is a long day, but the pacing feels well-managed across all stops.
• Group Size: The tour is capped at 100 travelers, but reviews suggest it’s often smaller, maintaining a friendly atmosphere.
• Price: At $60 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering all included fees, transportation, and lunch.
• Walking: Expect around 2 km walks at each lake, but options exist to use horses or taxis if needed.
• Timing: The early start is necessary to maximize daylight and avoid crowds, but it means a very early wake-up call.
• Suitability: The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for children under 5 due to the length and walking involved.
• Accessibility: The bus is modern and air-conditioned, making the long ride more comfortable.

The Sum Up

This Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lakes, and Charyn Canyon tour offers a compelling combination of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural sites. The well-organized itinerary ensures you experience a variety of landscapes without the stress of planning, and the inclusion of entrance fees and lunch makes it a practical choice for travelers on a budget.

If you’re someone who loves scenic drives, stunning photo opportunities, and the company of expert guides, this trip is likely to impress. The stops at Charyn Canyon’s dramatic cliffs, mysterious Kaindy Lake’s sunken forest, and the serene Kolsai Lakes provide a well-rounded mountain and canyon adventure.

This tour excels for those seeking a full-day immersion into Kazakhstan’s natural beauty, especially if you value comfort, organization, and authentic local experiences. It’s an excellent way to see a broad swath of the country’s landscapes in one memorable day.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, pickup from Almaty is offered and included in the price.

What is the duration of the tour? The tour lasts approximately 14 hours, starting early and returning late in the evening.

Are entrance fees included? Yes, all park entrance fees for Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, and Kolsai Lakes are covered.

Can I use horses or taxis instead of walking? Yes, at Kaindy Lake you can opt for horses or taxis instead of walking the 2 km from the parking lot.

What is the price for optional activities? Boating and horse-riding are available for around 5000 KZT (~$10), but they are not included in the package.

Is lunch provided? Yes, a hearty snack/lunch is included at Charyn, offering a convenient way to refuel.

Is this tour suitable for children? It is not recommended for children under 5 due to the full-day schedule and walking involved.

What should I bring? Comfortable footwear for walking, layers for variable weather, and a camera for all the photo opportunities.

How many people typically join this tour? While capped at 100, reviews suggest it often feels more intimate, especially with smaller group sizes.

This full-day Kazakh adventure blends natural wonder, cultural insight, and hassle-free organization—perfect for travelers eager to explore without the fuss.