Kolsay lake and Charyn Grand Canyon

Our review covers a popular day tour in the Almaty region that takes you through some of Kazakhstan’s most striking natural sights — the dramatic Charyn Grand Canyon and the tranquil Kolsay Lakes. Although we haven’t personally done this tour, we’ve gathered insights from travelers and official details to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect.

What makes this experience enticing are its diverse landscapes, from the rugged, colorful canyon to the serene alpine lakes, as well as the opportunity to emerge into nature and escape city life. We particularly like the variety — a mix of geological marvels and peaceful lakes. However, a potential downside is that the schedule can feel quite rushed, with limited time at each spot and some discomfort during transportation.

This tour will suit adventurous travelers who want a snapshot of Kazakhstan’s scenic diversity in one day. It’s ideal for those with a flexible mindset, willing to endure a long day for spectacular sights and a taste of the outdoors.

Good To Know

• Diverse Landscapes: Experience the contrast between the vibrant Charyn Canyon and peaceful Kolsay Lakes.
• Full-Day Itinerary: Be prepared for a packed schedule, with multiple stops and activities.
• Value for Money: At $75, the tour covers entrance fees, but meals and extras are additional.
• Transportation Experience: Expect a bus ride that some travelers found uncomfortable and quick-paced.
• Authentic Nature: Both sites provide authentic natural beauty, ideal for photography and reflection.
• Suitability: Best for travelers who enjoy exploring multiple sites in a single day, even if it’s a bit rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour Experience

This day trip is designed as an introduction to Kazakhstan’s natural splendors, combining geological formations, alpine lakes, and mountain scenery. Starting early and ending back at the initial meeting point, the tour packs in quite a lot, making it perfect for those short on time but eager to see a variety of landscapes.

What Is the Tour All About?

The main highlight is the Charyn Grand Canyon, often called a “kaleidoscope of time” — a landscape carved over millennia, with striking, rust-colored rock formations. As you walk along the canyon’s rim, you’ll notice how sunlight and shadows highlight its textured layers, making it a photographer’s dream.

Next, the journey continues to Kolsay Lakes, a set of three shimmering alpine lakes embraced by the towering Tien Shan mountains. Here, you’ll see the lakes’ mirror-like surfaces reflecting the sky and surrounding peaks, creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The trip also includes a river flowing through the canyon valley, adding to the scenic diversity, and the chance to truly emerge into nature, away from urban life.

What’s Included?

Entrance fees to both Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lakes are covered, so you won’t have to worry about those costs. However, extras like boat rides, horse riding, and food or drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you want additional activities or meals.

What Should You Know Before Going?

The tour runs rain or shine, so be prepared for weather variations. The meeting point is at the parking lot of the Alatau metro station, near Abay Street, a convenient location in Almaty. The entire trip lasts roughly 6-7 hours, making it a long but rewarding day.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Departure

Most travelers report a very early start, often around 5:30 am. While this means a long day, it also maximizes daylight and sightseeing time. Be aware that transportation is by bus, which some reviews describe as uncomfortable, with AC that doesn’t work well and the drive being a bit aggressive and reckless, according to one traveler.

This reviewer also mentioned that the bus felt hot and dry, so bringing a water bottle and a fan or cooling cloth might improve your comfort.

First Stops: The Canyons

The tour typically begins with two quick stops at the canyons — around 15 minutes each. These are often described as “pit stops,” and some travelers felt these felt rushed, with little time to explore or take photos beyond quick snapshots. As one reviewer said, “It feels rushed and crammed in the schedule,” which might be frustrating if you’re eager to linger longer.

Kolsay Lake: The Highlight

The third stop is at Kolsay Lake, where you’ll spend about two hours. The lake’s ethereal, mirror-like surface and surrounding mountains make it a highlight. Travelers find this spot especially peaceful and beautiful, with some saying it’s “nice, but there are better lakes elsewhere,” which hints at the variety within the region.

At Kolsay, you have options like horse riding — a favored activity for some — and the chance to walk along the lakeshore or just soak in the views. Be aware, however, that the lunch spot here doesn’t cater to vegetarians, so if you’re a plant-based eater, bringing snacks might be wise.

Additional Activities and Tips

Some travelers mentioned that the tour includes optional activities like boat riding or horse riding, but these are paid separately. Reviewers noted the schedule is very packed, with little time to relax or explore each site thoroughly.

Disappointing Aspects

Based on reviews, the overall experience can feel rushed, with limited English commentary during the trip. One traveler remarked, “Most of the English information is limited, and Wikipedia gives more,” indicating the tour might lack detailed narration or guidance.

The bus experience also drew criticism, with one reviewer describing the driver’s style as “aggressive and reckless,” which is something to consider if you’re prone to travel anxiety or don’t enjoy long bus rides.

The Value Proposition

At $75 per person, the tour offers a decent value considering it includes entrance fees and transportation. However, the long hours and rushed schedule might diminish the experience for some. The price doesn’t include extra activities or meals, so if you want a more relaxed experience with more time at each site, you might want to explore private or smaller-group options.

Why You Might Choose This Tour

• You want a quick, all-in-one taste of Kazakhstan’s natural scenery
• You’re okay with a long, busy day and packed itinerary
• You’re interested in photo opportunities at iconic landscapes
• You prefer guided tours with transportation included

Who Might Be Less Satisfied

• Travelers seeking a leisurely, in-depth experience
• Those who prefer comfortable transportation and more English narration
• Vegetarians or those with specific dietary needs need to plan ahead

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an exciting glimpse into Kazakhstan’s stunning natural features, making it ideal for adventurous travelers eager to check multiple sites off their list in a single day. The diverse landscapes — from the colorful, dramatic canyon to the tranquil lakes — provide plenty of photo ops and moments to pause and enjoy nature.

However, it’s important to approach this experience with realistic expectations. The schedule is tight, and comfort during transportation varies. For travelers who prioritize comfort and in-depth exploration, a private or smaller group tour might be a better fit.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable, active day with breathtaking scenery, this trip is worth considering — just be prepared for a busy day and bring your own snacks and patience.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How early does the tour start?

Most tours begin around 5:30 am from the parking lot near Almaty’s Alatau metro station.

• What is included in the price?

Entrance fees to Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lakes are covered. Extras like boat rides, horse riding, food, and drinks are not included.

• How long does the tour last?

It typically lasts 6-7 hours from start to finish, including all stops and transportation.

• Is the transportation comfortable?

Some reviews mention the bus’s AC doesn’t work well and the ride can feel hot and uncomfortable, with the driver driving aggressively.

• Can I do additional activities?

Yes, horse riding and boat rides are available but paid separately. The itinerary is quite packed, so free time is limited.

• Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?

The lunch stops often don’t offer vegetarian options, so bringing your own snacks is recommended.

• Do I need to speak Russian or English?

The tour is conducted in both languages, but most English commentary is limited, so some familiarity with Russian might be helpful.

• What should I bring?

Water, snacks, sun protection, and comfortable footwear are advisable, especially since some stops are brief.

This experience promises a snapshot of Kazakhstan’s natural beauty and is perfect if you’re short on time and eager to see iconic landscapes. Just keep in mind the packed schedule and consider your comfort preferences before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby