1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan

1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake

Outty Ranking 78 5.0 · 26 traveler reviews12 hoursFrom $99
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake worth booking?

1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake is a 12-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $99 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
5/5 (26)
Duration
12 hours
From
$99 per person

In one day, you can visit the most beautiful places with spectacular nature: Charyn Canyon, "the little brother of Grand Canyon," Kolsay Lake, the pearl of Tyan Shan Mountain, and Kaindy Lake, a flooded forest. Incredible views of the most unusual, mysterious, and inexplicable natural phenomena won't leave you indifferent. Inspire yourself with the beauty of Kazakhstani nature.

What you get

    About this experience

    In one day, you can visit the most beautiful places with spectacular nature: Charyn Canyon, "the little brother of Grand Canyon," Kolsay Lake, the pearl of Tyan Shan Mountain, and Kaindy Lake, a flooded forest. Incredible views of the most unusual, mysterious, and inexplicable natural phenomena won't leave you indifferent. Inspire yourself with the beauty of Kazakhstani nature.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Lunch
    • All Fees and Taxes
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Dinner
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Breakfast
    • Boating/16 usd, horse riding /23usd per person half an hour

    What you'll see and do

    1. Charyn State National Nature Park

      From Almaty to Charyn Canyon 2,5 hours by minibus. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon’s little brother. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. We will visit "Valley of Castles", the length is 2,5 km, the depth is 20-80 meters. The story of the Canyon is that it was formed about 25 million years ago. If you are keen of hiking, we can for hiking 2.5km for one side till the Charyn river or you can take a car with open roof for 500 kzt to one side to admire the view from the car. There are spectacular, beautiful view of Canyon and river.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Lake Kaindy

      After Charyn Canyon we will go to Saty village where we will have lunch in local guest house or yurt. After lunch it will take 40 minutes to Kaindy lake. We will change car 2 times (old cars), after that we will walk around 15 minutes to reach Kaindy lake. Free time on Kaindy lake will take around 1 hour. Lake Kaindy is at an altitude of 2000m and geologically very young. This 400m long lake was formed in 1911 after an earthquake triggered an enormous limestone landslide, which formed a natural dam in the gorge that was covered by spruce trees.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Kolsai Lake

      After Kaindy we will go to Kolsay lake through Saty village by our own car. Kolsay Lakes – one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. These lakes are located at heights 1800, 2250 and 2700 metres above sea level. We will visit the first lake, which is located at the height of 1818 metres, has the length of 1 km, and width about 300 metres. Once visited this place, will never forget their magnificence and calmness around

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Almaty

    The meeting point is a museum of folk musical instruments, it's wooden building opposite Kazakh National souvenirs

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The meeting point is a museum of folk musical instruments, it's wooden building opposite Kazakh National souvenirs

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ru, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Almaty Inspiration Tour

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour requires minimum number of travellers ( 5 people).If it is canceled because the minimum isn't met,you will be offered different date or a full refund

    Photos

    1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, photo 21 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, photo 31 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, photo 41 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, photo 51 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, photo 61 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    9 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    26 verified traveler reviews for 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    26
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Stephanie_F · August 2026

    This well-paced tour...

    This well-paced tour takes you to three beautiful natural sights in Kazakhstan. I hope to revisit in the future as the natural views change with the season. Lunch was incredibly delicious too. Alina was a fantastic guide, so friendly and full of enthusiasm to share information about Kazakhstan. Thank you Alina!

    Response from the operator: Dear Stephanie, Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you and showing you some of Kazakhstan’s beautiful natural landscapes. I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour, the views, and the lunch! I really appreciate your kind words about me and my enthusiasm for sharing information about Kazakhstan. I hope you’ll come back one day and experience these places in a different season — they are beautiful in every season, but always a little different. Thank you again for choosing our tour, and I hope to see you again in Kazakhstan

    via Viator

    19radia · November 2025

    Almaty Tour at reasonable price.

    Our guide can speak English very well, and the service is excellent. Yet, the price is reasonable to us. The places we visited were beautiful. The driver drove cautiously and followed the traffic regulations. Very nice trip for us.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip and felt comfortable with our guide and driver. It’s great that the price was reasonable for you and that the places you visited left a beautiful impression. Your kind words truly motivate us. We hope to welcome you again on another tour soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    443rajj · August 2025

    Unforgettable Experience

    Our experience with Almaty Inspiration Tour (AIT) for the Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lake, and Black Canyon adventure, was exceptional. I was not sure which tour to use, private or group. One lake or two. Sometimes there's too much information in the internet but I'm so glad I listened to my hotel concierge who highly recommended the private tour with AIT. What made this experience so wonderful boils down to the quality of the guide, driver and the team that organized the tour. Of course the destinations were spectacular (and other reviews cover those details) so let me focus on the actual tour. Alina from AIT was so responsive to my questions. i received prompt and detailed answers even before i officially booked the tour with detailed information that helped me choose the right program. Our tour guide Assel was really what made the trip so wonderful. She knows the local staff at each destination and was in full command of the itinerary. The trip is very well organized. Assel is wonderful at listening to our needs and preferences which made the trip so comfortable. For example there are options to use the horse at extra cost, walk, or an off-road taxi to finish the last leg of journey to Kaindy Lake. It's bit chaotic at the scene, with numerous tourists attended by a much fewer local horse-riding staff. I saw many tourists (perhaps those that came in larger group) that seemed lost. Assel was so awesome. She helped us get really good service immediately and we were on a horseback. She rode a horse herself with us and it was so much fun. She didn't push us to use one option or other (I've read how some tours do this to monetize), but really let us decide at all points during the day. Each time we had amazing support and she helped us navigate each place with ease. She also doesn't overwhelm us with information and gave us plenty of time to ourselves so I can really spend time with my son. Other private tours I joined failed in this balance where the guide micro-manages and feeds too much information/history rather than allowing us to absorb and enjoy the moment. Not the case here with AIT and Assel! I debated a bit about whether I should spend the extra money to do a private tour. But I absolutely made the right decision choosing AIT. This tour takes more than 14 hours. The extra care, comfort, smoothness and ease of execution that comes with AIT is so worth it! Finally I must mention that the driver Azat really is wonderful. Very safe driving, nice car and just a pleasure to spend the entire day with. Highly recommended!

    Response from the operator: Dear Raj, Thank you for taking your time to leave detailed review. We are very glad to hear that we could make your trip comfortable, smooth and enjoyable. Wish you many more trips around the world, may you and your family be blessed with a happy and healthy life. Take care , all the best

    via Tripadvisor

    631reemap · August 2024

    Almaty trip guide

    Amazing trip.Thanks Assel for being an amazing guide,making me comfortable and also thanks for clicking amazing pictures of mine in the best locations.

    Response from the operator: Dear Rheema, Thank you for taking your time to leave a review. It was our pleasure to host you. All the best and take care🙏

    via Tripadvisor

    abhishekc591 · April 2024

    An exceptional experience with English speaking guide.

    We booked three days of full day tours in April and we are glad that we did it with them. Booking Al Maty Inspirational tour guide was the best decision we made for our trip! Our guide (Assel) was incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, caring and made the experience truly unforgettable. She was very patient and thoughtful given that we were traveling with kids. They also provided a very comfortable SUV car for our day tours. If you are looking for an English speaking guide who is knowledgeable and looking to explore a new destination with ease, you need not look any further than Assel from Al Maty inspirational tours.

    Response from the operator: Dear Abhishek, Thank you for taking your time to leave such an amazing feedback. It was our pleasure to show our places to your beautiful family. Wish you all the best,take care🙏

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Almaty Inspiration Tour, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.8.

    See everything Almaty Inspiration Tour runs

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)94
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)52
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)67
    Local standing (8% weight)64
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.

    How much does 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake cost?

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    Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.

    Is 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake?

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    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Almaty?

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    On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Almaty?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Almaty?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake?

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    Included: Bottled water; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Dinner; Alcoholic beverages; Breakfast; and Boating/16 usd, horse riding /23usd per person half an hour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake?

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    The meeting point is a museum of folk musical instruments, it's wooden building opposite Kazakh National souvenirs Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake offered in?

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    It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about 1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake?

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    Across 26 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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