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

1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

Outty Ranking 6017 hoursFrom $56

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$56
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is 1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon worth booking?

1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon is a 17-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $56 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
17 hours
From
$56 per person

The first stop is the mysterious Kaindy Lake — a natural wonder featuring a sunken forest, where fir trees seem to float in the crystal-clear emerald water. Next, we head to the picturesque Kolsai Lake, surrounded by mou

What you get

  • Guide services
  • Entrance fees
  • Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
  • Private transportation

About this experience

The first stop is the mysterious Kaindy Lake — a natural wonder featuring a sunken forest, where fir trees seem to float in the crystal-clear emerald water. Next, we head to the picturesque Kolsai Lake, surrounded by mountains and dense coniferous forests. Here, you can take a walk along the shore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. We end the day at one of Kazakhstan's most breathtaking locations — the Charyn Canyon. Its majestic cliffs and the Valley of Castles will leave a lasting impression and serve as a perfect finale to the journey. You’ll enjoy comfortable transportation, an attentive guide and countless opportunities for stunning photos. This adventure offers vibrant emotions, unforgettable views, and a full immersion into the wild beauty of Kazakhstan.

What's included

Included

  • Guide services
  • Entrance fees
  • Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
  • Private transportation

Not included

  • Snacks
  • Personal expences
  • Entertainment (boats, horse-riding, etc)

What you'll see and do

  1. At the Black Canyon, we’ll make a brief stop of approximately 10-15 minutes to admire this striking natural formation. Guests will have the chance to take photographs of the canyon’s dramatic dark cliffs and unique geological textures. While it’s a short visit, the scenery offers a powerful contrast to the surrounding landscape, making it a memorable visual highlight of the tour.

    15 minutes here · Admission included

  2. At Kaindy Lake, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by one of Kazakhstan’s most unique natural wonders — the sunken forest. The lake’s submerged trees, rising through turquoise waters, create a surreal and unforgettable landscape. We’ll begin with a scenic outdoor breakfast(bring your own), allowing time to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. After the meal, there will be time to explore the area on foot and take photographs from various viewpoints before continuing the journey.

    120 minutes here · Admission included

  3. At Kolsay Lake, guests will enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, surrounded by pristine mountain scenery and dense coniferous forest. This is an ideal opportunity to take photos of the lake’s clear, reflective waters and picturesque surroundings. We’ll take a break in a scenic area, allowing time to relax, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. Guests are welcome to explore the area at their own pace or simply take in the views before we continue the tour.

    90 minutes here

  4. Charyn Canyon National Park

    At Charyn Canyon, guests will take a guided walk through one of Kazakhstan’s most iconic natural landmarks. The route leads through the famous Valley of Castles, where towering rock formations create a dramatic and almost otherworldly atmosphere. Along the way, there will be opportunities to take photographs, learn about the canyon’s geological history, and simply enjoy the scale and silence of this awe-inspiring landscape. The walk is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels, with time allocated for rest and exploration.

    90 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Almaty

Meeting point at 4:00 AM at Abay-Zharokov, parking near the Alatau metro station, Zharokova 119 (Yandex/2GIS)

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Meeting point at 4:00 AM at Abay-Zharokov, parking near the Alatau metro station, Zharokova 119 (Yandex/2GIS)

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
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Steppe Spirit Kazakhstan

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

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

Good to know

Duration
17 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
10+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
0
Verdict
Worth a Look

Why this scores 60

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
Review evidence (18% weight)0
Booking momentum (14% weight)0
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)50
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon: questions travelers ask

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

How much does 1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon cost?

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Prices start at $56 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 Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon take?

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Plan for about 17 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 Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon?

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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 Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 17-hour running time when deciding.

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

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Around 0 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 17-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does 1 Day Tour to Kolsay Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon 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, Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. 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?

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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.

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