
2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 78 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon worth booking?
2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon is a 48-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $450 per person. It scores 76 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 78 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 76 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (78)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $450 per person
The two-Day tour, is the best way to visit the best nature attractions of Almaty. This Tour is great for family trip, children and friends. A Comfortable SUV and English-speaking experienced guide are to make your tour incredibly comfortable. You will visit several climatic zones, photographing the breathtaking landscapes of the Canyons, mountains with coniferous forests and beautiful Lakes. The KolsaiTour team is happy to be your guide.
What you get
About this experience
The two-Day tour, is the best way to visit the best nature attractions of Almaty. This Tour is great for family trip, children and friends. A Comfortable SUV and English-speaking experienced guide are to make your tour incredibly comfortable. You will visit several climatic zones, photographing the breathtaking landscapes of the Canyons, mountains with coniferous forests and beautiful Lakes. The KolsaiTour team is happy to be your guide.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- accommodation at cozy Guest House
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- Meals - Two Lunches, One Dinner, One Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located accommodations)
- Transport by air-conditioned private SUV vehicle or minivan
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kolsai Tour
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 78 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
78 verified traveler reviews for 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Experience with Andrey — Highly Recommended
We did this 2-day private tour with Andrey last April, and it was a wonderful experience. Andrey was a fantastic guide — very friendly, helpful, and professional from the beginning. We especially appreciated his flexibility in customizing the tour based on our schedule and interests. The food and accommodation selections were excellent, and everything was well organized. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're so glad you enjoyed the private tour! We look forward to seeing you on a tour of Kyrgyzstan with our SUV trip with Kolsai Tour team.
via Tripadvisor
UPSTANDING BUSINESS TO DEAL WITH
Sadly, we had to cancel our 2 day tour of the Kolsai Lake, Kandy and the Charyn Canyon due to a family emergency back in the States. Andrey was extremely kind and understanding and promptly returned our deposit. We are sad not to have experienced the incredible beauty of the Almaty area, but Andrey and Kolsai Tours will have our business when we return. They are an upstanding company which we highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Hello! Thank you for your feedback! This is just a small part of what could have been done. Thank you for your review, we look forward to seeing you on our tour to show you the real Kazakhstan with its warm hospitality and kind people.
via Tripadvisor
The highlight of our trip
We've had a customized 3-day version of this tour, and it was an absolute blast! The places we visited were probably the most scenic I've ever been to. The tour was really well organized and flexible at the same time. Our guide Andrey took care of everything (driving us, booking our stays, food) and adjusted when we wanted to spend more time at a certain location. Also, he spoke good English. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your honest feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed our private tour and visited Kazakhstan with us. We look forward to seeing you on our next tour to Kyrgyzstan.
via Tripadvisor
Two Amazing Tours in Kazakhstan
Kolsai Tours Cannot say enough good things about Kolsai Tours. We had organized a 2-day tour of Charyn Canyon and the Lakes as well as an Almaty City Tour. Andrey was a pleasure to arrange the tours with. Andrey was our guide for the 2-Day Canyon and Lakes Tour and we couldn’t have had a better experience. The tour was well-timed and we had plenty of time to explore at each destination. Andrey knew of many off-the-beaten path locations for incredible photos. The delicious picnic lunch beside the river was one of the highlights of the trip. Andrey was also a pleasure to be around. He went out of his way to make us feel especially welcomed. Julia was our guide for our Almaty city tour and once again we had a fantastic day. Her knowledge of the city was tremendous and we greatly enjoyed going to the top of the mountain; you had a great view of the city below and it felt like we were at a European ski resort. She was equally a pleasure to be around and her personalization of the tour to our tastes made for the perfect ending to our trip to Kazakhstan. We cannot wait to use Kolsai Tours for our next adventure in Central Asia.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed feedback. We truly appreciate your kind words and are glad our work met your expectations
via Tripadvisor
Khazakhstan and the true nature
I had an unforgettable 2-day trip with Baha as my guide. From start to finish he was professional, friendly, and genuinely passionate about showing the beauty of Kazakhstan. He was very flexible and tailored the experience to what suited me best, offering great advice on how to make the most out of every stop. Baha shared so much knowledge about the culture, history, and nature of the region, which made the journey much more meaningful. He always paid attention to the small details, from pointing out the best photo opportunities to preparing traditional tea and meals, which added so much to the experience. I really appreciated his kindness, humor, and the way he made the trip feel both safe and adventurous. Thanks to him, I didn’t just see the landscapes — I truly experienced them. I highly recommend Baha to anyone wanting to explore Kazakhstan in the best possible way.
Response from the operator: We’re so glad you enjoyed the private Jeep tour with our English-speaking guide! We look forward to welcoming you again on our next Jeep tours in Kyrgyzstan with our team.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $450 to $850
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kolsai Tour, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.
See everything Kolsai Tour runsWhy this scores 76
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon cost?
+
Prices start at $450 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 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon take?
+
Plan for about 48 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 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 76 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 78 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable family friendly in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon?
+
Around 27 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?
+
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 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon?
+
Included: Bottled water; accommodation at cozy Guest House; Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; and Dinner. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 93 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon offered in?
+
It runs in 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 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon?
+
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 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Almaty. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon?
+
Across 78 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon.
Pick your date




