
2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes worth booking?
2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes is a 48-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $120 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (9)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kazakhstan on this private 2-day tour, featuring the iconic Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes along with the breathtaking Charyn Canyon. Begin your journey in Almaty and marvel at the unique beau
What you get
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- In-Person Tour Guide
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
About this experience
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kazakhstan on this private 2-day tour, featuring the iconic Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes along with the breathtaking Charyn Canyon. Begin your journey in Almaty and marvel at the unique beauty of Lake Kaindy, famous for its submerged forest, and Kolsai Lake, where you can enjoy activities like horseback riding and boating. This tour offers personalized experiences with a knowledgeable guide, private transportation, and comfortable accommodation in private houses with mountain view near Kolsay lake. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. - Private transportation and expert guide included - Enjoy off-road transfers to scenic locations - Activities available: horseback riding and boat rides - Accommodation in private house with mountain view (BBQ zone, fire pit and yurt available)
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Bottled water
- In-Person Tour Guide
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tengri Trails
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Total stops take 9 hours including (2 hours in Caryn Canyon, 3 hours in Kaiyndy Lake and 4 hours in Kolsay Lake) and driving time take 6-8 hours including both sides. Stop times might be customized by traveler's request.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
9 verified traveler reviews for 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Magical trip to kolsai
We had a absolutely lovely time on the 2 day trip with Sam and his colleague.. they were very patient to understand our needs and helped us out. I highly recommend this tour with Sam.
via Viator
Considerate guide and driver!
An absolutely wonderful tour! Our guide, Bayan, provided kind and detailed explanations, while our driver, Konti, ensured a safe and comfortable ride throughout the journey. Thanks to them, we had an amazing time exploring the two canyons, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake in complete comfort. Personally, I had a hard time with the food during the trip as it didn't suit my taste, but they thoughtfully found an excellent local restaurant where I could finally enjoy a fantastic meal. I booked this tour based on its high ratings, and I am more than happy to leave this review for future travelers. Highly recommended!
via Viator
Best Kazakh experience ever!
We had the most wonderful 2-day trip with Sam as our guide! He was absolutely brilliant, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable. So warm and hospitable throughout. We learned so much about the local culture and had plenty of meaningful conversations, which made the whole experience even more special. The scenery was breathtaking, from the canyon to the two lakes—truly unforgettable. We felt safe the entire time, and Sam also helped with translation, making everything run smoothly. The mountain house we stayed in was stunning, with some of the best views imaginable. I couldn’t recommend Sam enough! If you want to experience the true Kazakh way, this is the tour to book!
via Tripadvisor
Recommended
Relaxed trip with a good guide, comfortable car and good private accommodation. You can just adjust the program in consultation with the guide.
via Viator (translated)
One of the best, most interesting and high-quality tours — I recommend it to everyone. The food is delicious, they show you all
One of the best, most interesting and high-quality tours — I recommend it to everyone. The food is delicious, they show you all the most beautiful places, and as a bonus they take amazing photos!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 48 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 1+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $120 to $699
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tengri Trails, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.6.
See everything Tengri Trails runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes cost?
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Prices start at $120 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 to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes take?
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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 to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 9 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 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes?
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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 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 1. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 48-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes?
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Around 3 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 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes 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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