2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan

2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes

Outty Ranking 73 4.9 · 11 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $400
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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 11 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 $400 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 11 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (11)
Duration
48 hours
From
$400 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 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 you get

    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

    2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, photo 22 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, photo 32 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, photo 42 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, photo 52 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, photo 62 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes in Almaty, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 11 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    11 verified traveler reviews for 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    10
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    VengSun_H · September 2026

    We had a wonderful trip...

    We had a wonderful trip with Sam. He is the warmest and most gentle person, and he made us feel like Kazakhstan is a truly welcoming country. The cabin we stayed in was super comfy and felt just like home. The nearby restaurant provided delicious local food, and we had an amazing dinner there.

    via Viator

    Aditya_A · September 2026

    Highly Recommended Trip

    The best part of our Kazakhstan trip was undoubtedly our 2-day trip to Charyn Canyon and Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes with Sam as our guide. Sam spoke excellent English, so communication was seamless throughout. He took care of the logistics at every step, making sure everything went smoothly and that we were comfortable. He stayed with us throughout the trip, even during the treks, and never once rushed us. We always felt safe, looked after, and completely at ease with him. What made the experience even more special were our conversations with Sam. He shared wonderful insights into Kazakh culture and was incredibly knowledgeable about so many different things. It felt like we were travelling with someone who genuinely wanted us to experience and understand Kazakhstan, rather than simply showing us the sights. The mountain huts were cozy and welcoming, with absolutely stunning views. The landscapes were breathtaking, but having Sam with us made the entire experience even more memorable. We are so glad we chose this trip and had Sam as our guide. Highly recommended!

    via Viator

    Vijaykanth_K · May 2026

    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

    Juhwan_L · May 2026

    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

    Penpitcha S · May 2026

    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

    Good to know

    Duration
    48 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $400 to $699
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    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 runs

    Why this scores 73

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)36
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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 $400 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 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 11 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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    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 to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes?

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    Around 4 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, 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 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes?

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    Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; Bottled water; In-Person Tour Guide; and Snacks. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 182 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty.

    What languages is 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes 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 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes?

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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 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Almaty. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about 2 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy Lakes?

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    Across 11 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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