
Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 112 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip worth booking?
Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip is a 16-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $57 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 112 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (112)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $57 per person
Unique Tour of Almaty: Kolsay Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and the Charyn Canyon Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Almaty! Our tour includes visits to three incredible locations: Kolsay Lake - picturesque waters surrounded by mountains, perfect for relaxation and photos. Kaindy Lake - a unique lake with poplars growing right in the water. Charyn Canyon - vibrant cliffs and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. With us, you'll discover the best natural spots, enjoy comfort, and create unforgettable memories! As a nice bonus, every guest will receive a small gift during the tour -- a thoughtful touch to make your trip even more special.
What you get
About this experience
Unique Tour of Almaty: Kolsay Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and the Charyn Canyon Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Almaty! Our tour includes visits to three incredible locations: Kolsay Lake - picturesque waters surrounded by mountains, perfect for relaxation and photos. Kaindy Lake - a unique lake with poplars growing right in the water. Charyn Canyon - vibrant cliffs and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. With us, you'll discover the best natural spots, enjoy comfort, and create unforgettable memories! As a nice bonus, every guest will receive a small gift during the tour -- a thoughtful touch to make your trip even more special.
What's included
Included
- Entrance fees to Kaindy lakes National Park
- Entrance fees to Charyn National Park
- Round trip transport
- All Fees and Taxes
- Professional Guide
- Entrance fees to Kolsai lakes National Park
Not included
- Tea and coffee
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Charyn State National Nature Park
Walking in the canyons, small hiking to Sharyn River and make photos
90 minutes here · Admission included
Charyn Canyon National Park
Black canyon View point for 15 minutes
20 minutes here
There will be a hike to Kaindy Lake about 2.5 kilometers away.
90 minutes here
Kolsai Lake
Walk around the Kolsai lake.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
The gathering place will be in the parking lot near the circus.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The gathering place will be in the parking lot near the circus.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Joinme Asia
Know before you go
- 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 112 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
112 verified traveler reviews for Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Everything has been well...
Everything has been well organized allowing the group to enjoy the different sites and appreciating the wonderful Kazakh nature. I was very satisfied with this tour!
via Viator
Amazing Experience, Beautiful Nature
Absolutely fantastic, it was an amazing experience. Below is some information for those considering booking, including some things I was wondering about before booking. First, you depart from the parking lot in front of the circus at 5:00 AM. City buses and the metro aren't running yet, so it's best to get to the meeting point on foot or by using Yandex Go. In my case, boarding started at 5:00 AM and departure was around 5:10 AM, but I think it's better to be there by 4:30 AM just in case. You can't charge your devices on the bus, so I recommend bringing a portable charger. Also, you'll often have to pay in cash for toilet breaks, meals, and activities like horseback riding, so it's good to have some cash on hand. Additionally, it will possibly rain, so I recommend you to bring jacket and umbrella. As for Lake Kaindy, the bus will take you as far as you can walk to. Lunch is free if you bring it yourself, but you can also use the restaurants and cafes there. The tour ended around 10:30 PM, but apparently it can be as late as 11:00 PM depending on traffic.
via Viator
Worth visiting, but not worth this tour!
The canyons themselves were absolutely beautiful and definitely worth seeing — unfortunately, the tour experience was a completely different story. The guide made what could have been an amazing day incredibly exhausting. She was constantly shouting as if we were animals, her English was difficult to understand, and he talked almost non-stop, often about things that felt irrelevant or simply didn’t make sense. There was very little awareness of the group or the atmosphere. The long drives were another issue. While many people were clearly trying to rest or sleep, loud party music was being played on the bus. It felt like the guide completely failed to read the room or understand what the group needed. Beautiful destinations, but a very poorly managed tour. The guide’s behaviour and lack of awareness made the experience far more tiring than it needed to be. Honestly, the tour itself was a joke — which is a shame, because the places we visited were stunning.
via Tripadvisor
Stunning lakes & canyon
Simply stunning. Getting to the lakes takes a bit of work, But it is worth it. Pro Tip: Once you reach Kolsai, take the bus which drops you off nearly halfway and walk rest of the way to save time and make time for boating at the lake. Charyn canyon was also amazing but there wasn’t enough time to cover it in full and the trek wasn’t easy especially under the hot sun. Make sure to pack the right shoes. The only downside of the trip was the bus carrying us had an issue with its air conditioning
via Viator
一次愉快的旅游
随愿车上的时间很长,但是有很多娱乐节目非常有意思! I have a good time. There is a menu country in the bus. South Korea. Japan. Russia. Spanish. England. Poland and so on.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 39
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Joinme Asia, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.7.
See everything Joinme Asia runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip cost?
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Prices start at $57 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 Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip take?
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Plan for about 16 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 Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 112 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip?
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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 Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 16-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip?
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Around 39 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 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip 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?
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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.
What is included in Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip?
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Included: Entrance fees to Kaindy lakes National Park; Entrance fees to Charyn National Park; Round trip transport; All Fees and Taxes; and Professional Guide. Not included: Tea and coffee; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip?
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The gathering place will be in the parking lot near the circus. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip?
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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 Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip 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 Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip 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 Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip?
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Across 112 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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