
Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 158 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire worth booking?
Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire is a 48-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $120 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 158 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (158)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $120 per person
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Over 2 unforgettable days, explore five of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Tian-Shan mountains in one group adventure. Day 1: Black Canyon → Moon Canyon → Kolsai Lake. Evening campfire under a sky full of stars in Saty village. Day 2: Soviet UAZ-452 ride to Kaindy Lake with its famous submerged forest → Charyn Canyon — the Grand Canyon of Central Asia. Optional boat ride and horseback riding available on-site. Accommodation in Saty village — choose your comfort: Standard room (shared bathroom) — included in base price En-suite room (private bathroom) — available for extra charge ⛺ Yurt experience (shared with group, sleeping on traditional floor mats) — available for extra charge All meals included: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. Maximum 30-35 people.
What you get
About this experience
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Over 2 unforgettable days, explore five of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Tian-Shan mountains in one group adventure. Day 1: Black Canyon → Moon Canyon → Kolsai Lake. Evening campfire under a sky full of stars in Saty village. Day 2: Soviet UAZ-452 ride to Kaindy Lake with its famous submerged forest → Charyn Canyon — the Grand Canyon of Central Asia. Optional boat ride and horseback riding available on-site. Accommodation in Saty village — choose your comfort: Standard room (shared bathroom) — included in base price En-suite room (private bathroom) — available for extra charge ⛺ Yurt experience (shared with group, sleeping on traditional floor mats) — available for extra charge All meals included: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. Maximum 30-35 people.
What's included
Included
- National parks entrance fees
- English speaking guide
- Overnight in the Saty Village
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
Not included
- Boating (13$) and horseback-riding (13$)
- Taxi
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Options you can book
Overnight in Yurt
Overnight in Traditonal House : We offer overnight in shared Yurt stay and not attached bathroom but authentic traditional house
Private room with bathroom
Private bathroom attached room: Room for 2-3 people with attached bathroom
Guest house shared batroom
Guest house (shared bathroom): We offer you rooms in guest house for 2 people (couple, friends or solo travelers)
All Inclusive Private tour
Traditional House (Yurt) All Inclusive Private tour Meals are included: First day: Lunch and Dinner Second day: Breakfast and Lunch Horseback riding included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazakhstan Very Nice
Know before you go
- 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
- Not allowed for travelers who can not withstand long trips by car, long walks and hikes
- Not allowed for travelers with disabilities, injuries, diseases that limit physical abilities
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 153 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
153 verified traveler reviews for Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Very Comfortable and friendly and memorable
Guide was very friendly, comfortable and caring. The route guidance was easy. Bus driver was also good, he took us very comfortably to the location. Food was homemade and was very yummy. Overall loved it completely, highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
AMAZING TRIP WITH AMAZING GUIDE
We had an amazing time exploring the lakes and canyons with John! He’s such a lovely person, full of stories and anecdotes, and always takes the time to chat with everyone. We loved every part of the tour, from the horseback riding to hiking through the canyon. The meals were delicious, and the evening around the campfire was especially memorable. Thank you for everything, John! We won’t forget you ❤️ Mary, Swan and Nino
via Tripadvisor
Hiking, Staying in Yurt
We had an amazing two days at Kaindy Lake — hiking, enjoying the nature, and staying in a real yurt. The yurt was surprisingly cozy and comfortable, which made the whole experience even more special. And a big thank you to our guide Jandos. He was calm, responsible, respectful, and genuinely friendly. After two days, he felt more like a travel companion than a guide. Really grateful for the experience!
via Tripadvisor
Great guide, great trip itinerary, cozy accoms
We are so lucky to have John as our guide and he's very chill. The trip length is just nice for us. Plus John made sure everyone is okay during the trip. The accommodation is also clean and cozy which further highlight our stay.
via Tripadvisor
😀
Very good experience, the guide Nurzhan/John both very friendly and explain everything well. Good interaction with us. They are very friendly
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
- $120 to $350
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 55
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazakhstan Very Nice, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Kazakhstan Very Nice runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire 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 Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire 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 Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 158 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, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire?
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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, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire 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 Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire?
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Around 55 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 Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire 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, 1-2 Days Singing dunes & Aktau mountains grouptour to Altyn Emel. 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, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire?
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Included: National parks entrance fees; English speaking guide; Overnight in the Saty Village; Lunch; and Dinner. Not included: Boating (13$) and horseback-riding (13$); and Taxi. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire offered in?
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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 Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire?
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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, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire?
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Across 158 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Overnight in Yurt, Private room with bathroom, Guest house shared batroom, All Inclusive Private tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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