
Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 587 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour worth booking?
Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour is a 48-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $160 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 587 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (587)
- Duration
- 48 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Within 2 days you will visit the most famous places of Almaty region - Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyons. The tour itinerary is designed in such a way that you have time to enjoy all the tour sights fully. Our comfortable transportation will provide you with a pleasant experience, ensuring you remain comfortable during long trips. In the evening, you will enjoy a rustic dinner of local cuisine, as well as games and fun around the bonfire. For the night, tourists are accommodated in the yurt camp at the picturesque foothill far from the noise of the roads, where only the sound of a mountain river can be heard and the starry sky can be clearly seen. Here, you will feel the spirit of the nomadic lifestyle, enjoy the silence away from civilization, and be united with nature (accommodation in a house is also possible).
What you get
About this experience
Within 2 days you will visit the most famous places of Almaty region - Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyons. The tour itinerary is designed in such a way that you have time to enjoy all the tour sights fully. Our comfortable transportation will provide you with a pleasant experience, ensuring you remain comfortable during long trips. In the evening, you will enjoy a rustic dinner of local cuisine, as well as games and fun around the bonfire. For the night, tourists are accommodated in the yurt camp at the picturesque foothill far from the noise of the roads, where only the sound of a mountain river can be heard and the starry sky can be clearly seen. Here, you will feel the spirit of the nomadic lifestyle, enjoy the silence away from civilization, and be united with nature (accommodation in a house is also possible).
What's included
Included
- English-speaking tour guide
- Shower gel, shampoo and towel
- Meals: 2 lunches, dinner, and breakfast
- Shared overnight stay in yurts/rooms
- National parks admissions
- Bonfire and evening entertainment
- Bottled water
- Comfortable transportation by modern van/bus with AC
Not included
- Private accommodation (contact us if you need it)
Where it starts and ends
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
Options you can book
Full Package (08:00)
Accommodation Included: shared yurt with on-site toilets and showers, or a room with an en-suite toilet. Meals Included: 2x lunches, dinner, and breakfast.
Full Package (07:00)
Accommodation Included: shared yurt with on-site toilets and showers, or a room with an en-suite toilet. Meals Included: 2x lunches, dinner, and breakfast.
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 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kazakhstan Guided Tours
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
- Important note: Children under 5 y.o. are not allowed on the tour
- 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
- Special dietary meals (e.g., gluten-free) are not available
- Vegetarian food option is available
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 584 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
584 verified traveler reviews for Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thank you for giving special memories
Thanks to the guide Axultan, I really enjoyed Almaty. His guide is perfect and gave me precious memories. I love Kazakhstan, thank you very much.
via Tripadvisor
Happy Yurter
A moderate degree of fitness needed. From Oct-March gets chilly. Tour guide makes the trip so much better. Ask for Axl.
via Viator
Great tour with amazing...
Great tour with amazing guide, Ax. Everything was well paced, food was good, sufficient breaks for restroom/snacks, lots of information/history throughout, and accommodations were very comfortable. And of course the sights were stunning!
via Viator
Great Intro to Kazakhstan
This was a fantastic tour. The two day structure allowed for a slower pace to explore the different sites and be able to take in the beautiful landscapes of Kazakhstan. The experience was organised very well, including transportation, food and accommodation, which I had no complaints. Our guide Ax was knowledgeable, friendly and made sure that everyone in our tour feel welcome and have an enjoyable experience, even though it was a big group. Overall this was a very valuable experience that I would definitely recommend for first-timers to Kazakhstan.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommend to join this tour!
Mr. Serzhan was a very professional tour guide. It was our fun experience to visit difference places with the group tour. The itinerary was not too packed. We could get enough time for each stop. The bus was new and clean. The food (lunch and dinner) was fine, but I would recommend to prepare your spice seasoning if you're addicted to something flavorful. Everyone in my group was quite punctual. Overall, it's worth the money!
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
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 205
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kazakhstan Guided Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Kazakhstan Guided Tours runsWhy this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour cost?
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Prices start at $160 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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour 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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 587 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour?
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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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour 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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour?
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Around 205 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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour 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 & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire, 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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour?
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Included: English-speaking tour guide; Shower gel, shampoo and towel; Meals: 2 lunches, dinner, and breakfast; Shared overnight stay in yurts/rooms; and National parks admissions. Not included: Private accommodation (contact us if you need it). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
What languages is Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour 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 Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour?
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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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour 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 with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour 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 Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour?
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Across 587 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Full Package (08:00), Full Package (07:00). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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