
One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 18 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes worth booking?
One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes is a 12-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $260 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 18 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (18)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $260 per person
In one day you can visit the most beautiful places with Spectacular nature Charyn Canyon "little brother of Grand Canyon", Kolsay lake- pearl of Tyan Shan mountain and Kaindy lake- flooded forest. Incredible view,the most unusual, mysterious and inexplicable natural phenomena won't leave you indifferent. Inspire yourself with the beauty of Kazakhstan nature.
What you get
About this experience
In one day you can visit the most beautiful places with Spectacular nature Charyn Canyon "little brother of Grand Canyon", Kolsay lake- pearl of Tyan Shan mountain and Kaindy lake- flooded forest. Incredible view,the most unusual, mysterious and inexplicable natural phenomena won't leave you indifferent. Inspire yourself with the beauty of Kazakhstan nature.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dinner
- Breakfast
- Boating/16 usd, horse riding /23usd per person half an hour
What you'll see and do
Charyn State National Nature Park
From Almaty to Charyn Canyon 2,5 hours by private car. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon’s little brother. The Canyon itself is approximately 150 km long, and, in places up to 300 meters deep. We will visit "Valley of Castles", the length is 2,5 km, the depth is 20-80 meters. The story of the Canyon is that it was formed about 25 million years ago. If you are keen of hiking, we can for hiking 2.5km for one side till the Charyn river or we can take a car with open roof to admire the view from the car. There are spectacular, beautiful view of Canyon and river.
300 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Kaindy
After Charyn Canyon we will go to Saty village where we will have lunch in local guest house or yurt. After lunch it will take 40 minutes to Kaindy lake. We will change car 2 times (old cars), after that we will walk around 15 minutes to reach Kaindy lake. Free time on Kaindy lake will take around 1 hour. Lake Kaindy is at an altitude of 2000m and geologically very young. This 400m long lake was formed in 1911 after an earthquake triggered an enormous limestone landslide, which formed a natural dam in the gorge that was covered by spruce trees.
360 minutes here · Admission included
Kolsai Lake
After Kaindy we will go to Kolsay lake through Saty village by our own car. Kolsay Lakes – one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. These lakes are located at heights 1800, 2250 and 2700 metres above sea level. We will visit the first lake, which is located at the height of 1818 metres, has the length of 1 km, and width about 300 metres. Once visited this place, will never forget their magnificence and calmness around
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
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
- Almaty Inspiration Tour
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 18 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
4 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
18 verified traveler reviews for One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful journey
Had a wonderful tour. Enjoyed the day very much visiting all the key nature points. Million thanks to Alina 🙌🙏 got a good intro to Kazakhstan and its culture tribes etc. Also, lots of tiny details related to the canyon and lakes. Also the nomadic life of the past. Was not sure an entire day (6am to 8pm) in a car traveling 300 plus km each way, but in the end felt like I traveled with a good caring and knowledgeable friend in a foreign land. Thank you Alina !
Response from the operator: Dear Bala, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was truly a pleasure spending the day with you and showing you the beauty of Kazakhstan. I’m so happy you enjoyed the tour and felt like you were travelling with a caring friend. Your kind words mean a lot to me I hope you take home many beautiful memories of Kazakhstan.
via Tripadvisor
Highly recommended!
4 of us went on a private day trip with Almaty Inspiration Tour to Charyn Canyon. Would highly recommend their services - prompt responses, on time-pick up, clean and comfortable vehicle and a friendly, English speaking guide who kept us engaged with tidbits about not just Charyn but also about Kazakhstan's cultural history.
Response from the operator: Dear our guest, Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re glad you enjoyed your private trip to Charyn Canyon and appreciated the smooth organization and engaging guide. We hope to see you again in Kazakhstan! Warm regards, Almaty Inspiration Tour Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing day trip from Almaty
Hello, this was a long but excellent day trip from Almaty. We got to see three beautiful places. Our guide Alina was amazing. She made sure all of our needs were met and I would highly recommend booking with her. Thank you Tim & Steph,
Response from the operator: Dear Tim and Steph, Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed the trip — it really was a full fun, day of adventures. You were such a great group to travel with! Hope to see you again for more exploring around Almaty
via Tripadvisor
The BEST Tour in Almaty – Unforgettable Views and the Best Guide!
This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Almaty, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. We did the full-day journey to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsay Lakes, and every moment was spectacular. The natural beauty is simply surreal—the views are breathtaking, especially the sunken forest of Kaindy and the dramatic scale of Charyn Canyon. It’s a lot of ground to cover in one day, which means you have to start early (we started at 5 AM), and there is a decent amount of walking involved to properly explore the lakes and the canyon floor. However, what truly made this experience a perfect 5-star day was our guide, Assel. From the moment she picked us up, Assel was warm, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. We instantly felt a connection with her, like we were traveling with an old friend. She did a fantastic job of managing the long day, offering us flexibility and options to accommodate our needs. Assel went above and beyond in every way. It was one of our friend’s birthdays, and she actually went out of her way to get him a thoughtful gift, which was such a kind and unexpected gesture that we truly appreciated. She is the perfect guide—caring, professional, and knowledgeable. If you are looking for a comprehensive and breathtaking tour outside of Almaty, book this one! We can't thank Assel enough for the unforgettable day.
Response from the operator: Dear Khid, Thank you very much for taking your time to leave a review. We’re so glad you chose our tour — we had an amazing time with you too! The day was full of fun and great energy. You made this tour even better with your good vibes and humor .Hope to see you again on another adventure! Take care and all the best 🙏
via Viator
Perfect trip!!
Assel is one of the best guides I’ve ever met! She’s caring, witty and has amazing attention to detail. She made us feel safe and happy, I would highly recommend her!
Response from the operator: Dear Eugene, Thank you for taking your time to leave a feedback. We are happy to hear that you could enjoy your trip with your friends with us. Wish you many more trips, success in your career. Take care and all the best🤩
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $260 to $480
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Almaty Inspiration Tour, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.8.
See everything Almaty Inspiration Tour runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes cost?
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Prices start at $260 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes take?
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Plan for about 12 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 18 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes?
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Around 6 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 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay 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?
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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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes?
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Included: Private transportation; Bottled water; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Lunch. Not included: Alcoholic beverages; Dinner; Breakfast; and Boating/16 usd, horse riding /23usd per person half an hour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes 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 One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes?
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Across 18 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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