
Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon worth booking?
Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon is a 16-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $350 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 16 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 (16)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $350 per person
If you Stopped in Almaty and decide what to visit near by? Have to visit 3 Top most beautiful places Kaindy Lake - this is a fantastically beautiful Lake Created by nature ... Coniferous trees Christmas trees, under water - this Lake with a flooded forest will delight you The majestic Charyn Canyon - you will be greeted by a warm climate, where there is no snow in winter, and a stunning sunset in summer Catch the moment and go on a super Road trip right now!
What you get
About this experience
If you Stopped in Almaty and decide what to visit near by? Have to visit 3 Top most beautiful places Kaindy Lake - this is a fantastically beautiful Lake Created by nature ... Coniferous trees Christmas trees, under water - this Lake with a flooded forest will delight you The majestic Charyn Canyon - you will be greeted by a warm climate, where there is no snow in winter, and a stunning sunset in summer Catch the moment and go on a super Road trip right now!
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Insurance (optional)
- Additional meals in * Restaurant, * cafe
What you'll see and do
Charyn National Park
This is an unforgettable an adventure Day Tour accompanied by a Professional Guide, who of course will provide you with Breathtaking Exclusive Locations throughout the tour. You will get a truly Individual exciting trip, without any stress or strain. The Charyn Canyon is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The Canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, calling to mind ancient castles created by wind, sun and rain. Over millions of years, the swift Charyn (Sharyn) River has carved a truly spectacular 150m- to 300m-deep canyon into the otherwise flat steppe some 200km east of Almaty, and time has weathered this into some weird and colourful rock formations. The most popular section, the Valley of Castles.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Kolsai Lake
Kolsai is a name for a cascade of three lakes in Kungey Alatau ridge. Depending on the weather, the water colour may vary from dark blue to turquoise or green. The Lakes are located at different heights in several high-altitude landscape zones with specific flora and fauna like snow leopard, brown bear, maral, roe, blue whistling-thrush and golden eagle. Kaindy Lake with its “underwater forest” is another attraction of Kolsay National Park. The lake was formed in 1911 after a huge earthquake that resulted in a big landslide from the eastern slope. A natural dam blocked the gorge and the waters of Kaindy River flooded the spruce forest. Eventually, those parts of the trees sticking out of the water lost branches and bark, and the wood became white. Their underwater bottoms were overgrown with algae, so the whole landscape looks mystically.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Kaindy
A fascinating hike, many photo stops, amazing emotions await you. This Lake is truly incredibly beautiful at any time of the year.
120 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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Kolsai Tour
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- 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 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
16 verified traveler reviews for Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Awesome day tour with Dmitry!
We booked a private tour with Dmitry for our family (2 adults and 1 kid) to visit Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake, Black Canyon, and Charyn Canyon. We really enjoyed our day together! Even though it was a long day with a lot of driving, Dmitry kept us entertained and answered all our questions along the way. He is a very safe and patient driver, which made us feel super comfortable. During the treks, he guided us along the tracks and explained lots of fun and interesting facts. My son had so much fun listening to him throughout the day! It was worth every penny spent, and we would definitely recommend Dmitry to anyone looking for a great guide.
via Tripadvisor
Don’t miss out!
Andrei is a very accommodating and thoughtful tour guide, and his love for his country is inspiring and contagious. We went on the 16 hour tour and had an unforgettable time. We can’t believe how many strikingly different, beautiful places we got to see in just one day! From horseback riding and hiking to trying the local cuisine at a local family’s house and stepping inside a traditional yurt, our day was packed with a variety of unique experiences that could only be made possible by an experienced and caring guide. We especially enjoyed seeing Sunken Forest, which looks like it came out of a fairytale. In addition, we truly felt like this tour went beyond the touristy spots and opened our eyes to actual Kazakh culture. Throughout the trip, Andrei told us about many local traditions and the history of the Kazakh people, from which we got a glimpse into the real life of people in local communities. We highly recommend Andrei’s tours!!!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback! I am very glad that you appreciated our concept and philosophy of the tour and we were able to feel the real Kazakhstan
via Tripadvisor
Do not miss the tour
Really great tour. Dimitri is great driver and freindly and guide He is very friendly and helpful. Really enjoy the tour. I like to go again
Response from the operator: thank you for your review of the tour with our team! We look forward to seeing you on your future tours with us!
via Viator
Andrey took care of everything for you! VIP service.
I only had one spare day in Almaty so went for this express tour of the 3 biggies: the big canyon, Kaindy Lake & Kolsai Lake. Long day 05:30 to 8pm but packed with wonderful memories door to door and additional surprises like the sunset picnic, local guesthouse lunch in a traditional Kasak home, local secret tracks, a horseback ride and more. The vehicle Andrey uses is extremely comfortable and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to help you take home amazing memories of Kaz. Fully recommend Andrey.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback! You appreciated our service and quality, I am sure that this will help guests and tourists make the right choice when looking for an English-speaking guide in Kazakhstan, an excursion or an off-road SUV tour. It was a great winter tour! With the best regards, Andrey
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic one day tour, great communication, lovely guide!
We are a Canadian couple living in Kazakhstan on an international assignment. While in Almaty for the New Year, we decided to take one day for a trip to some of the nearby parks. We chose this trip as it hit a few highlights in one day. Our guide was Dmitry who was very knowledgeable, spoke great English, was super friendly, and never rushed us. We wanted to hike around a bit (we are avid hikers), so we hiked to and from both lakes (5 km and 4 km round trip) and along the ridge of Charyn Canyon. The lunch stop at a local guest house was fantastic, and Dmitry brought along coffee and tea for us as well. It was a long day (14+ hours) but 100% worth it! Great communication from Andrey (owner) and Dmitry leading up to the tour, very reliable transportation, especially in winter weather and mountain roads (Land Cruiser with studded winter tires), and Dmitry was an excellent driver in adverse conditions. Definitely recommend this tour and tour company - we will use them next time we are in the area. Tip for this tour: bring snacks! It’s a long day and while there are a couple of stops for fuel, etc., (you can grab food), we were glad we brought along snacks for the hours on the road.
via Tripadvisor
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
- Price range
- $350 to $600
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 6
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Kolsai Tour, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.1.
See everything Kolsai Tour runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon cost?
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Prices start at $350 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 16 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon?
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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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon?
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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 16-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon?
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Included: Lunch; All Fees and Taxes; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Insurance (optional); and Additional meals in * Restaurant, * cafe. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 175 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon?
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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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon 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 Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon?
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Across 16 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. 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.
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