
Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 331 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons worth booking?
Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons is a 16-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $295 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 331 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (331)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $295 per person
Discover 5 of Almaty’s most iconic natural wonders in just one unforgettable day! Perfect for travelers short on time, this tour covers Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Moon Canyon, and the stunning Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes — all in one seamless itinerary. Travel comfortably with a small international group and an experienced English-speaking guide. With fewer participants, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience, easier interaction with the guide, smoother stops, and more opportunities to take in the views and capture memorable photos. Enjoy a stop at a remote village to experience authentic Kazakh cuisine and warm local hospitality. Stop at a remote village to experience authentic Kazakh cuisine and warm local hospitality. Expect dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and unforgettable views at every stop. Don’t miss the chance to see it all in a single day!
What you get
About this experience
Discover 5 of Almaty’s most iconic natural wonders in just one unforgettable day! Perfect for travelers short on time, this tour covers Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Moon Canyon, and the stunning Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes — all in one seamless itinerary. Travel comfortably with a small international group and an experienced English-speaking guide. With fewer participants, you’ll enjoy a more personal experience, easier interaction with the guide, smoother stops, and more opportunities to take in the views and capture memorable photos. Enjoy a stop at a remote village to experience authentic Kazakh cuisine and warm local hospitality. Stop at a remote village to experience authentic Kazakh cuisine and warm local hospitality. Expect dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and unforgettable views at every stop. Don’t miss the chance to see it all in a single day!
What's included
Included
- National parks entrance fees
- English-speaking tour guide
- Bottled water
- Modern & comfortable van with AC
Not included
- Special dietary meals (e.g., gluten-free) and soft drinks
- Home-cooked lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available, 4000 KZT paid on site)
What you'll see and do
Charyn State National Nature Park
Walking along the canyon, visiting different photo spots, photographing
60 minutes here · Admission included
Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)
Shortstop at Moon Canyon, viewing spot
20 minutes here · Admission included
Charyn National Park
Black Canyon, viewing spot, photographing
20 minutes here
Lower Kolsai Lake
Walking, visiting several photo spots, enjoying the view
60 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Kaindy
Short hike (~30 min), visiting viewing spot, photographing
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Meeting point
Almaty
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
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
Small-Group Tour
Private tour option
Individual tour: only you travel, without other people. Vehicle type: 2-5 pax - SUV; 6-7 pax - Toyota Hiace van; 8-15 pax - Mercedes Sprinter minibus. Pick-up/drop-off: any location in Almaty city. Pickup included
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 10 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 331 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
331 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing guide
Highly recommend! Everything went smoothly, from the initial contact to the pickup. The lakes and canyons are stunning, and we had an amazing guide who made the whole experience even better. Total 10/10!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent trip!
Excellent service! Sherzan is a great guide! Gives lots of information and speaks English fluently. Good driver, nice bus! I had a great ecperience!
via Tripadvisor
Nice trip
Really nice one day tour! An amazing experience!
via Tripadvisor
Follow us in exploring Kazakhstan.
Exceptional experience. All places we visited will remain deeply in our memory. I guess that Kaindy Lake is the cream of the cream. Everything from the beginning till the end was perfectly managed by our guide. Once I contacted the office by Whatsapp in about 40 minutes everything was agreed and arranged. Perfect service 👍
via Tripadvisor
Perfect Trip for Perfect Place with Perfect Guide
My first open tour and honestly, such a great way to experience Kazakhstan! 🇰🇿 It wasn’t just about the beautiful landscapes, but also meeting and hanging out with people from different countries. Definitely made the trip more fun and memorable. Big shoutout to my favorite tour guide, Bibi! 🫶 She handled everything so well and somehow managed to be super creative with every activity. And within one day, she even became our yoga master 😂🧘♀️ That’s why we love her! 😍 Highly recommend Bibi if you’re looking for a fun tour guide! ✨
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
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 116
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.
How much does Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons cost?
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Prices start at $295 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 331 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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Around 116 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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Included: National parks entrance fees; English-speaking tour guide; Bottled water; and Modern & comfortable van with AC. Not included: Special dietary meals (e.g., gluten-free) and soft drinks; and Home-cooked lunch of local cuisine (vegetarian option is available, 4000 KZT paid on site). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 95 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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Across 331 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, good for families. 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 Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Small-Group Tour, Private tour option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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