
Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 323 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 $15 per person. It scores 92 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 323 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
- 92 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (323)
- Duration
- 16 hours
- From
- $15 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 —
What you get
- National parks entrance fees
- English-speaking tour guide
- Bottled water
- Modern & comfortable van with AC
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
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
Small-Group Tour
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






Good to know
- Duration
- 16 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 5+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $15 to $295
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 113
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 92
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 $15 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 92 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 323 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 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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The operator sets a minimum age of 5. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 16-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons?
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Around 113 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, 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.
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