Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons

Outty Ranking 86 4.8 · 331 traveler reviews16 hoursFrom $295
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

86/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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

    1. Charyn State National Nature Park

      Walking along the canyon, visiting different photo spots, photographing

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)

      Shortstop at Moon Canyon, viewing spot

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Charyn National Park

      Black Canyon, viewing spot, photographing

      20 minutes here

    4. Lower Kolsai Lake

      Walking, visiting several photo spots, enjoying the view

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    5. 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

    Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, photo 2Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, photo 3Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, photo 4Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, photo 5Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, photo 6Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons in Almaty, photo 7

    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 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect 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.

    5 star
    289
    4 star
    30
    3 star
    6
    2 star
    3
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    nowotnik · October 2026

    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

    Mieke_Ae · October 2026

    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

    Roam44405401250 · September 2026

    Nice trip

    Really nice one day tour! An amazing experience!

    via Tripadvisor

    andrzejsierpinski · September 2026

    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

    84mahesaa · September 2026

    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 runs

    Why this scores 86

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)65
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons.

    Pick your date