Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty: Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes in One Day

Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Tour

Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy day tour, photo 6
Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy day tour, photo 7
Time Location/Activity
04:30 Pick up at Baitursynova 104 (RENION ZYLIHA)
05:20 Departure from Almaty
08:30 Arrival at Charyn Canyon
08:40 Walk through the Valley of Castles
09:30 View of the Charyn River
11:20-11:30 Departure and arrival at Black Canyon
12:00 Departure to Kolsai Lake
13:30 Arrival at Kolsai
15:30-16:00 Departure and arrival at Kaindy Lake
19:00-19:30 Departure to Almaty
22:40-23:30 Arrival in Almaty, at Baitursynova 100 parking lot
Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy day tour, photo 4

One-day tour 6 locations

Departure
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Sunday
18 000 / person
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty

Locations

Charyn Canyon
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 2
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 3
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 4
Castle Valley
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 5
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 6
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 7
Kolsai Lake
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 8
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 9
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 10
Lake Kaindy
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 11
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 12
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 13
Charyn River
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 14
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 15
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 16
Black Canyon
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 17
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 18
Two-day tour to Charyn and Kolsai from Almaty, photo 19

Charyn Canyon Tour with Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

Our Charyn Canyon tour packs six highlights of south-east Kazakhstan into one day: Charyn Canyon, the Valley of Castles, the Charyn River, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. It is the best choice if you have limited time in Almaty but want to see the famous landscapes in a single trip.

Itinerary

  • Early pickup at the meeting point in central Almaty, Baitursynova 104 (RENION ZYLIHA), 05:20 - departure.
  • 08:30 - arrival at Charyn Canyon, 08:40 - walk through the Valley of Castles.
  • 09:30 - viewpoint over the Charyn River.
  • 11:20-11:30 - Black Canyon.
  • 13:30 - arrival at Kolsai Lake.
  • 15:30-16:00 - transfer to Kaindy Lake.
  • 19:00-19:30 - drive back, arriving at Baitursynova 100 parking lot late in the evening.

It is a long day, yet the road is split into legs of up to three hours with walks and photo stops in between.

What Makes the Route Special

The canyon

The Valley of Castles is a section of red rock towers shaped by wind and water over millions of years. Morning light makes the colours glow, which is why the Charyn Canyon tour reaches it early.

The lakes

Kolsai is a calm mountain lake framed by spruce forest. Kaindy is known for its sunken forest: tree trunks rise straight out of clear, cold water.

What Is Included

  • Comfortable Setra coach.
  • Guide services.
  • All environmental and entrance fees.
  • Free travel kit: raincoat, neck fan and shoe rain covers.

Optional extra

The last stretch to Kaindy is covered by an off-road UAZ jeep, paid on the spot if you wish to go. Guests who skip Kaindy can stay longer at Kolsai.

When It Runs

The Charyn Canyon tour departs on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Weekend dates are handy if you are in Almaty on a short business trip.

Why Travelers Choose Panda Travel

We run the Charyn Canyon tour in our own vehicles, with timed itineraries and guides who know the area. Booking online takes a few minutes and confirmation arrives instantly.

Our Guarantee

Your seat is reserved once you book, so busy season will not leave you behind. Safety is our priority at every stop. Want Moon Canyon too or a smaller vehicle? Check the VIP Charyn Kolsai tour. Prefer not to come back late at night? Look at the two day trip from Almaty with a stay in Saty. Have a free morning before your flight? The Big Almaty Lake trip is back in the city before lunch.