Departure from Almaty
Morning pickup from your hotel, apartment or another agreed address. Stops for rest, coffee and photos are planned along the way.
Private 2-day tour from Almaty:
Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy
Three natural worlds in one journey: majestic Charyn Canyon, turquoise Kolsai Lake and Kaindy's mysterious sunken forest.
2-day Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy tour
We will tailor the trip to your dates, group size and preferred pace. The tour lasts two days and departs from Almaty.
Three destinations in 2 days
Visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy in one trip, with walks, panoramic viewpoints and free time at the main locations.
Private itinerary
The trip is exclusively for your group, with a comfortable vehicle, assistance, a flexible pace and stops along the route.
At a glance
From the canyon to mountain lakes
01 / CHARYN
The power of stone and time
A vast canyon, sculpted cliffs and a walk through the Valley of Castles reveal one of Kazakhstan's most striking natural landscapes.
02 / KOLSAI
Turquoise tranquillity among the mountains
Clear water, forested slopes and mountain reflections create a peaceful setting for walking, relaxing and beautiful photos.
03 / KAINDY
A forest rising from the water
Spruce trunks rise straight from the cool mountain water, creating an otherworldly landscape and one of the route's most atmospheric sights.
Travel at your own pace
This is not a large group excursion but a private signature tour with rest and photo stops, a comfortable pace and an overnight stay in a guesthouse, hotel or campsite, depending on your chosen format.
2-day itinerary
Tour itinerary: Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy
Times are approximate and may change depending on the season, weather, road conditions and your group's preferences.
Guest pickup in Almaty
Pickup from your hotel, apartment or another address agreed in advance.
Departure from Almaty
Start the journey towards Charyn Canyon in a comfortable vehicle.
Stop along the way
A short rest and photo stop. Breakfast or extra drinks at a café are optional and paid separately.
Arrival at Charyn Canyon
Discover one of the region's most impressive natural landmarks.
Walk through the Valley of Castles
Panoramic viewpoints, unusual rock formations and time for photos.
Light picnic
Tea, coffee and biscuits are included. A full lunch at a café is optional and paid separately.
Departure for Saty village
Drive from the canyon towards the mountain lakes through scenic landscapes.
Arrival in Saty
A short rest before travelling to Kolsai Lake.
Kolsai Lake
A lakeside walk, panoramic views, free time and photos.
Check-in and rest
Check in at your selected accommodation. Accommodation and dinner are paid separately; terms and price are agreed in advance.
Wake-up
A relaxed morning near Saty village.
Breakfast and trip preparation
Breakfast depends on the chosen accommodation and is confirmed before the trip.
Departure for Kaindy Lake
Travel up the unpaved mountain road in an off-road vehicle.
Walk at Kaindy Lake
The sunken spruce forest, panoramic viewpoints and time for photos.
Return to Saty
Descend the mountain road and return to the accommodation.
Lunch stop
Lunch at a café is optional and paid separately.
Departure for Almaty
Return journey with rest stops as needed.
Stop along the way
A short rest and snack.
Arrival in Almaty
Transfer to your accommodation.
Trip format
Private signature tour from Almaty
The route combines three famous natural landmarks and is exclusively for your group, with no other travellers joining.
Comfortable transport
Most of the trip is in a comfortable vehicle with an experienced driver.
Three natural worlds
Charyn impresses with its cliffs, Kolsai with turquoise water and Kaindy with its sunken forest.
An unhurried itinerary
The programme includes walks, panoramic stops, photos, rest and meal breaks.
Your choice of overnight stay
We will arrange a guesthouse, hotel or tented camp on request. Accommodation is paid separately.
No large groups
Stay longer at the places you love and travel at a more comfortable pace.
For couples, families and friends
The tour is ideal for a small group that values nature, comfort and personal space.
Photo gallery
What you will see in two days
Red cliffs, sweeping panoramas, forested mountains, turquoise water and the famous sunken forest.
What is included
Comfortable transfer
Almaty → Charyn → Kolsai → Saty → Kaindy → Almaty
Child car seat
available with advance notice and included in the price
Driver services
an experienced driver throughout the route
Guide assistance
in English or Russian
Drinking water
for guests during the trip
Starlink satellite internet
access at the overnight location is included
Picnic along the route
tea, coffee and biscuits
Photo stops
at scenic spots along the way and at each destination
All transport expenses
fuel, road expenses and off-road transfer to Kaindy
National park admission
Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes
Accommodation
We arrange overnight accommodation near the tour locations. Price on request.
Route highlights
Valley of Castles, Kolsai and Kaindy's sunken forest
Not included
Lunch and dinner at cafés
optional
Personal expenses
souvenirs and additional purchases
Horse rental
optional
Catamarans and boats
optional
A guesthouse, hotel or tented camp is arranged separately on request and paid additionally. The tour price includes the main transport expenses, tickets and services listed in this section.
Tour price
Tour price
Private Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy tour from Almaty
Price per group of up to 3 guestsUS$1,000
The price of US$1,000 is for a group of up to 3 guests. Overnight accommodation is not included and is arranged separately on request. Transport and price for groups of 4 or more are calculated individually.
Book the tourWhat is included
Duration2 days / 1 night
Groupup to 3 guests
GuideRU / EN
Formatprivate
Tour routeAlmaty → Charyn → Kolsai → Saty → Kaindy → Almaty
Selected accommodationGuesthouse — price on request
Recommended
What to bring
From May to September, heavy winter clothing, a winter hat and a bulky coat are unnecessary. Comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and a light windbreaker or rain jacket are sufficient in case of wind or rain.
01
Comfortable closed-toe shoes or trainers
02
Comfortable clothing for the season
03
A change of clothes for day two
04
Sun hat or cap
05
Sunglasses
06
Sunscreen
07
Light windbreaker or rain jacket
08
Small daypack
09
Power bank and chargers
10
Personal medication and toiletries
11
Documents
12
Cash for personal expenses
If you choose the tented camp, we will confirm the list of personal items separately before the trip.
Overnight options
Accommodation near Saty village
Choose the accommodation that suits you. A guesthouse, hotel or tented camp is arranged on request and paid separately. Your selection will be added automatically to your booking message.
Additional charge
Guesthouse
One overnight stay, beds, bed linen and essential amenities for relaxing after a full day. Price is calculated separately on request.
Additional charge
Hotel
Higher-comfort accommodation is selected individually. Price depends on the room category and travel date.
Additional charge
Tented camp
Tents or a glamping tent, camp beds or mats, table, chairs, stove, cookware and essential camping equipment. Price is calculated separately.
Starlink satellite internet
At the overnight location, we provide Starlink access so guests can stay connected even where mobile internet is unreliable.
Selected accommodationGuesthouse
Book this optionGuesthouse — arranged on request for an additional charge.
About the Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy tour
The Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy tour is a private two-day journey from Almaty combining three renowned natural landmarks of the Almaty Region. In one trip, you will see the majestic cliffs of Charyn Canyon, the calm turquoise water of Kolsai and mysterious Kaindy Lake with its sunken spruce forest.
The journey begins early in the morning in Almaty. As the city recedes, urban scenery gives way to open steppe, mountain ranges and sweeping panoramas. The first major stop is Charyn Canyon.
During the walk through the Valley of Castles, you will have time to explore natural formations, follow a scenic trail and take photos at panoramic viewpoints. The high rock walls and unusual shapes create a landscape that changes with every step.
After Charyn, the route continues towards Saty village and Kolsai Lake. The contrast between the canyon's rocky scenery and the calm mountain lake makes the journey especially varied.
Kolsai welcomes you with clear water surrounded by mountains and dense coniferous forest. Walk along the shore, rest after the drive, take photos and enjoy the tranquillity of the mountains.
After the first day, you will stay overnight near Saty village. Depending on your chosen format, you can stay in a guesthouse, hotel or equipped tented camp.
Day two is dedicated to Kaindy Lake. Part of the route follows mountain tracks and unpaved roads, so an off-road vehicle is used for the ascent.
Kaindy's defining feature is its sunken spruce forest. Tree trunks rise directly from the cold mountain water, creating an unusual, almost fairytale-like scene. The colour of the lake changes with the light and weather.
This is not a large group excursion with a rigid schedule, but a private signature tour in a small format. The programme includes rest and photo stops, walks at the main locations, a light picnic and a comfortable travel pace.
The tour suits couples, families, friends and small groups. No special fitness is required, but please consider the long drives, walks on natural trails and changeable weather.
Before the trip
Good to know
1
Departure from Almaty is early, at approximately 05:30–06:00.
2
The route lasts two days and includes long drives.
3
The main road is paved, but there are unpaved sections on the way to Kaindy.
4
The ascent to Kaindy is made in an off-road vehicle.
5
In the main season, comfortable weather-appropriate clothing is sufficient. A heavy coat and winter hat are unnecessary; bring a light windbreaker for wind or rain.
6
A guesthouse, hotel or tented camp is arranged on request and paid separately.
7
Starlink satellite internet is available at the overnight location. Mobile coverage may be unstable on some sections of the route.
8
The route and timing may be adjusted for guest safety and comfort.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Answers to key questions about the private Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy tour: duration, meals, itinerary, price and family travel.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable closed-toe shoes, seasonal clothing, documents, personal items, a charger or power bank and cash for personal expenses. For Kolsai and Kaindy, pack a light sweater, windbreaker or rain jacket in case of wind or changing weather. A winter hat and heavy coat are not needed in the main season.
Can children join the tour?
Yes. The tour is suitable for families. Because the itinerary is private, the pace and stops can be adjusted to your children's ages and your family's comfort. A child car seat is available with advance notice and is included in the tour price.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 days / 1 night. Guest pickup begins at approximately 05:30–06:00 on day one, and arrival back in Almaty is planned for around 20:00–21:00 on day two. Times may change depending on the season, weather, road conditions and your group's pace.
What is included?
The price includes comfortable return transport from Almaty, driver services, an English- or Russian-speaking guide, drinking water, photo stops, all transport expenses, the off-road transfer to Kaindy Lake, national park entrance tickets, Starlink satellite internet at the overnight location and a child car seat with advance notice. A guesthouse, hotel or tented camp is arranged separately; the accommodation price is confirmed after consultation.
Where will we have lunch?
Lunch can be arranged at a café along the route or in Saty village. Café meals are paid separately and are not included in the base tour price. The time and place are agreed with guests according to the itinerary.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. As this is a private tour, the departure time, order of locations, stops and overall pace can be adjusted. Changes are agreed in advance and must account for weather, road conditions, national park opening hours and guest safety.
Is the tour exclusively for our group?
Yes. The tour is exclusively for your group, with no other travellers joining. One vehicle comfortably accommodates up to 3 guests. Transport and price for groups of 4 or more are calculated separately.
Ready for your Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy adventure?
Spend two unforgettable days among majestic canyons, turquoise mountain lakes and a mysterious sunken forest. Message us and we will help choose a date, confirm accommodation and calculate the final price for your group.
The itinerary and route may be adjusted depending on weather, road conditions, the season, traffic and national park operations. If restrictions apply, we may change the order of locations, shorten or extend stops, or offer an alternative. Guest safety and comfort are our highest priority.
TRIP KAZAKHSTAN
CONTACTS
Phone / WhatsApp:
Email:
info@tripkazakhstan.travel
City:
Email:
info@tripkazakhstan.travel
City:
- Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Daily from 10:00 to 23:00
© 2026 Trip Kazakhstan. All rights reserved.