Date Change
If weather or road conditions get in the way of the route, we will offer the nearest safe alternative.
from
170 000
2 days
170 000
2 days
A distinctive feature of this two-day tour to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes is how quickly the climate changes — from dry, scorching semi-desert to fresh, cool mountain air. The changing landscape is just as impressive: it begins as low hills, ridges and plains, and a few hours later becomes mountains with snowy peaks, coniferous forests, crystal-clear lakes and springs. This journey lets you briefly immerse yourself in the culture and way of life of the Kazakh people, spending a considerable time with a Kazakh family in Saty village, where you can also taste home-cooked dishes made from natural local products.
| Season | May-October |
| Travel time one way/total | – |
| Tour duration | 2 days |
| On asphalt | 300/600 km. |
| Off-road | 20 km. |
| Group | up to 6 people |
Day One:
Departure from Almaty in the morning.
Transfer to Charyn Canyon, 3 hrs.
Lunch on the way, lunchbox.
Walk through the canyon, about 2-3 hrs.
Transfer to Kaindy Lake, 2.5 hrs.
Walk around the lake, 2 hrs.
Return to Saty, 1 hr.
Overnight stop at a guesthouse in Saty village.
Rest. Shower. Dinner. Sleep
Day Two:
Wake-up, hearty breakfast.
Transfer to Kolsai Lake 1, 20 min.
*Walk around the lake, 2-3 hrs.
Return to Saty.
Lunch at the guesthouse.
Return to Almaty, 5 hrs. including stops
*If you get up early and set out for Kolsai Lake 1 early, there is an option to hike to Kolsai Lake 2, which is not part of this tour’s standard itinerary.
Almaty – Shelek – Baiseit – Nura – Kokpek Pass – Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles) – Zhalanash – Saty
Upon request, an additional guide service is available: the guide will tell you about this excursion in detail. Price: Russian-speaking guide from KZT 30,000 per day; English-speaking guide from KZT 50,000 per day. The guide’s meals and accommodation are paid separately.
Dear residents and guests of the Republic of Kazakhstan, we hereby inform you that under paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 39 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On the State Border of the Republic of Kazakhstan” dated 16.01.2013, the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan establishes a border zone within the territory of border administrative-territorial units, where the border regime defined by this Law shall apply.
The border regime is the established procedure for entry, temporary stay, residence or movement, as well as for holding socio-political, cultural or other events within the border zone.
In this regard, the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan asks citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and foreign nationals to stay alert and pay attention to warning signs and information stands when visiting mountain areas (natural sites) located in the border districts of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additional information on the course of the state border line and the limits of the border zone can be obtained from tour operator representatives or the Border Guard Service of the NSC of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The leadership of the Karasai Border Detachment of the Border Guard Service of the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Before payment we lock in the route, group size, pricing format and all terms, so your trip is clear from the very first message.
If weather or road conditions get in the way of the route, we will offer the nearest safe alternative.
We agree on refund timeframes and deduction terms in advance, with no fine print.
The guide stays in touch, assesses the road and can adjust the itinerary as needed.
We state the price per group, per one or two people, as well as what is already included.
Need to clarify the terms of a specific tour? Write to us and we will advise on the route and dates.
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