Charyn Canyon
and Kolsai Lakes
An unforgettable journey through two natural wonders of Kazakhstan!
Duration: 2 days
Price: from 165 USD
This weekend route is ideal for those who want to see the best natural attractions of Kazakhstan without difficult trekking.
Useful information
The route difficulty is standard, suitable for travelers with average physical fitness.
Route features: ascents/descents in mountainous terrain
Included in the price
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English speaking guide-driver
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Transfer in a comfortable SUV *
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Bottled water
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Entrance tickets **
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Three meals a day ***
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Accommodation in a guest house ***
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Bathhouse and evening fire.
Charyn Canyon
is a grandiose creation of nature, included in the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves.The Valley of Castles
is a canyon with bizarre rock formations reminiscent of medieval fortresses.The Moon Canyon
is a place that resembles Martian landscapes or the famous Cappadocia.Kolsay lakes
are picturesque mountain lakes with crystal clear water.Lake Kaindy
is a unique place with a flooded forest that rises straight out of the water.Tour program
Day 1: Charyn Canyon - a journey through the « Kazakhstan Grand Canyon»
- 07:00 – Departure from Almaty (200 km)
- 08:30 – Stop in the village of Chilik (refueling)
Charyn Canyon
- 10:00 – Walking tour along the «Valley of Castles» – 5 km hike to the Charyn River and back.
- 11:00 – Relaxation on the river bank, photo session.
- 12:00 – Return to the parking lot.
- 13:00 – Panoramic platform «Valley of Castles».
- 13:30 – Lunch (included in the price).
(During the season, you can use the national park taxi, the cost is not included in the tour.)
Moon Canyon (Uzynbulak)
- 14:00 – Transfer (25 km, 30 min.), photo session and walk along the panoramic point.
GreenX Exclusive Locations
- 15:30 – Stone shelf – an observation deck of volcanic origin.
- 16:30 – «Napoleon» is an unusual rock formation that resembles the emperor’s profile.
- 17:30 – «Austrian view» one of the best panoramas of the canyon and the Charyn River.
Black Canyon and overnight in the mountains
- 18:00 – Departure to the village of Saty (120 km, 2 hours)
- 19:00 – Stop at the Black Canyon – a rare place with dark volcanic rocks..
- 20:00 – Accommodation in a guest house, dinner, rest.
- Included: sauna, evening bonfire.
Day 2: Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes – «Pearls of Tien Shan»
- 08:30 – Breakfast.
Lake Kaindy - flooded forest
- 09:00 – Departure to Lake Kaindy (15 km, 30 min. on a dirt road).
- 09:30 – Walking route (2 km) or horse rental (not included in the price).
- 10:30 – View of 3 panoramic points:
Lake shore (turquoise water, protruding tree trunks).
View from above – panorama of the gorge.
Confluence of the Kaiyndy River. - 12:00 – Return trip.
- 13:30 – Lunch at the guest house.
Kolsai Lake-1
- 14:30 – Departure to Lake Kolsay Lower (Saty) (15 km, 30 min.).
- 15:00 – Walk along the turquoise reservoir at an altitude of 1850 m.
- 16:30 – Departure to Almaty (295 km, 4 hours on the road).
- 20:30 – Arrival in Almaty, transfer to the specified addresses.
Tour cost
How to book a tour?
Click «Contact Us»
Write WhatsApp/Telegram:
+7 771 737 7399
Send a request to info@greenxtour.com
Prices for children
Payment
You can pay for your booked tour using one of the following methods:
- Bank Card – use any bank card for online payment
- Kaspi Pay – convenient transfer via the Kaspi app
- Bank Transfer – payment to the company's bank account
- Cash – pay on-site at the meeting or in the office
What to take with you?
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Headwear, sunglasses
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Hiking shoes*
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Anti-tick repellents
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Documents are required**
** Kolsai is a border zone
Reviews
Tour of lakes and Charyn canyon. Azamat took good care of us and was very flexible. He took us to see stunning natural beauty in Kazakstan. Stayed one night with a local family in village Saty. It was awesome. Local home cooked food was great. Will strongly recommend this tour group.
Tour of the lakes and canyon. We took an amazing 2 day trip from Almaty to see the lakes and canyon with our tour guide Azamat. The trip also included an overnight stay at a home stay which was a great experience with good home cooked food. Azamat took us to see all the beautiful sights in his SUV and was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable throughout. Would definitely recommend!
2 days and one night with Max and Green-X. We had a chance to go on a trip with Green X 2 weeks ago. The person who took us was Max. He gave us very complete information and we chatted all the way. Max is also a mountain guide. But the trip we went on was only 2 days 1 night, only going to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake. It wasn't difficult for a mountain guide hahaha, it was very fun and we had a good experience throughout the trip. I highly recommend Max and Green X. Moreover, The guesthouse in Saty Village was better than I thought. The food was delicious. At first, I didn't expect much, but I really liked it.
GreenX – Travel with emotions!
Why GreenX is your reliable guide to the world of Kazakhstan adventures?
GreenX is not just a tour operator, but a team of professionals who turn travel into unforgettable stories.
We have been working since 2017, organized more than 5,000 tours, helped thousands of tourists discover the incredible nature of Kazakhstan and earned a reputation as one of the leading tour operators in Almaty.
Unlike standard offers, our tours include unique locations that are not publicly available, as well as individual routes for those who want to see Charyn, Altyn-Emel, Kolsay from a different angle.
Join us and see for yourself!
© «GreenX» LLP 2025
License No. 24003139 issued on 02.02.2024 to GreenX LLP for the implementation of tourist operator activities (tour operator activities) by the Municipal State Institution «Almaty City Tourism Department», Akimat of Almaty, Kazakhstan.