Kazakhstan · 1-DAY TOURS

Top 15 1-Day Tours in Kazakhstan

31 tours  ·  from $28 a head

Good 1-day tours fill up weeks ahead here and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip - Moon Canyon in summer and weather planning
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip

1.Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,522 reviews · 17 hours · from $58Our pick

Spend 17 hours exploring Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake from Almaty. Panda Travel provides a Mercedes minibus, park tickets, and a Soviet-era UAZ transfer to Kaindy. Guides such as Karina, Rustam, Amina, and Nurtas are known for clear English, local stories, music, and keeping the long day on schedule.

“I recently joined this tour and it exceeded my expectations! Our guide Ice was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and made sure everyone was comfortable and having fun throughout the long day. The scenery at Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes was absolutely stunning and made the 17 hours totally worth it. The whole trip felt very well organised, with just the right amount of explanations, jokes and free time. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Almaty!”

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Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip - Charyn Canyon and the Valley of Castles
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

2.Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 505 reviews · 16 hours · from $43

Travel from central Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and, if selected, Kaindy Lake. English and Russian-speaking guides such as Sayana, Altynai, Zhanna, and Anel lead the day, while a UAZ van handles the rough road to Kaindy. Expect an early start, long drives, short walks, and remarkable mountain scenery.

“We had a truly enjoyable trip from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and our guide was incredibly helpful, kind, and attentive, which made the experience even more special. We felt well taken care of the whole time and would warmly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a memorable and pleasant journey.”

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From Almaty: Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip - Charyn Canyon: red rock and a proper walk
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

From Almaty: Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

3.Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 452 reviews · from $43

Join Panda Travel for a 17-hour trip from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, Black Canyon and Moon Canyon in summer. Guides such as Karina, Nurtas, Ice and Adam lead the group in English or Russian. Expect an early start, long drives, a bumpy Soviet-era UAZ ride and optional boating or horseback riding.

“We are a group of 5 from Hong Kong. The tour experience was EXCELLENT. Special speaks to our guide, Karina, who speaks perfect English and perform her job extremely well. Time management, greeting and guiding were top-notch. 100% recommended for a full day tour in Almaty!”

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Almaty: Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip - Trout farm lunch, with a few caveats
1-Day Tours, Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip

4.Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 203 reviews · 10 hours · from $28Best value

Spend 10 hours outside Almaty with a light mountain hike to Turgen Waterfall, an optional trout-farm lunch, and two hours beside Issyk Lake. Guides such as Aigerim, Sayana, Altynai, and Zhanna are praised for clear explanations and patient help. Expect long drives, rocky paths, and beautiful scenery for $28.

“An awesome trip to the Esik lake and waterfall. The tour guide Aigerim was super friendly and has good knowledge about the places. The food was very tasty at the farm.”

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Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip - The Black Canyon viewpoint in 20 minutes
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

5.Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $57Top rated

Leave Almaty at 5:00 am for a full day at Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake. You get round-trip transport, park fees, and a guide, with walks ranging from easy lakeside strolls to a 2.5-kilometer hike. Guides such as Jana and Sayana are praised for their energy and clear explanations.

“It was a very cool trip, you get to see a lot of nice places. Our guide Sayana organized everything perfectly and was so much fun.”

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Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour - Should you book the Kaindy and Kolsai day tour?
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour

6.Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 51 reviews · 16 hours · from $48

Spend a long but rewarding day from Almaty visiting Black Canyon, Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lake. You travel by bus and UAZ van with an English or Russian-speaking guide, walk beside the lakes, and can add horse riding or a boat trip for extra cost. Guides such as Alina, Sayana and Zhanne are known for clear organization and friendly service.

“The tour was very enjoyable and thanks to our guide Tomi, who was very caring and looked after us. She has a very good sense of humour which helped in passing long hours of journey. Her knowledge of English is very good and her explanations of the legends was interesting. Highly recommended.”

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Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour - Lunch and village life in Baiseit
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

7.Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $196

Leave Almaty at 7:00 a.m. for a private, customizable day at Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake. A guide such as Dias, Diana, or Enlar can explain local culture, help with photos, and keep the day running smoothly. Lunch in Baiseit village is included, and you can add a boat ride at Kolsai Lake.

“This is a brilliant tour for people with families . Our guide Dias excellent and helped make the day better . You should specially ask for him while booking the tour . Kolsai lake is stunning with beautiful turquoise waters . Charyn canyon are bRead more”

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Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure - Key points to know before booking
1-Day Tours, Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure

8.Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 39 reviews · 12 hours · from $50

Joinme Asia takes you from Almaty to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, then up by SUV to the Assy Plateau above 2,500 meters. Expect a light forest walk, rough mountain roads, open pasture views, hot tea, and a small group of up to 14 people. Guides may include Aya, Altynay, Jana, or Umit.

“Trip was really good and well designed. Guide was very helpful, do take jackets for cold weather on the plateau with you and some food for lunch.”

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Private Day Trip to Fantastic Charyn Canyon - Reaching the Charyn River around lunchtime
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Private Day Trip to Fantastic Charyn Canyon

9.Private Day Trip to Fantastic Charyn Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · from $180

Take a private, full-day trip from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, about 200 km away. You’ll walk through the Valley of Castles, reach the Charyn River, and have time for photos and short hikes. Guides such as Nazerke, Miras, Adil, and Zhan have led similar trips, though assignments vary.

“Visiting Charyn Canyon with friends was an unforgettable experience! The views are absolutely breathtaking like a mini Grand Canyon in Kazakhstan. With our best tour guide, Adil, we had a great time exploring, hiking, and taking photos. He Read more”

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1-day Backcountry Tour - A route shaped around your ability
1-Day Tours, Almaty Mountain Hiking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

1-day Backcountry Tour

10.1-day Backcountry Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · from $156

Start at 8:00 am from a guest house in Almaty for a private backcountry day in the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Guides such as Max, Maxim, or Kirill match the route to your ability, from first-time touring to advanced lines. Expect below-treeline skiing or snowboarding, mountain views, pickup options, and a return to the meeting point.

“We had a great time with Max. He did a custom 3 day ski trip with us for a couple of days at 2 ski resorts and one day of touring. He was very knowledgeable, helpful and great at finding us amazing snow and powder. Highly recommend!”

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One Day Private Kolsay Lake, Charyn and Black canyon - Charyn Canyon: red rock with limited time
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

One Day Private Kolsay Lake, Charyn and Black canyon

11.One Day Private Kolsay Lake, Charyn and Black canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $179

Leave Almaty early for a private day in Kazakhstan’s mountain country. You’ll visit Kolsay Lake, Charyn Canyon, Moon Canyon and Black Canyon, with admission and a traditional lunch included. Guides such as Yernar, Denis and Nurlan are praised for friendly local insight, though the long drive and occasional transport problems deserve attention.

“Having read of trips cancelled at the last minute and a different booking of our own already fallen through, I was delighted to hear from Yernar the evening before our trip. He is naturally professional, friendly and very considerate. My hRead more”

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1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake - Lunch in Saty village before the lakes
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake

12.1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $130

Start at 5:00 a.m. from central Almaty and spend a full day visiting Charyn Canyon, the flooded forest of Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake. Guide Alina is available on some departures. Lunch, bottled water, transport, and entrance fees are included, while boating and horse riding cost extra.

“This tour was great! It took me to several wonderful places of both dramatic and calming natural beauty probably unknown to most tourists coming to Kazakhstan (including myself, it was my second time in Kazakhstan but I had only viRead more”

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1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy - Kaindy Lake and its sunken forest
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy

13.1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $89

Travel from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lakes on a private 15 to 18-hour outing with guides such as Ayan, Sam, and Sanzhar. Expect about 6 to 8 hours on the road, flexible stop times, snacks, drinks, WiFi, and a memorable ride to Kaindy in a Russian taxi.

“We had a great experience with Sam’s Tour. Our one day private tour to charyn, Kolsai & Kaindy was excellent!! Our guide Ayan from Sam’s tour was helpful and supportive throughout the trip. Though this was a long day tour, we didn’t fiRead more”

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One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes - Kaindy Lake and the flooded forest
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes

14.One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $260

Start at 5:00 am for a long private drive from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, then continue to Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lake. The $260 price includes transport, lunch, water, entrance fees, and a private vehicle. Expect old cars for the final road to Kaindy and a full 12 to 14 hours outdoors.

“This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Almaty, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. We did the full-day journey to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsay Lakes, and every moment was spectacular. The natural beauty is simRead more”

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Charyn Canyon Private tour from Almaty, 1 day - Baiseit village and a fresh-fruit stop
1-Day Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon Private tour from Almaty, 1 day

15.Charyn Canyon Private tour from Almaty, 1 day

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · from $230

Leave Almaty at 7:30 for a private SUV or minivan trip to Charyn Canyon National Park. Walk the Valley of Castles, visit Moon Canyon and Bartogai Reservoir, and stop for Kazakh food, tea, fruit, and snacks. Hotel pickup, park fees, lunch, water, and a professional guide-driver are included.

“Our guide/driver Dmitry was really fantastic. Very knowledgeable but not over-bearing. He was intuitive to everyone's personality. He made a great effort to point out everything that had genuine interest. We all had a wonderful day. Very often guides try too hard. If you book any tour, ask for him.”

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New in 1-Day Tours

★ 5.0Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon 1 Day Private TourFrom $1754 reviews
★ 5.0Almaty 1-Day Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy & Charyn Black CanyonFrom $403 reviews
★ 5.0One Day Ski Tour Near AlmatyFrom $2776 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles 1 Day tourFrom $1906 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Tour Charyn Canyon, Kolsai/Kaindy lakesFrom $1057 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Express Tour: Issyk Lake, Assy Plateau & Turgen GorgeFrom $2575 reviews
★ 4.8One Day Tour to Altyn-Emel: Singing Dune and Aktau MountainFrom $2256 reviews
★ 4.8Charyn Canyon Private Day TripFrom $1755 reviews
★ 4.9Charyn Canyon Full-Day Trip with Boxed LunchFrom $507 reviews
★ 3.01-Day Tour to Shymbulak, Medeo, Kok-Tobe Hill & ZooFrom $455 reviews

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Charyn Canyon Tours60Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours51Medeu and Shymbulak Tours18Almaty City Tours13Tours in Almaty157Tours in Astana28
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