Kazakhstan · CHARYN CANYON TOURS

Charyn Canyon from Almaty: The 15 Best Day Trips

60 tours  ·  from $40 a head

Charyn is 200 kilometres east of Almaty and there is no way to reach it without a vehicle. These 15 compare the canyon-only days against the ones that bolt on the lakes, with prices, how long you actually spend walking, and what time you get back.

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip - Moon Canyon in summer and weather planning
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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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Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour - Walking through Charyn Canyon at 8:30 a.m.
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Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour

2.Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 642 reviews · from $58Top rated

Travel from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Lower Kolsai Lake in a group of up to 13. Hotel pickup, park fees, lunch, bottled water, and the bumpy Soviet UAZ ride to Kaindy are included. Guides such as Amina, Sabina, Didi, and Nurjan are known for friendly care and clear English.

“What a wonderful trip in kazakhtan. Well organize tour. Special thanks to Sabina for wonderful service. Thanks KAZAKHTAN VERY NICE!!!!”

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Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip - Charyn Canyon and the Valley of Castles
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Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

3.Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

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

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

4.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: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour - Kolsai Lake, pine slopes, and optional boating
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Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour

5.Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 432 reviews · 2 days · from $130

Spend two days exploring Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons with an English or Russian-speaking guide such as Naz, Luba, Amal, or Zhenis. Expect long drives, home-cooked Kazakh meals, a Soviet van ride to Kaindy, shared yurt lodging, bonfires, and optional horse riding or boating.

“Our guide Zhenis was so friendly and caring.I felt I had enough time at each of the places to explore. The food was great. Thanks to our driver Ruslan too pick up/drop off was punctual.I would highly recommend!”

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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour - Day one: Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, and Kolsai Lake
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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

6.Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · from $130

Travel from Almaty to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Black and Moon Canyons, and Charyn Canyon on a 2-day group tour. Expect long drives, a Soviet off-road van, optional horse riding or boating, local meals, and a yurt stay with a bonfire. Guides such as Nazerke, Dana, Azamat, and Aigerim have led recent departures.

“The tour started early as there was a large distance to travel to reach the Black and Yellow Canyons, have lunch and then visit Kolsai Lake before stopping at a village for dinner and to stay overnight. The guide and driver provided stops and ample time at each destination. The choir of accommodation was either a hotel room (boring & at extra cost) or a (heated) Yurt tent (with shared bathroom nearby). Wifi, towel and electricity was included much to my surprise. Day 2 was also busy with a visit to Kaindy lake (smaller than Kolsai) and Charyn Canyon. At both locations we could walk to see more of the…”

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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included) - The 6:00 am start and the long road east
Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included)

7.Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 292 reviews · from $57

Start around 6:00 am for a full day beyond Almaty, visiting Charyn Canyon, Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake. A guide such as Kuanysh, Azamat, Aika, or Luba handles the timing, while lunch, water, park fees, air-conditioned transport, and the bumpy Soviet van ride to Kaindy are included. Expect long drives, walking, and a late return.

“It was really such an awesome experience. Both our guide (Azamat) and driver did justice to their job. Things which could have been better were: 1. Charyn Canyon Tour: We were taken for the tour up over the sideways of canyons. Though I could capture some good frames, it would have been amazing if we were taken through in between the canyons where better pictures could have been clicked. 2. Food: Food was really good, tasty and hygienic. Only con is that, for vegetarians options are not that much. Hope it will get change with time. Other than these two, nothing to be mentioned about. Trip was exactly as mentioned…”

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Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour - The 4:30 a.m. start and the ride east
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Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour

8.Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 198 reviews · 17 hours · from $57

Join an international small-group trip from Almaty to five major natural sights. You will ride to Kaindy in a Soviet-era van, walk beside Kolsai Lake, visit Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons, and eat a home-cooked Kazakh lunch in Saty village. Guides such as Serzh, Aika, and Zhenis are known for clear English and friendly care.

“Covered a lot of sights. Guide was good and the other guests good company. Lunch in a local home was excellent and authentic. The trip in the Soviet era 4 WD bus to lake pretty tough as was the horse ride to the lake but all well worth it. Good value for money tour.”

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Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon - The long road from Almaty to Saty
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Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

9.2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 196 reviews · 2 days · from $105

Joinme Asia takes you from Almaty to Kaindy and Kolsai lakes, Black and Moon canyons, and Charyn’s Valley of Castles. You’ll ride a Soviet UAZ to Kaindy, sleep in a Saty village guesthouse, eat home-cooked meals, and join a bonfire. Guides such as Aya, Daniel, Rollan, and Symbat are known for clear English and lively group management.

“The trip was very well planned. Tomi, the guide, was absolutely awesome. Had a great deal of fun. Honestly, no complaints. 10/10 overall”

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Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car - Kaindy Lake and the sunken forest
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Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car

10.Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · from $49

Leave Almaty at 4:30 am for Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon. You travel in an air-conditioned VIP vehicle with seat chargers, a guide such as Rustam, Karina, Adam, or Ice, and a UAZ transfer to Kaindy. Expect long drives, short visits, optional horse riding, and striking mountain scenery.

“Amazing tour weve been taken to beautiful places! Thank you ice for the exceptional experience. Thanks to nurtaz aswell whom we met after the tour.”

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Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip - The Black Canyon viewpoint in 20 minutes
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Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

11.Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $57

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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2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon - Zhalanash Valley and a look at rural Kazakhstan
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2-Day Private Tour – The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon

12.2-Day Private Tour – The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 71 reviews · from $390

Travel from Almaty in a private SUV with an English-speaking guide, stopping at Charyn Canyon, Zhalanash Valley, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake. The tour is limited to five people and includes a guest-house night, park admissions, pickup, and infant seats. Guides such as Victor, Margu, Dmitry, and Evgeny have led past departures.

“I recently attended a two-day tour guided by a professional and kind driver, Victor (apologies if I've misspelled the name), and an exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable guide, Margu. We are grateful for their hard work and excellent Read more”

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3 Day Tour to Kolsai Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon - Leaving Almaty at 8pm
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3 Day Tour to Kolsai Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

13.3 Day Tour to Kolsai Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 59 reviews · from $105

Leave Almaty at 8pm for a three-day circuit through Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes and Charyn National Park. You’ll sleep in a simple Saty guesthouse, ride a UAZ to Kaindy, eat traditional local food, and explore several canyon areas with guides speaking English, Russian, and Kazakh. Expect long drives, late arrival, and big outdoor days.

“Despite starting at the odd time of 8pm, everything was orderly planned with guesthouses owners out to receive us at 2 or 3 am in Saty village.The quest house rooms were simple but clean, adequate and okay. The hostess prepared simple Read more”

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Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour - Should you book the Kaindy and Kolsai day tour?
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Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour

14.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
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Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

15.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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