Kazakhstan · TOURS IN KAZAKHSTAN

The 15 Best Tours and Day Trips in Kazakhstan

192 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Everything with a guide, a permit or a vehicle attached, in one list. The 15 below cover the canyon and the lakes out of Almaty, the steppe parks east of them and the capital up north, each priced and clear about how much of the day is spent on the road.

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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Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour - Walking through Charyn Canyon at 8:30 a.m.
Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

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
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

3.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

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
2-Day Experiences, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

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
2-Day Experiences, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

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: 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

8.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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Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour - The 4:30 a.m. start and the ride east
Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour

9.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
2-Day Experiences, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

10.2-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
Big Almaty Lake Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan, VIP

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

11.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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Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe - The 842-step Health Staircase
Medeu and Shymbulak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe

12.City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 163 reviews · 11 hours · from $49

Spend a full day seeing Almaty from several angles, from the 1,691-meter Medeu rink and 842-step Health Staircase to Shymbulak’s cable cars, Green Bazaar, Zenkov Cathedral, and Kok-Tobe hill. English and Russian guides such as Alina, Dilnaz, Zhanna, and Zhibek lead the day. Expect a busy schedule, mountain weather, and plenty of city context.

“The tour was amazing ! Our tourguide Alina had a reall good knowledge and gave us a lot of information. For every question she was available for answer. The tour was fantastic. Recommended !! Thank you very much for the amazing tour Alina. All the best !”

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Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour - Bear Waterfall and the short Turgen gorge walk
Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

13.Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 127 reviews · 9 hours · from $32

Travel from Almaty to Bear Waterfall and Lake Issyk with an English- or Russian-speaking guide such as Aika, Amal, or Shakh. You get a short rocky hike, mountain views, a local lunch at your own cost, and time beside the lake. Comfortable vans, bottled water, and national park admission are included.

“Our guide, Aigerim, was fantastic and so informative. This is a great way to see the beautiful mountains and lakes of Kazakhstan”

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Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour - The apple orchard and seasonal side stops
Almaty City Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

14.Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 110 reviews · 4 hours · from $69

This four-hour Panda Travel outing takes you from central Almaty to Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 meters, using an eco taxi for the final stretch so you avoid the uphill hike. Guides such as Adam, Karina, Ice, Rustam, and Ais share local history, help with photos, and may adjust stops for weather and season.

“This was our second tour with Ms. Akho (Akmos) and it was another fun experience! We had a small group this time, which made everything feel more relaxed and personal. Ms. Akho was very warm and attentive, always making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying themselves. The views at Big Almaty Lake were absolutely beautiful, and visiting the legendary apple orchard was such a nice cultural touch. We also got a bonus stop at a scenic waterfall, which was a great surprise. The tour was smooth and well-paced. Big thanks again to our cheerful guide for making it a great day!”

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Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike - The morning ride from Almaty
Almaty Mountain Hiking Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours in Almaty, Tours in Kazakhstan

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

15.Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 109 reviews · from $69

Reach Big Almaty Lake at 2,500 meters with DAO Travel and guides such as Dmitriy, Vladimir, Igor, or Olga. Choose a car transfer to a viewpoint or a demanding 12 km uphill and downhill hike. Expect mountain history, flexible stops, early starts, and striking views when weather is clear.

“All good. Picked up right infront of your doorsteps. Only had to walk a little bit then picked up by car to go to a higher viewpoint. just wished that I could've spend time longer up there and really breathe in the view. The time limit is a bit short.. overall im still happy with what i get. thank u!”

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Charyn Canyon Tours60Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes Tours51Medeu and Shymbulak Tours18Almaty City Tours13Tours in Almaty157Tours in Astana28
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Where to go in Kazakhstan

Pick a canyon, a lake or a bazaar.

Canyons and lakes

Charyn CanyonKolsai and KaindyBig Almaty LakeIssyk and TurgenNational Parks

Up the mountain

Medeu and ShymbulakMountain HikingTrekkingHorse Riding

In the city

Almaty City DaysFood WalksMuseumsWalking Tours

Steppe and Silk Road

Altyn-EmelEthno VillagesThe Silk RoadBurabaySoviet History