Kazakhstan · ALMATY TOURS
Almaty is where nearly every Kazakhstan itinerary starts, and the mountains behind it do most of the work. These 15 cover the city day, the lake roads, the ski slopes and the long runs east to the canyon, with prices and durations for each.
Explore Charyn, Black, Kolsai, Kaindy, and Moon Canyons on a 17-hour Almaty day trip with guides, park tickets, and mountain views.
“the tour is very lively thanks to our tour guide, she is very very energetic and fun... cant wait to go back in KZ and book another tour with pandakz 🥰”
Review of Almaty’s $58 small-group tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, with timing, transport, hikes, lunch and practical tips.
“The guides were informative and masters at keeping our group engaged and on time. There was warmth in their interactions with guests. The lunch was amazing! You could see the care they took to provide a lovely meal for all participants, meat eaters and vegetarians as well. Our guide Narjan was very kind, spoke English without hesitation. The views were amazing. The hikes were challenging but well worthwhile! I highly recommend this tour!”
Explore Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes from Almaty on a long, affordable day trip with guides, transport and optional activities.
“Such a great trip that covered so much despite the large distances from Almaty. Our guide Altynai was really professional and helpful, and was also able to keep a tight ship in order to give us ample time for each location while getting us home at a godly-enough hour. Definitely recommend this tour for first timers in Kazakhstan!”
Review of Almaty’s 17-hour trip to Kolsai, Kaindy, Charyn and Black Canyons, with costs, transport advice, guides and practical tips.
“It was a good value tour as we visited 2 canyons & 2 lakes. All scenic & stunning. The guides Nus Nurtas & Karina were commendable. They made the bumpy bus ride to Kaindy Lake less painful by entertaining us with music and teaching us some Kazakh words & phrases. Highly recommended.”
Review of Almaty’s 2-day Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn tour, with yurts, Kazakh meals, canyon walks, transport tips and honest value advice.
“I booked this trip for my mom & dad for their trip in Kazakhstan. They were sooo happy, they really had a pleasant trip with Naz! My mom said Naz is very nice, knowledgeable, and ensure every one on time. They really recommend this tour! 🥰✨”
Review of a 2-day Almaty tour to Kolsai, Kaindy, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyons, with yurts, meals, guides and practical tips.
“The trip was excellent with ample time given to explore. The below are the details 1. The location was beautiful 2. The food provided was below average both for lunch as well as night dinner. The quantity was definitely not enough posy a hike day 3. The washroom was shared and it was just one toilet and one batharea for anyone staying in yurt 4. The breakfast also was hardly anything.. an early breakfast with no proper items 5. The stay did provide bonfire and we could sit around it as long as we wanted, The host ensured to refill The logs 6. The breaks given during the travel also…”
Review of Almaty’s Kolsai, Kaindy, and Charyn day tour, with transport, lunch, hiking, costs, timing, and practical booking advice.
“I had an incredible experience on the one-day tour to Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon, and Black Canyon in Kazakhstan. Our guide, Mr. Kuansyh, was exceptional—both professional and incredibly hospitable, with a great sense of humor that kept the day fun and engaging. The pickup was punctual, and everything was well-organized, allowing us to fully enjoy each destination without any stress. The natural beauty of the lakes and canyons was simply breathtaking, and Mr. Kuansyh’s knowledge and stories made the experience even more memorable. The highlight, however, was the food. The meal provided felt like a home-cooked feast, with a wonderful spread of local dishes that were both delicio...”
Review of Almaty’s Turgen Waterfall and Issyk Lake day trip, with hiking tips, lunch advice, transport details, guide quality, and value.
“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had a wonderful trip with Sayana to Issyk Lake and the Turgen Waterfalls! She was very friendly, helpful, and shared interesting information along the way. The scenery was beautiful, and we really enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend her for anyone visiting Almaty!”
See Charyn, Black and Moon Canyons, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes in one long Almaty day, with local lunch and mountain scenery for $57.
“Beautiful places and great guide Aidar, who speak amazing English and did amazing job not only showing us around be he also explained everything in details.”
Review of Almaty’s 2-day Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn Canyon tour, with UAZ rides, village homestay, meals, costs and practical tips.
“Zhanna made my first solo trip very memorable, from the arranngement of the tour until the end, she's very accomodating and would always make sure that you enjoyed the trip and every destination you've visited. Joinme asia is highly recommended. Thank you again 🙏”
Explore Kolsai and Kaindy lakes plus Charyn Canyon on a long, well-organized Almaty day trip with guides, park fees, and VIP transport.
“The trip was well-organized and seamless. Although it takes the whole day, it was absolutely worth every minute,snowcapped mountains, lakes and canyons were breathtaking! Shoutout to our guide, Nur, was friendly, a total vibe, and made sure everyone was well taken care of and no one was left behind. Highly recommended for a stress-free and memorable experience!”
Explore Almaty’s mountain resorts, markets, cathedral, and city views on an 11-hour guided tour priced at $49.
“Zhibek is really good tour guide, well spoken and great info, very friendly and engaging with the tourist.”
Review of Almaty’s Lake Issyk and Turgen Waterfall tour, with practical advice on hikes, transport, lunch, guides, price, and what to expect.
“Loved the trip. Shak, our guide made it very interesting and comfortable all through. A gentle and helpful guide. Catered to everyones needs. Thank you very much. Location is beautiful beyond words.”
Ride from Almaty to Big Almaty Lake for mountain views, local stories, photo stops, and an easy no-hike visit in four hours.
“The trip was absolutely wonderful! Everything was perfectly on time, and the view of the lake was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. I especially recommend it to people who may not be able to go hiking. On top of that, my tour guide was incredibly kind and helpful. We also got to see a charming waterfall and an apple yard. Everything turned out even better than I expected - just perfect! A special thank you to Dias for being such an amazing guide 😊”
Big Almaty Lake tour review with hiking or car access, mountain views, guide tips, pricing, safety, and practical advice for Almaty visitors.
“Dmitriy is an extremely knowledgeable guide, giving us in depth history of Kazakhstan on the journey to the mountains. He also explained how the mountain lakes etc were formed which was very interesting. The hike itself was amazing. It was challenging, but that made the view at the Big Almaty Lake even better. It truly is a stunning lake and the mountain views all through the hike are breathtaking. I would fully recommend this to anyone who is capable. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip👍 One of the best experiences of my life.”
Canyon, lake, steppe and city, grouped by the kind of day it is.
