Kazakhstan · KOLSAI AND KAINDY LAKES
Kaindy’s drowned spruce and the first Kolsai lake sit about 300 kilometres from Almaty, which is a great deal of road for one day. These 15 split into the ones that try it anyway and the overnight routes that do it properly. Spellings vary: Kolsai and Kolsay are the same lakes.
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...”
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!”
Compare Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake on a long Almaty day trip with transport, guides, park fees, and practical tips.
“Good tour. With natural beauty. With some buts: very infantile guide, partly felt like in a kindergarten. The UAZ drive is not suitable for people with frequent back pain. Thanks for this…”
Review the 2-day private tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy, with practical advice on price, pacing, guides, and comfort.
“Amazing trip with Dmitry - very professional and knowledgeable guide. Incredible varied terrain and scenery - very unique part of the world. Home stay was great.”
Review of the 3-day Kazakhstan tour from Almaty to Kolsai, Kaindy, and Charyn Canyon, with practical advice on timing, value, and comfort.
“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”
Review of Almaty’s 16-hour tour to Kaindy, Kolsai Lakes, and Black Canyon, with practical tips on costs, transport, hiking, and value.
“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.”
Review of Almaty’s Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake tour, with practical details on price, timing, guides, lunch, hikes, and value.
“We had a very nice time with our guide Diana. She is very knowledgeable and fun. The driver has a "bit heavy foot on the throttle" - so we reached our destinations quicker -, but he drives safely, car is very well maintained, so we still felt safe alRead more”
Canyon, lake, steppe and city, grouped by the kind of day it is.
