Kazakhstan · ALMATY TOURS

The 15 Best Almaty Tours & Day Trips

159 tours  ·  from $20

Almaty is the base for nearly everything in the south: the canyons, the mountain lakes, the ski road and the bazaar. These 15 sort the city days from the long runs east, with prices, durations and pickup notes.

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip - Guides, music, and the group atmosphere
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Leave Almaty before sunrise for Charyn and Black Canyons, Kolsai Lake, and forest-ringed Kaindy Lake. You travel in a Mercedes Sprinter, then switch to a Soviet-era UAZ for the rough road to Kaindy. Guides such as Karina, Rustam, Amina, and Nurtas are known for clear English, local stories, music, and lively group care.

“Super cool tour with a lot of highlights! Karolina was super helpful, full of joy and a great guide for the whole trip :)”

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Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour - 5 a.m. pickup and the long road east
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

This 15-hour small-group trip links Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Lower Kolsai Lake. You get hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, park fees, local lunch, and a bumpy ride in a Soviet UAZ van. Guides such as Amina, Sabina, Didi, and Nurjan are praised for keeping the day friendly and organized.

“We had a wonderful time at the lakes and canyons, and Amina was a fantastic guide. It was a long day, but everything was well paced. Lunch was very nice, and the views were stunning - thoroughly recommended!”

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

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

This 16-hour trip takes you from central Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake and, if selected, Kaindy Lake. Guides such as Sayana, Altynai, Zhanna and Anel lead the day in English or Russian. Choose the full route, spend longer at Kolsai and Charyn, or focus on both mountain lakes.

“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 - Kolsai Lake: mountain water and optional boating
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

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 English or Russian guided trip from Almaty to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, and Moon Canyon in summer. Expect early pickup, long drives, short walks, optional boating and horseback riding, a bumpy Soviet-era UAZ ride, and guides such as Karina, Nurtas, Ice, and Adam.

“I randomly selected Panda Travels for the Day trip, but it turned out to be an amazing chapter of my travelling journal. Thanks to Karina, she was an excellent guide. She managed the whole trip very well and attended the group very nicely. Panda Travels is highly recommended!”

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Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour - Kolsai Lake, the calm center of the first day
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons plus Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes from Almaty. English and Russian-speaking guides such as Luba, Naz, Amal, and Zhenis lead the group, with Kazakh meals, a yurt night, bonfire games, and an off-road Soviet van ride to Kaindy. Expect long drives, moderate walking, and shared accommodation.

“Had an absolutely amazing time. Amal was a fantastic guild. She was extremely knowledgeable, has a great personality and led the tour well. Very satisfied.”

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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour - Moon Canyon and Black Canyon set the tone
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 into Kazakhstan’s mountain country on a two-day trip to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Moon Canyon. You’ll ride a modern air-conditioned vehicle, stay in a yurt or room near Saty Village, eat local food and gather around a bonfire. Guides such as Nazerke, Zhenis, Dana and Aigerim are known for friendly, engaging service.

“Nazerke was the best tour guide! She was a lot of fun and very informative with all of our stops. The tour itself was a good pace over two days and we saw a lot. I’d recommend to everyone!”

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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included) - Charyn Canyon: a strong opening stop
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Spend a very long day beyond Almaty visiting Charyn Canyon, Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, Lower Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake. Kazakhstan Guided Tours provides hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, park fees, water, and a generous local lunch. Guides such as Luba, Azamat, Aika, and Kuanysh are known for keeping the tight schedule moving.

“The tour was amazing — we covered all the main places, and our guide, Luba, was excellent and very informative. The only drawback was the car’s speed on the way there; even though the road was empty, the driver was going very slowly, Read more”

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Almaty: Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip - The trout farm and optional lunch
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Issyk Lake Tours, Tour Reviews, Turgen Waterfall Tours

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

Join a 10-hour group trip from Almaty to Turgen Waterfall and Issyk Lake. You will hike about 1.3 km to the falls, stop at a trout farm for optional lunch, and spend up to two hours by the lake. Guides such as Sayana, Aigerim, and Altynai have been praised for friendly help and clear explanations, but transport and restaurant quality can vary.

“it was great!! , Guide Sayana was fabulous, she explained the location very well. we were vegetarians she even helped us with food everywhere”

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Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour - The early road to Charyn Canyon
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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

Pack five major Almaty-region sights into one long day, with an English-speaking guide, a Soviet 4WD ride to Kaindy Lake, and a home-cooked Kazakh lunch in Saty village. Guides such as Serzh, Aika, Zhenis, and Farrukh are known for clear explanations and careful group care. Expect moderate walking, early pickup, and a tight schedule.

“We had such great experiences with the kindest tour guide Farrukh. He took care of us during the trip and always be willing to help us anytime. The trip last more than half a day but he still had his energy till the end. We are very satisfied with this trip.”

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Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon - The rough ride to Kaindy Lake
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Travel from Almaty to Kaindy and Kolsai lakes, Black and Moon canyons, and Charyn’s Valley of Castles. You’ll ride a Soviet UAZ, 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 leadership.

“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 🙏”

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Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car - Why the 4:30 am departure matters
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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, the sunken forest of Kaindy, and Charyn Canyon. Panda Travel uses a small VIP van with USB and Type-C chargers, includes park fees and a UAZ ride to Kaindy, and assigns lively guides such as Rustam, Karina, Adam, or Ice. Expect a long but rewarding day.

“KARINA MAKES IT EXTRA SPECIAL! She was the most hyper tour guide I’ve had! And she communicates very very well.”

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Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe - Medeu and the 842-step Health Staircase
Almaty Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Almaty, Kok-Tobe Tours, Medeu & Shymbulak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 moving from Almaty’s mountain viewpoints to its markets and historic center. You’ll visit Medeu, ride the cable car to Shymbulak, explore Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, shop at Green Bazaar and Rahat Chocolate, then finish at Kok-Tobe. English and Russian guides may include Alina, Dilnaz, Zhanna, or Zhibek.

“Amazing alina! Thank you so much for making my trip unforgettable. Amazing tour friendly guide. Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊😊”

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Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour - Bear Waterfall and the rocky mountain trail
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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 by air-conditioned minibus to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, then stop for an à la carte lunch before visiting turquoise Lake Issyk at 1,756 meters. Guides such as Aika, Amal, Shakh, and Zhenis add local stories and practical help. Expect a full day, a rocky walk, and no custom hotel pickup.

“The tour trip was amazing, and the guide really kind and helpful, we even had some snow near the lake, thank you again for this beautiful day :)”

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Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour - Weather, clouds, ice, and the best photo chances
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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, 2,511 meters above sea level, without a long hike. English or Russian-speaking guides such as Adam, Karina, Ice, Rustam, and Ais share local stories while you enjoy mountain scenery, pine forests, photo stops, and an eco taxi ride to the lake.

“Even though the lake was frozen when we visited, the beauty was still unbelievable. The ice shimmered under the mountains, and it felt like we were standing inside a postcard. What made it even better was Karina, she didn’t just guide us, she made the whole day feel personal. She shared stories, made sure we were comfortable, and gave us space to really take in the moment. Karina’s energy and care turned this into more than just a tour. It felt like spending the day with a friend who loves her city and wants you to love it too.”

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Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike - The hiking route: six kilometers up, six kilometers down
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Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

15.Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

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

Travel from Almaty to Big Almaty Lake with guides such as Dmitriy, Vladimir, or Igor. Choose a local-driver viewpoint visit or a demanding 12 km uphill and downhill hike. Expect mountain scenery, lake history, hotel pickup, national park entry, and flexible add-ons.

“- The tour guide Vladimir arrived on time and made sure I was safe throughout the trip. He also made sure I could climb down the slope safely as my shoes don't have really good grip. - This moderately challenging hike is enjoyable, with the view of the Big Almaty Lake and the natural landscape of the beautiful mountain range. - It is safe to hike with this small group tour, as a solo traveller.”

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Explore Kazakhstan

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Out of Almaty

Charyn CanyonKolsai & KaindyBig Almaty LakeIssyk LakeTurgen Waterfall

In the cities

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Mountains and steppe

Medeu & ShymbulakMountain HikesAltyn EmelNational ParksHorse Riding

History and culture

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