Kazakhstan · CHARYN CANYON TOURS

The 15 Best Charyn Canyon Tours from Almaty

57 tours  ·  from $40

Charyn is two hundred kilometres east, so the question is never whether to go but what else gets bolted on. These 15 compare the straight canyon day against the ones that add Kolsai, Kaindy or a night out there, with prices and departure times.

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
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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

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 $43Best value

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
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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 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: 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

8.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
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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

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

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, 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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Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip - Charyn Canyon: an active first stop
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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 among Kazakhstan’s finest natural sights. Walk through Charyn Canyon, hike about 2.5 kilometers to Kaindy Lake and its sunken trees, then stroll beside Kolsai Lake. Guides such as Jana and Sayana add local insight and good humor. Transport, park fees, and a small gift are included.

“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 - Charyn Canyon gives day one a dramatic start
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 with an English-speaking guide in a comfortable SUV, visiting Charyn Canyon, Zhalanash Valley, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake. The private group is limited to five people and includes a guest-house night. Guides named in past bookings include Dmitry, Evgeny, Victor, and Margu.

“Very well planned and executed tour. Evgeny was a very meticulous and thoughtful driver and guide with an extensive knowledge of a range of topics. He kept plying us with interesting snippets throughout the two days. The hotel where we stayed over (Hotel Saty) on the first night was surprisingly good too.”

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3 Day Tour to Kolsai Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon - Kolsai Lake: the first major mountain view
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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

Travel from Almaty to Saty village, then visit Kolsai Lake, Kaindy’s sunken forest, Black Canyon, Moon Canyon, and Charyn Canyon. You’ll ride an UAZ SUV to Kaindy, stay in a simple guesthouse, eat traditional meals, and travel with guides who speak English, Russian, and Kazakh. The trip begins at 8:00 pm.

“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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Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour - Baiseit village and a local lunch
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Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

14.Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $196

Set out from Almaty at 7 a.m. for a private day at Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake. You’ll get a short canyon hike, mountain views, a local lunch, and the option of a boat ride. Guides including Dias, Enlar, and Diana are praised for friendly, careful service, making this a strong choice for families and solo visitors.

“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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Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy 2-Day Tour with Mount View Stay - Charyn Canyon: red cliffs and a walk to the river
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Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy 2-Day Tour with Mount View Stay

15.Charyn, Kolsay and Kaindy 2-Day Tour with Mount View Stay

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 42 reviews · 2 days · from $150

Travel from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake with a small group of up to 13 people. You get local meals, park fees, a mountain-view guesthouse, a Soviet van ride to Kaindy, and help from English-speaking guides such as Aika or Azamat, subject to assignment.

“I had an incredible experience exploring Almaty, thanks to our amazing tour guide, Aika! From the moment the tour started, it was clear that they were not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about the history, culture, and natural beauty of the region. She took us to the well-known landmarks like Kandy lake, Kolsai lake, various Canyons, and Saty village and she provided fascinating insights and made the experience engaging for everyone.”

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New in Charyn Canyon Tours

★ 5.02 Days Tour: Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes6 reviews
★ 5.0Personalized guided Car Tours to Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lake4 reviews
★ 5.02 Days Private Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon TourFrom $4455 reviews
★ 5.0Altyn Emel, Singing Dune, Charyn canyon, Kolsay, Kaindy lake 4 days tourFrom $8823 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Canyon Day Tour small groupFrom $457 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Kolsay Kaindy Private TourFrom $1903 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn canyon, Kolsai lake, Kaindy lake 2 DaysFrom $3894 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon 1 Day Private TourFrom $1754 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles 1 Day tourFrom $1906 reviews
★ 5.0Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Lunch IncludedFrom $603 reviews
★ 5.0Advantures in Charyn Canyon. Private tour.From $2404 reviews
★ 3.0Private Tour to Charyn CanyonsFrom $1504 reviews
★ 5.02 Day Tour Explore Charyn Canyons Kolsay and Kaindy LakeFrom $3454 reviews
★ 5.0Almaty 1-Day Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy & Charyn Black CanyonFrom $403 reviews
★ 4.8Charyn Canyon Private Day TripFrom $1755 reviews

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