Kazakhstan · TOURS

The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips in Kazakhstan

141 tours  ·  from $20

Everything with a guide, a driver or a minibus attached, in one list. The 15 below are compared on price, how far east they go and how much of the day disappears into the drive.

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

1.Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 642 reviews · from $58Our pick

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 & 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

2.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

3.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)

4.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
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour

5.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

6.2-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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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

7.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
Almaty Tours, Issyk Lake Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turgen Waterfall Tours

Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

8.Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

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

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
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Almaty, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

9.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
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

10.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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Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup - Bayterek Tower and Astana’s new center
Astana Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Astana, Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

11.Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · from $149

Explore Astana by private car with an English-speaking guide, visiting Bayterek Tower, the Grand Mosque, Hazret Sultan Mosque, the National Museum, Ak Orda, and Atyrau Bridge. Lunch, water, snacks, WiFi, and hotel pickup are included. Add a tasting of Kazakh wines at Arba Wine, if you wish.

“The tour was comprehensive and offered a comfortable experience to someone travelling for the first time to Astana. There were many sights in the city and this tour had allowed me to cover as many places as possible within a short span Read more”

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Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide - Hotel pickup makes the evening easy
Astana Tours, City Tours, City Tours in Astana, Evening Experiences, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide

12.Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 hours · from $49

Spend four hours seeing Astana after dark with a certified English or Russian-speaking guide. Damir, Arsen, and Abay are among the guides associated with this tour. You will ride between major sights in an air-conditioned vehicle, stop for photos, hear about Kazakhstan’s past and present, and return to your hotel with drinks and Wi-Fi included.

“This was the best tour I have ever been on. The guide was incredibly kind and extremely knowledgeable, we asked hundreds of questions and he knew the answer to every single one. The tour combines driving around the city with walking stops, allowing you to truly experience Astana from different perspectives. We enjoyed it so much that we immediately booked an additional tour to visit the old part of the city. After last tour, he even drove us to the airport. The guide is Kazakh and truly understands his country — its success, identity, and challenges. He speaks about it honestly and openly, which made the experience even more valuable.…”

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Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall tour - Transport, group size, and timing
Almaty Tours, Issyk Lake Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turgen Waterfall Tours

Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall tour

13.Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · from $32

Spend 9 to 10 hours beyond Almaty, combining a short mountain hike to Turgen’s Bear Waterfall with two hours beside Lake Issyk. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned minibus, receive water and park admission, and eat lunch at a local café at your own cost. Guides such as Aza, Medina, and Azamat have led this route.

“An awesome day trip to a very beautiful lake. The lake is emerald in colour like in the pictures and it’s very quiet with not many tourists around. A true hidden gem! My tour guide Azamat speaks excellent English and explains things in great detail. He got us water and chocolate too, very hospitable.”

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Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity - Zhumbaktas, Burabay Lake, and your activity choice
Astana Tours, Burabay National Park Tours, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

14.Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $249

Travel privately from Astana to Burabay National Park for a gentle climb up Bolektau, lunch beside a pine forest, and a choice of boat riding near Zhumbaktas or horseback riding. Guides such as Madi, Damir, Kadyrbek, and Amir have led departures, with pickup and drop-off included.

“As a nature lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this tour! Kadyrbek, my guide, was knowledgeable, polite, and courteous, making me feel safe throughout the journey. His fluent English made everything effortless. Highly recommended!”

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Singing dunes & Aktau mountains group tour to Altyn Emel - Aktau Mountains: pale rock shaped like a dry ocean
Almaty Tours, Altyn Emel & Singing Dunes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Singing dunes & Aktau mountains group tour to Altyn Emel

15.Singing dunes & Aktau mountains group tour to Altyn Emel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · from $250

Leave Almaty at 5:30 a.m. for Altyn Emel National Park with an English-speaking guide such as Bek, Kassym, Elnar, or Aya. Visit the chalky Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau rocks, and 150-meter Singing Dunes. The $250 price includes transport, park fees, lunch, water, and snacks, but not breakfast.

“We were a group of 3 and visited Aktau mountains as well as the Singing Dunes. Our guide Elnar did a fantastic job at showing us the destinations as well as giving explanations about them. The tour was organized well and didn‘t feel rushed. The lunch that was served in a guest house on the way was very delicious, too. Fully recommend this tour.”

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New in Tours

★ 5.0The Silk Road tour of KazakhstanFrom $3473 reviews
★ 4.5Tour to Burabay National ParkFrom $2496 reviews
★ 5.0The Old City TourFrom $933 reviews
★ 4.0Astana Private Custom Walking Tour with A Local GuideFrom $533 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Private Astana City Tour in ComfortFrom $905 reviews
★ 5.02 Days Tour: Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon, Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes6 reviews
★ 4.52 day tour to Altyn Emel Singing Dune and Aktau mountainFrom $2804 reviews
★ 5.02 Days Private Kolsai and Kaindy TourFrom $2694 reviews
★ 5.0Personalized guided Car Tours to Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lake4 reviews
★ 5.0Private Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour with alternatgive PipelineFrom $704 reviews
★ 5.0One Day Ski Tour Near AlmatyFrom $2776 reviews
★ 5.0Medeu and Shymbulak + Big Almaty Lake and Falcon show (Private day-tour)From $2186 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day Tour to the Land of Canyons-UNESCO-of KazakhstanFrom $4004 reviews
★ 5.02 Days Private Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon TourFrom $4455 reviews
★ 4.5Private tour Almaty Region 3 days with SilktravelFrom $8826 reviews

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Charyn Canyon Tours57Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tours51City Tours32Medeu & Shymbulak Tours17Walking Tours8
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Explore Kazakhstan

Pick a canyon, a lake or a city block.

Out of Almaty

Charyn CanyonKolsai & KaindyBig Almaty LakeIssyk LakeTurgen Waterfall

In the cities

Almaty City DaysAstana City DaysKok-TobeWalking Tours

Mountains and steppe

Medeu & ShymbulakMountain HikesAltyn EmelNational ParksHorse Riding

History and culture

Nomadic CultureSoviet HistoryMuseumsHistorical ToursBurabay