Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes
Canyon
The two places travellers ask for most, in one trip: the red Valley of Castles and the turquoise mountain lakes, with a night in between.
- Duration
- 2 days
- Region
- Almaty region
- Group size
- Min. 1 traveller
- Guide languages
- Arabic, English, Russian
Overview
Charyn and Kolsai lie in the same direction east of Almaty, so we do them together rather than driving out twice. The first day belongs to the canyon: across the steppe, then down through the Valley of Castles to the green Charyn river. We stay the night near the lakes, and the second day is Kolsai and the sunken forest of Kaindy. One price for the whole group, for both days.
Highlights
- The Valley of Castles at Charyn
- Lower Kolsai lake
- The sunken spruce forest of Kaindy
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Charyn Canyon
Day 1
East across the steppe, the walk down the Valley of Castles to the river, then on towards the lakes for the night.
- 2
Night by the lakes
Overnight
You rent the cabin or guesthouse yourself; we help you choose one and take you to the door.
- 3
Day 2 — Kolsai and Kaindy
Day 2
The lower Kolsai lake and the sunken spruce forest of Kaindy, then the drive back to Almaty.
What is included
- Guide, driver and translator in one person for both days
- Private 4x4 with fuel, parking and tolls
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or apartment
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the trip
Not included
- The cabin or guesthouse by the lakes — you rent it yourself
- Entrance fees: the Charyn and Kolsai national parks
- Meals and personal expenses
- Gratuities
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