Canyons, lakes, and a sunken forest in two days. This tour is interesting because you get Aika and Fariza’s on-the-road guidance, plus a first-night stay with mountain views. You also move through three iconic stops without feeling like you’re just rushing for photos.
I like the way the time is actually spent at the water: Kolsai Lake gets real time for walking and photos, and Kaindy Lake gives you room on the trails around the sunken forest. The included meals also help a lot on a cold or long-weather day.
One thing to weigh: the schedule relies on good weather and includes some walking and uneven ground. If you have knee issues or vision limitations, this isn’t the best fit.
In This Review
- Key things you’ll notice on this Charyn–Kolsay–Kaindy circuit
- Two days around Almaty’s big scenery hits
- Day 1: Moon Canyon, Black Canyon photos, then Kolsai Lake time
- The night stop: where you actually rest between canyons and lakes
- Day 2 breakfast, Kaindy’s sunken forest, and trail time
- Afternoon Charyn Canyon: quick walk, then viewpoints from above
- Guides make it work: Aika and Fariza in plain language
- Food, water, and the little comforts that stop the day from feeling hard
- Transport reality: air-conditioned vehicle plus long driving hours
- Price and value: is $135 a good deal for this loop?
- Who should book this, and who should skip it
- Quick practical tips before you go
- Should you book this Charyn–Kolsay–Kaindy 2-day tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start in Almaty?
- Does the tour include pickup?
- How long is the tour?
- What meals are included?
- Are park entrance tickets included?
- Is transportation included to Kaindy Lake?
- How much time do you get at Kolsai and Kaindy?
- What happens if the weather is bad?
Key things you’ll notice on this Charyn–Kolsay–Kaindy circuit
- Small group size (max 15 people) makes the day feel organized and personal.
- Real time at Kolsai and Kaindy beats the usual quick-photo setup.
- Moon Canyon and Charyn Canyon are timed so you get both “up close” views and a higher viewpoint.
- Soviet van transfer to Kaindy adds character and gets you there efficiently.
- Meals + bottled water included so you’re not scrambling for food between stops.
- Photo recap included so you come home with more than just screenshots.
Two days around Almaty’s big scenery hits
This is a classic Kazakhstan nature loop built for people who want variety: canyon rock first, then lakes, then the famous sunken forest at Kaindy. The big value is that it’s not just a list of landmarks. The pacing is friendly enough that you can enjoy the views instead of constantly asking, Are we there yet?
The group stays at a hotel for Day 1, and the plan is built around long drives outside Almaty. Expect day one to start early with pickup at 8:00am from Almaty Hotel, Kabanbay Batyr St 85, and then a steady flow of stops. The vehicle is air-conditioned, which matters when you’re spending hours on the road.
Also, the tour caps at 15 people. That makes it easier for the guides to keep things moving, but still explain what you’re looking at.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Almaty.
Day 1: Moon Canyon, Black Canyon photos, then Kolsai Lake time
Day 1 is where you get the “wow, Kazakhstan” factor right away. After pickup, the drive out to Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon) takes about 4 hours. Once you arrive, you get around 30 minutes to explore this otherworldly, colorful rock area. It’s short, but it’s enough to walk to viewpoints and take photos without feeling trapped by a strict route.
Next comes Charyn Canyon, sometimes described here as the Black Canyon stop. You’re there for about 15–20 minutes, with a focus on photos and a panoramic view. This is the kind of stop that’s great if you like framing shots fast—because the goal is the viewpoint, not a long hike.
Then the day softens. You head to Kolsai Lake, and this is one of the best parts of the itinerary. You’ll have about 1.5 hours by the water—enough time to take pictures, pause, and do some easy walking around the area. The included time matters because Kolsai is the place where the scenery turns calm and slow. You’re not sprinting to the next angle.
Practical tip: bring a light layer even in decent weather. Canyon-to-lake weather can shift, and you’ll appreciate having something for shade and cooler air near the water.
The night stop: where you actually rest between canyons and lakes
You’ll spend the first night at accommodation included for Day 1. The tour’s description points to a stunning mountain view, and the vibe from the experience is that it’s set up for quiet recovery after a travel-heavy day.
This is the part that helps you enjoy Day 2. If you try to do Moon Canyon and Kolsai in one day without a stopover, Kaindy can feel rushed. With an included overnight, your body gets a chance to reset—especially if you’re coming from Almaty on an early morning pickup.
Day 2 breakfast, Kaindy’s sunken forest, and trail time
Day 2 starts with breakfast in the village, then you’re taken by Soviet van to Kaindy (Kaıyndy) Lake. The focus here is the famous sunken forest: trees that remain in the water, creating a strange, ghostlike view when the conditions are right.
You’ll have about 2 hours at Kaindy, with time to explore scenic trails around the lake. This is the stop where it pays to slow down. You’ll get closer views by walking a bit, but you also want time just standing and watching how the light changes across the water surface.
Why Kaindy time is worth protecting: the best results here depend heavily on weather. When skies are cooperative, the “sunken forest” look can be dramatic. When it’s dull, it can still be interesting, but the visual punch drops. This tour’s design assumes you’re going to get at least a decent window.
Afternoon Charyn Canyon: quick walk, then viewpoints from above
After Kaindy, you head back toward Charyn Canyon National Park. The schedule puts you there around 16:00. This late timing is smart because you get a different feel than the daytime rush.
At Charyn Canyon, you’ll do:
- a short walk at the bottom for canyon-scale views, then
- a smaller hike to see the view from above.
Total time is about 1 hour. It’s not a long trek, but it’s enough to feel like you’ve experienced the canyon from two angles, not just one.
Good to know: the tour is rated for people with moderate physical fitness and isn’t ideal if you have knee problems. Even “small hikes” can be tough on rocky ground or uneven steps.
Guides make it work: Aika and Fariza in plain language
One of the standout reasons this tour earns strong ratings is how well the guides handle the group and explain what you’re seeing. Names that come up clearly are Aika and Fariza.
What I’d look for if you’re choosing this tour: guides who can manage a group of around seven without losing the thread, and who can also suggest small detours or lesser-known stops. This experience is set up for that. It’s not only about the official landmarks; you get small additions that make the day feel less “assembly line.”
A second big plus: practical help during the day. People report that questions were handled quickly and clearly, and that the itinerary didn’t feel like chaos even with a small group.
Food, water, and the little comforts that stop the day from feeling hard
You’re not left to fend for yourself. The tour includes:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Small local snacks
- Bottled water
- Lunch (2)
That’s a lot of built-in support across two long days. When you’re dealing with canyon and lake distances, meal breaks aren’t a luxury—they help you keep energy for walking and photos.
There’s also a note in the feedback about vegetarian options being available. If you eat vegetarian, that’s worth treating as a real advantage, not a minor detail.
Transport reality: air-conditioned vehicle plus long driving hours
You get an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a solid comfort upgrade for Kazakhstan road time. Pickup starts at 8:00am, and the drive to Moon Canyon alone is about 4 hours from the city.
So plan your expectations like this:
- Day 1 is travel + quick hits + one longer lake stop.
- Day 2 is a more nature-focused day at Kaindy, then a shorter canyon segment later.
If you’re the type who gets restless in cars, bring what helps you personally: water bottle, sunglasses, and something for dry air. You’ll be on the road a lot, even though the stops are scheduled with time to breathe.
Price and value: is $135 a good deal for this loop?
At $135 per person for roughly two days, you’re paying for more than transport. You’re also getting:
- national park entrance tickets for the stops where they’re included,
- meals (breakfast, lunch twice, dinner, snacks),
- one overnight accommodation,
- and a photo recap after the tour.
Many “budget” day trips end up being expensive once you add entrance fees, meals, and late-day snacks. Here, those costs are bundled. For a two-day nature circuit that includes overnight lodging and park access, the price feels fair.
One nuance: this tour is weather-dependent and can be rescheduled if conditions are poor. That’s not a pricing issue, but it’s part of the value equation. You’re buying into the experience as much as you’re buying into the itinerary.
Who should book this, and who should skip it
This tour is a great match if you want an organized, nature-heavy Almaty escape with real time at Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. It also fits well if you like small-group dynamics and guidance, not just bus rides.
It may be the wrong choice if:
- you have knee problems or struggle on uneven ground,
- you have visual impairments that make hikes risky,
- or you’re traveling with children under 4.
It’s also not ideal if you can’t handle long road days. The drive to Moon Canyon is lengthy, and Day 2 includes a full morning transfer plus an afternoon canyon segment.
Quick practical tips before you go
These are the details that help you enjoy the day instead of managing stress:
- Wear shoes with grip for canyon walks and lake-area paths.
- Bring layers for temperature swings between canyon shade and open areas.
- Bring sun protection. You’ll be outside a lot.
- If you care about photos at Kaindy, keep your timing flexible and watch the weather patterns during your time there.
And one more human tip: keep your expectations realistic about time at each stop. You’re not getting a week in each location. You’re getting well-chosen highlights, and that’s the point.
Should you book this Charyn–Kolsay–Kaindy 2-day tour?
Yes—if your goal is a well-run two-day nature circuit that gives you enough time to enjoy the big features: Moon Canyon’s strange rock, Charyn Canyon viewpoints, Kolsai Lake’s relaxing water time, and Kaindy’s sunken forest trails. The combination of small group size, meals included, park tickets included, and guidance from Aika and Fariza makes it feel like real value.
Skip it if your body can’t handle moderate walking, or if weather swings would ruin your plans. This is a good tour, but it isn’t a “rain-proof museum day.” You’re traveling for outdoor views, and the tour’s best results happen when conditions cooperate.
FAQ
What time does the tour start in Almaty?
The pickup starts at 8:00am from Almaty Hotel, Kabanbay Batyr St 85.
Does the tour include pickup?
Yes. Pickup is offered, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
How long is the tour?
It’s a 2-day experience, with duration listed as approximately 2 days.
What meals are included?
The tour includes breakfast, dinner, small local snacks, bottled water, and lunch (2).
Are park entrance tickets included?
Yes. Entrance tickets for national parks are included. (The Charyn Canyon stop on Day 2 lists admission as free.)
Is transportation included to Kaindy Lake?
Yes. You’ll take a Soviet van to Kaindy Lake.
How much time do you get at Kolsai and Kaindy?
You get about 1.5 hours at Kolsai Lake, and about 2 hours at Kaindy Lake.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
