Best of Almaty in 1 Day – Lakes & Canyons Tour
If you have only one day to explore, this tour is the perfect way to see the region's top natural wonders. In just a day, you'll visit Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaiyndy Lake.
Travel in a small group for a friendly atmosphere, enjoy the comfort, and be guided by an English-speaking expert who knows the best photo spots. Along the way, taste traditional Kazakh cuisine in a remote mountain village.
You will visit: Kolsay Lakes – known as the 'Pearls of the Tien Shan,' these crystal-clear mountain lakes are surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks. Kaindy Lake, famous for the submerged forest – tree trunks rising straight from the water's surface. Charyn Canyon – often called the 'Grand Canyon's little brother,' with dramatic red cliffs and unique rock formations.
Starting / Ending Point
Almaty City
Total Distance
660 km round trip
Duration
18 hours
Start Time
07:00 AM (Almaty)
Season
Year-round
Language
English
Activity
Included
Not Included
What to Bring
4 top natural attractions in 1 day
Small, friendly international group
Comfortable travel & plenty of photo stops
Local food & hospitality experience
Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes With Canyons Day Tour
Best of Almaty in 1 Day – Lakes & Canyons Tour
Depart from Almaty towards Charyn Canyon (optional stop to taste fresh local samsa baked in a traditional tandyr oven).
Charyn Canyon – Valley of the Castles. Walk along the canyon rim to the upper viewing point for breathtaking panoramas.
Black Canyon – quick stop to admire its dramatic dark cliffs.
Lunch in the mountain village of Saty.
Kolsay Lake – short hike down to the lakeshore, enjoy the view, then return to the starting point.
Kaindy Lake – short hike down to the lakeshore, enjoy the view, then return to the starting point.
Arrival in Almaty.
To confirm your reservation, a 30% deposit of the total tour cost is required. The remaining balance is payable at the start of the tour.
Changes or cancellations must be made no later than 72 hours before the tour start time. In this case, a 90% refund of the total cost will be provided. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the tour start are non-refundable.
Tours require a minimum number of participants and suitable weather conditions. If these requirements are not met, the tour will be canceled at least 48 hours before the start. Customers will be offered an alternative date/tour or a full refund.
In the event of force majeure, the tour may be canceled, and customers will receive a full refund.
