Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
A packed one-day route through the Charyn and Black Canyons to two mountain jewels — Lake Kolsai and Lake Kaindy with its famous sunken spruce trees.
Programme
- 016:00 AM — pickup at your hotel, departure
- 029:00 AM — Charyn Canyon, descent into the Valley of Castles (~3 km)
- 0310:00 AM — rest by the Charyn River
- 0411:30 AM — Black Canyon, photo stop
- 051:30 PM — Lake Kolsai, walk
- 062:30 PM — lunch in Saty village (paid separately by guests)
- 074:00 PM — Lake Kaindy, walk along the lake
- 086:00 PM — departure to Almaty
- 0910:30 PM — return, transfer to your hotel
Included
- Private car with driver
- Support in your language
- Planning help before the trip
- WhatsApp contact during the trip
Places on the route
More about this tour
The most intense one-day route in the region. First, the Charyn Canyon — over 12 million years old — with a walk through the Valley of Castles, then the Black Canyon with a completely different natural atmosphere. The day ends with two high-altitude lakes: turquoise Lake Kolsai, surrounded by Tian Shan spruces, and Lake Kaindy, with its ghostly spruce trees rising straight out of the clear water.
Route points
Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles) → Charyn River → Black Canyon → Lake Kolsai → Saty village (lunch) → Lake Kaindy
What to bring
Comfortable shoes; windbreaker/warm jacket; a hat; sunglasses; sunscreen; water/snacks.
Included
National park fees, guide-driver service.
Not included in the price
Lunch in Saty village — paid separately by guests.
Departure: guest's hotel in Almaty, 6:00 AM
Want to go?
Send us your dates and group size – we put together a programme and get the exact price from a licensed local partner. The enquiry is free and non-binding.