EXPLORE KOLSAY KAINDY
TREES GROW IN WATER
You will see the Bartogai reservoir with its turquoise waters, the Lower Kolsai Lake and the canyons with their bizarre landscapes: Black and Moonlight. And also visit the Kurtogai tract-a kingdom of wild nature with Martian landscapes.
Duration
2 days
Start from
Almaty
6:00 AM
Transport
4x4 Jeep
UNIQUE ANIMALS AND NATURE
Near the lake you can see brisk and agile weasels and stoats. These small predators are well adapted to their environment and are skilled hunters. Their graceful body, graceful movements and fluffy tail give them a special charm.
TOUR PROGRAM
Day One
Departure from Almaty - Charyn Canyon (Trekking) - Saty Village (Lunch) - Kaindy Lake - Saty Village (Dinner, overnight)
- Departure from Almaty (in the morning), to the Charyn Canyon (220 km, about 3 hours)
- Arrival in the Charyn Canyon, trekking tour (3-5 km, 2.5 hours)
- Departure to the village of Saty (guest house) (100 km, about 1.5 hours), lunch
- Departure to Kaindy Lake (15 km, about 40 minutes), trekking tour 2-4 km (3 hours)
- Departure to the village of Saty (15 km, about 40 minutes), dinner-free
Road length: 350 km, total time: 6 hours
The second day
Saty Village (Breakfast) - Kolsai Lake - Saty Village (Lunch) - Black Canyon - Departure to Almaty
- Breakfast at the Saty (guest house)
- Departure to Kolsai Lake (15 km, about 20 minutes)
- Arrival to Kolsai Lake, trekking tour (2-6 km, 3 hours)
- Departure to the village of Saty (guest house) (15 km, about 20 minutes), lunch
- Departure to the Observation deck of the Black Canyon (60 km, approximately 50 minutes)
- Departure to Almaty (220 km approximately 3 hours)
Road length: 315 km, total time: 7 hours. The driver will leave you anywhere in the city.
You have see something is not in program?
The route can be changed or supplemented at your request; if you dream of seeing an attraction not listed in this program, contact the tour organizers - we will definitely try to resolve this issue and tell you about all possible options.
- On the 1st day, you can see other canyons in addition to or instead of the valley of castles, such as Lunny, Bestamak, Temerlik.
- On the 2nd day, you can go to the second Kolsai lake by horse or on foot.
- Instead of a guest house, you can stay overnight in tents or a hotel near Lake Kolsai.
Examples of customization options
Guide all be around
If unforeseen circumstances arise, you have any ideas, you want to clarify something - immediately contact our guides. They are always ready to help you with a variety of issues :)
Your guide is always with you
ABOUT THE TOUR
The Kolsay-Kaindy tour is a unique journey through the most picturesque landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. This route combines the beauty of mountain lakes, ancient forests, and dramatic canyons, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Lake Kaindy, known as the 'Sunken Forest', is one of the most unusual natural wonders in Kazakhstan. Formed by a massive earthquake in 1911, the lake submerged a vast spruce forest, creating an underwater landscape that resembles a scene from a fantasy film. The trunks of the trees rise from the turquoise water like ghostly sentinels, creating a surreal and hauntingly beautiful sight.
The Lower Kolsay Lake, often called the 'Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan', is surrounded by towering mountains covered with dense forests. The crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding peaks, creating a mirror-like effect that changes colors throughout the day. The hike along the lake shore offers breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife, including eagles, marmots, and the elusive snow leopard.
The Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, is a geological masterpiece carved by the Charyn River over millions of years. The 'Valley of Castles' section features bizarre rock formations that resemble medieval fortresses, mushrooms, and other fantastical shapes. The red and orange hues of the canyon walls are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the famous Sunken Forest of Lake Kaindy
- Hike along the shores of Lower Kolsay Lake
- Explore the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon
- Spot local wildlife including eagles and marmots
- Experience traditional Kazakh hospitality in Saty village
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout
COSTS
Guest House
The price includes:
- guide/driver
- fuel
- car (Land Cruiser)
- guest house accommodation
- all meals during the tour
- entrance fees to parks
Hotel
The price includes:
- guide/driver
- fuel
- car (Land Cruiser)
- hotel accommodation
- all meals during the tour
- entrance fees to parks
Kolsai Lake Hotel
The price includes:
- guide/driver
- fuel
- car (Land Cruiser)
- Kolsai Lake hotel accommodation
- all meals during the tour
- entrance fees to parks
BEST VIEW BEST PHOTO
A variety of scenic spots for photos, including picturesque landscapes, animals and unusual trees, will create bright moments for your creativity.
What Our Guests Say
Real experiences from travelers around the world
Amazing experience! Juliya is the best guide we've ever had. The Kolsay Lake tour was absolutely breathtaking. She knows every hidden spot and makes you feel safe throughout the journey.
June 15, 2024
Incredible adventure in Charyn Canyon! The rock formations are like nothing I've seen before. Juliya's knowledge of geology and local history made the tour educational and fun.
July 22, 2024
Perfect organization! Everything was well-planned from accommodation to transportation. The Singing Dunes were magical at sunset. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2024
Une expérience inoubliable! Juliya is passionate about Kazakhstan and it shows in every detail of the tour. The food was delicious and the landscapes stunning.
May 30, 2024
Best trip of my life! The mountains of Kazakhstan are spectacular. Juliya made sure we saw the most beautiful viewpoints and took amazing photos for us.
September 5, 2024
Fantastic guide and wonderful country! The horse riding tour through the steppe was a dream come true. Juliya is professional, friendly, and speaks excellent English.
July 18, 2024
FAQ
The tour price includes accommodation, all meals during the tour, transportation (car with driver), guide services, entrance fees to national parks and attractions, and bottled water. Flights to/from Almaty, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
No, we don't rush! Our philosophy is quality over quantity. We typically spend 2-4 hours at each major location, giving you time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the surroundings. We visit 1-3 places per day depending on the tour, ensuring a relaxed and immersive experience.
We use comfortable 4WD vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar) suitable for mountain roads and off-road conditions. All vehicles are well-maintained, air-conditioned, and equipped with first aid kits. For larger groups, we use minivans with ample luggage space.
Our groups are intentionally small, typically 2-8 people. This ensures personalized attention, flexibility in the itinerary, and a more intimate experience with nature. We never do mass tours with large crowds.
Most of our tours are suitable for people with average fitness levels. We offer different difficulty levels - from easy walks to moderate hikes. The guide will adjust the pace to the group's abilities. If you can walk 5-10 km on relatively flat terrain, you'll be fine for most tours.
We recommend not planning any flights or important transport on the return day until after 6 PM. Tours typically end in Almaty between 4-6 PM, but mountain roads and weather can cause delays. It's better to stay one extra night in Almaty before your departure.
Absolutely! We make regular stops every 1.5-2 hours for rest, photos, and restroom breaks. We also stop at local cafes and markets so you can try authentic Kazakh food and buy fresh produce. The journey is part of the adventure!
Essential items: comfortable hiking shoes, layers of clothing (weather changes quickly in mountains), rain jacket, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, camera, and a small backpack for day hikes. We provide a detailed packing list after booking.