I joined a small-group trip from Almaty to Charyn Canyon with Kazakhstan Guided Tours and it turned out to be one of the most memorable tours I’ve ever been on.
Driver Ruslan kept us comfortable on the long stretches of road, but it was our guide Aider who really made the trip special. He adjusted the itinerary based on weather forecasts and shared endless insights about Kazakh history, culture, and daily life.
In this article I’ll share my full experience. But before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, I’ll start with a quick overview of how the tour works and why I recommend the 2-day option over the long and rushed 1-day version.
Also read: Complete Guide Of Almaty With Things To Do And Day Trips
Quick Facts | Charyn Canyon & Lakes Tour from Almaty
Before diving into the day-by-day details, here’s a quick overview of the trip. I joined this 2-day tour, which I think is the perfect amount of time.
There’s also a 1-day version that squeezes everything into about 16 hours, but it feels rushed, misses out on the overnight yurt experience and is just such an extremely long day.
| Quick facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tour length | 2 days / 1 night (Day 1: canyons + Kolsai Lake I; Day 2: Lake Kaindy + return) |
| Departure point | Almaty (hotel pick-up included) |
| Group size | max. 16 travellers, comfortable bus, excellent driver & guide |
| Accommodation | Overnight in a yurt camp near Saty village |
| 1-day vs 2-day option | 1-day tour is cheaper (~16 hrs) but rushed. 2-day tour includes yurt overnight, dinner, campfire & more time at each stop |
Day 1 | Charyn Canyon Tour Highlights & Kolsai Lakes
Charyn Canyon – The Valley of Castles
After leaving Almaty and a three-hour drive east on mostly perfect roads, we reached Charyn Canyon. This natural wonder stretches for over 150 kilometres along the Charyn River and is often compared to the Grand Canyon, though on a smaller scale.
The canyon was carved over millions of years by the river cutting down into layers of sandstone and older Paleozoic rock. Wind and rain further sculpted the cliffs into bizarre towers and shapes, especially in the famous Valley of Castles.
Walking down the long wooden staircase into the canyon, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by these formations, which really do look like ruined fortresses.
The hike to the river takes around 45 minutes, with viewpoints and climbable boulders along the way. At the bottom the landscape changes completely: shady trees, cooler air, and the sound of the river rushing past. Some people dipped their feet into the water, while others just enjoyed a rest in the shade.
For the return, you can either hike back up or hop into a local 4×4 truck that shuttles visitors for a small fee (included in our tour).
Moon Canyon & Black Canyon
From there we made two shorter stops along the Charyn River. Moon Canyon gets its name from its unusual, rounded rock formations, shaped by softer sediments eroding faster than the harder rock layers. The viewpoints here make you feel as if you’re looking across a lunar landscape.
Black Canyon is the opposite: sheer, dark cliffs plunge down to the roaring Charyn River below. The steep walls here show just how powerful water erosion can be, cutting deep and narrow into solid rock over time.
Lunch Stop
By now we were hungry, and lunch at a small guesthouse was a treat. We started with lagman (soup) with some bread, followed by beshbarmak (pasta with meat), and a table full of local sweets and side dishes.
Kolsai Lake I
In the afternoon we reached the first of the Kolsai Lakes, a chain of three mountain lakes in the northern Tien Shan.
These lakes are of landslide origin: centuries ago, massive landslides blocked river valleys, creating natural dams that filled with water. The result is a series of turquoise lakes tucked between steep forested slopes.
It’s a bit of a descent to the first lake, but the views are worth it. We rented a pedalo for an hour and drifted across the water, surrounded by pine trees and alpine scenery. The climb back up can be done on foot, or you can ride a horse for a small fee.
Overnight in Saty Village
We ended the day in a yurt camp near the village of Saty. The yurts were cosy and decorated with colourful Kazakh textiles, though facilities were simple.
Dinner was pasta with horse meat (beshbarmak), which was a novelty for many in our group.
Afterwards, we gathered around a campfire, played games, and shared stories. The perfect way to end the first day of this already unforgettable tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon.
Day 2 | Lake Kaindy Tour (The Sunken Forest)
Hike or Horseback Ride to Lake Kaindy
After breakfast we set off for our final stop: Lake Kaindy, famous for its sunken forest. The bus took us part of the way, but the last stretch required a bone-rattling 4×4 ride along a bumpy track to the river crossing.
From there, you can either hike up for 45 minutes or ride a horse. I opted for the hike, since I’m a little scared of horses. Most of the group went on horseback though, but still we all arrived around the same time.
The Sunken Forest
Lake Kaindy was formed after the Kebin earthquake in 1911 triggered a massive landslide. Limestone debris blocked a gorge, and meltwater soon filled the basin.
The water submerged a spruce forest, and because the lake stays icy cold year-round (max 6 °C in summer), the tree trunks are still preserved more than a century later.
Standing at the shore, the sight is surreal: dozens of grey tree trunks stick straight out of the turquoise water, while below the surface the branches remain intact. There are several viewing platforms, but it’s worth wandering around for different perspectives.
Drive the long road back to Almaty
After soaking in the views, we retraced our steps — back down to the river, into the 4×4, then the bus. And then after 2 fun days it was time for the long drive back, past Charyn Canyon, all the way to Almaty where the tour finished.
Route Map of the Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty
Check out the map with the route of the Charyn Canyon tour from Almaty. All the stops from the 2-day tour are included.
How to Book the 2-day tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon
The tour I did is organised a few times per week by Kazakhstan Guided Tours and can easily be booked on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Book the 2-day tour to Charyn Canyon & Lakes from Almaty right here. Or check availability in the widget below:
Don’t have 2 days? Then book the 1-day Charyn Canyon & Lakes tour right here.
Tips for Your Charyn Canyon & Lakes Tour
- When to go | Summer brings warm weather but hot canyons; spring and autumn are cooler. Kaindy Lake stays cold year-round.
- What to bring | Layers, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, snacks, and cash for extras like horseback rides, truck shuttles or a ride on a pedalo.
- Fitness level | Moderate. Expect uphill climbs at Charyn and Kolsai, plus the Kaindy hike. Horses and vehicles are available.
- Accommodation | Yurt camp near Saty, basic but comfortable for one night.
- Food | Local dishes included with vegetarian options available. Pack extras if you’re picky.
- Stay connected | Get an eSIM via Saily or buy a local SIM card when you arrive in Kazakhstan. Use my referral code MARTIN84627 when using Saily for 5 USD off your first eSIM purchase.
- Travel Insurance | Always a good idea. Readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% off Heymondo travel insurance that covers Kazakhstan.
Is the 2-Day Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty Worth It?
Absolutely! This 2-day tour was one of the best I’ve ever taken. The combination of stunning canyons, alpine lakes, and a yurt overnight made it unforgettable.
The social side with campfire games, group meals added an experience that the rushed 1-day version simply can’t match. If you’re visiting Almaty and only have time for one excursion, make it this one.
Have you already been on a Charyn Canyn tour from Almaty or are you planning to? Share your experience or questions in the comments below ore reach out t me on Instagram. For more travel inspiration subscribe to my newsletter and receive new itineraries and travel tips in your mail.
Planning your trip to Kazakhstan? Then make sure to take a look at my complete Kazakhstan Travel Guide. And don’t miss my latest Kazakhstan articles:
- 10 Spectacular Things to See & Do in Kazakhstan
- Best Coffee in Almaty | 9 Specialty Coffee Shops & Cafés to Try
- Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty with Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes
- Where to Stay in Kazakhstan | My Favourite Hotels
- Kazakhstan Travel Tips | What to Know Before You Go
- 12 Things to Do in Astana, Kazakhstan’s Futuristic Capital
- Complete Guide of Almaty with Things to Do and Day Trips
- Things to Do in Shymkent, Kazakhstan | Complete Travel Guide
- Complete Guide to Turkistan | Kazakhstan’s Spiritual Capital
- Kazakhstan Itinerary | 9 Days of Cities, Canyons & Culture
FAQs about the Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty
Charyn Canyon is about 200 km east of Almaty. By bus or car it takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yes, there are one-day tours from Almaty that combine Charyn Canyon with Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. However, they take about 16-17 hours and feel rushed. A 2-day tour gives you more time at each site and includes a yurt overnight.
Absolutely. Lake Kaindy is famous for its “sunken forest,” created after a 1911 earthquake. The ghostly spruce trunks rising from turquoise water make it one of Kazakhstan’s most unique sights.
Moderate fitness is enough. Expect some uphill walks at Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Lake Kaindy. Horses or local shuttles are available if you prefer not to hike.
