Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Day Trip from Almaty
Is a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Day Trip Worth It?
A Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake day trip from Almaty is absolutely worth it for the scenery, but it is also one of the longest and most exhausting tours I have taken. My tour started before sunrise, included hours of driving, multiple hiking stops, a rough ride to Kaindy Lake, and did not get back to Almaty until late at night.
The highlights were incredible. Charyn Canyon felt like a smaller version of the American Southwest, Kolsay Lake looked like a mountain lake from the Canadian Rockies or Slovenia, and Kaindy Lake was one of the most unique places I saw in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the tour had some logistical issues, including two vans with one guide, unclear meeting times, and a schedule that ran much later than expected.
If you only have limited time in Almaty and want to see as much as possible in one day, I do recommend this tour. Just know what you are signing up for. This is a beautiful but very long Kazakhstan day trip from Almaty.
My Experience: I took this tour from Almaty with Panda Travel in August 2025. I paid for the tour myself, was not sponsored, and did not tell Panda Travel I was a travel blogger. This review is based on my actual experience visiting Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Black Canyon in one long day.
Table of Contents
- Is a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Day Trip Worth It?
- Why I Chose a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour from Almaty
- Booking a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour
- Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour from Almaty
- Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tips
- Panda Travel Review
- Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake FAQ
- Video Highlights – Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Why I Chose a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour from Almaty
After a day of exploring Almaty, it was time to get out of the city and see the countryside. Ever since I chose Kazakhstan as a destination, I had wanted to visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake.
I decided to take a tour because driving in Kazakhstan did not look like something I wanted to try on my own. With high speed limits, tailgating, and roads that could suddenly change from pavement to dirt, I thought it would be best to be driven by someone who knew the area.
This was also the easiest way to visit all three places in one day. Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake are not close to Almaty, and combining them into one day requires a lot of driving and a very early start.
If you are planning a Kazakhstan itinerary, this tour pairs well with my pages about Walking Around Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park, and my Kazakhstan First Impressions.
Booking a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour
I booked my Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake tour with Panda Travel. It was a budget-friendly group tour, and that is important to keep in mind. The scenery was amazing, but the organization was not perfect.
If you want to book a similar tour from Almaty, I recommend comparing a few options. A one-day tour is the most efficient option, but after doing it myself, I understand why some travelers might prefer a two-day version with more time at the lakes and less rushing.
I’m a Viator affiliate, and if you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend tour options that make sense for the destination.
Starting the Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour from Almaty
My day began with a 4:00 a.m. wake-up for this marathon tour. By 4:30 a.m., I was on a Yandex scooter, which was easy to rent by the minute through the app, and on my way to the pickup location near the Almaty Hotel on Baitursynov Street.
Even though I had done a trial run the day before, I was still a bit overwhelmed by the number of buses and signs in Russian. I eventually found the Panda Travel van, but the day got off to a less-than-perfect start.
Unfortunately, our original tour guide had called in sick, and Panda Travel contacted another guide only about 20 minutes before departure. We had to pick him up on the way. By about 5:30 a.m., we were finally on the road toward our first stop, Charyn Canyon.
Visiting Charyn Canyon on a Day Trip from Almaty
It was about three hours from Almaty to Charyn Canyon. Our group was split into two small vans, and we did not benefit from having the guide in ours. I had no idea what the day’s itinerary looked like until we arrived.
Exploring the Upper Rim at Charyn Canyon
Once we arrived, our guide explained that we would have time to explore both the upper and lower areas of the canyon. The upper area is best from the observation platform or by hiking along the canyon rim.
The rim hike was fairly easy and mostly flat, but there were no fences or protective barriers. I would not call it difficult, but you do need to pay attention, especially if you are taking photos near the edge.
The day of my tour, the temperature was 99°F and extremely sunny. I wished I had brought a long-sleeved sun shirt with SPF protection and a better hat. After about 30 minutes along the rim, we met back at the observation platform to walk as a group down the steps into Charyn Canyon.
Hiking Down Into Charyn Canyon
There are about 150 steps leading down into the canyon. The steps were sturdy, and it was an easy walk down, although I did wonder how the climb back up would feel later in the day.
Once in the canyon, we hiked about 2.5 km to the Charyn River. The walk was spectacular, with changing colors across the canyon walls. It reminded me of the American Southwest, especially Utah and the Badlands of South Dakota.
Our guide did not keep the group together, so we explored at our own pace. I stayed toward the back so I could get unobstructed photos. Two of my favorite views were a lonely tree and a rock that looked like it was defying gravity.
One small gripe: a group doing a photoshoot near a rock “tunnel” refused to step aside and acted like they owned the whole canyon. Other than that, hiking through Charyn Canyon was one of the best parts of the day.
Reaching the Charyn River
It took about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the oasis near the Charyn River, where everything suddenly turned green. After a few minutes enjoying the scenery, I had a choice: walk back mostly uphill to the steps or pay for a Soviet-era vehicle.
At the time of my visit, the ride cost ₸500. I chose the vehicle, and about 10 minutes later, I was back at the canyon steps. The climb up still took some effort, and I was definitely huffing and puffing during the last 20 steps.
Panda Travel Kazakhstan Review: Where the Logistics Slipped
This is where I had my first real complaint about Panda Travel. Our guide did not clearly communicate when and where to meet. Some people took the vehicle back, others walked, and I ended up waiting for over an hour.
That made the stop closer to 3.5 hours instead of the two hours we were originally told. I would have loved to use that extra time to explore more of the upper rim, but I did not want to wander off and risk holding up the group.
This became a theme throughout the day. The natural sights were incredible, but the group logistics were not always clear.
Visiting Black Canyon on the Way to Kolsay Lake
After leaving Charyn Canyon, we stopped for about 15 minutes at Black Canyon. Black Canyon is supposed to look like the surface of the moon, and the observation area provided a great view.
Once again, because our guide was not in our van, we never really learned much about Black Canyon beyond what I had read in the tour brochure. It was still worth the quick stop, but it felt more like a photo break than a guided experience.
Visiting Kolsay Lake on a Day Trip from Almaty
Eventually, we were back in transit and on our way to Kolsay Lake, which was also our lunch stop. We were offered about five restaurant options. I chose one with traditional Kazakh cuisine and ordered Kuurdak.
After a hearty meal, it was time to explore Kolsay Lake.
Getting to Kolsay Lake
There is an upper observation point near the entrance with a decent view, but the best views require hiking down to the lake. The path is about 500 meters and is downhill on the way in.
For travelers who do not want to hike, there were other options during my visit, including a local vehicle or horseback riding. I chose to hike and stopped for photos along the way.
Kolsay Lake Was Beautiful But Crowded
Kolsay Lake is popular with both tourists and locals, and I was surprised by how many people were visiting. At times, there were traffic jams on the walking path and crowds around the main viewpoints.
The lake itself was beautiful, but this was not a quiet wilderness experience. If you are visiting on a day tour from Almaty, expect other tour groups, local visitors, boat rentals, and crowded photo spots.
Walking Along Kolsay Lake
At the shore, I decided to walk around the lake. I did not see an easy full loop around the lake during my visit, but there were paths that went partway along the shoreline in both directions. I chose the right-hand path, which was opposite the boat rental docks.
If you want to rent a boat or catamaran, go left. If you want a quieter walk away from the crowds, go right.
The right-hand path was much less crowded and gave me a better chance to enjoy the scenery without constantly dodging people.
Kolsay Lake Compared to Banff, Jasper, and Lake Bled
Kolsay Lake is beautiful and reminded me of mountain lakes like Lake Bled and those in Banff and Jasper National Parks. The combination of blue-green water, forest, and mountains made it feel very different from Charyn Canyon earlier in the day.
That variety is one of the main reasons I think this tour is worth considering. In one day, you get a canyon, a mountain lake, and the unusual sunken forest at Kaindy Lake.
Taking the Shortcut Back from Kolsay Lake
When it was time to head back up, I took the shortcut. It was much steeper but shorter, and there was a great viewpoint near the top.
This was another moment when the tour felt disorganized. Several group members were late, and there was confusion over whether our guide said to meet at 3:00 or 3:30. Apparently, different people had been told different times.
Getting to Kaindy Lake from Kolsay Lake
Back in the van, it was about an hour to Kaindy Lake. To reach the lake area, we switched from our regular van to a Soviet-era UAZ minibus. The road to Kaindy Lake was extremely rough, and it took almost an hour to go 12 km. Three times, the UAZ had to drive through a river.
If you get motion sickness, bring medication. The vehicle bounced all over, there was no air conditioning, and the driver played loud music the entire ride. It was memorable, but not exactly comfortable.
The Rough UAZ Ride to Kaindy Lake
Despite the rough ride, Kaindy Lake was spectacular. From the parking area, there were several ways to continue toward the lake during my visit: walking uphill, renting a horse, or paying for a local Soviet-era vehicle.
I was worn out by this point, so I paid for the vehicle. At the time of my visit, it cost ₸500 each way. Even after the ride, it was still a steep walk of about 300 meters to reach Kaindy Lake.
Kaindy Lake and Its Sunken Forest
Kaindy Lake is like nothing else I have seen. It formed after a 1911 earthquake triggered a landslide that created a natural dam. Over time, water filled the valley and submerged the spruce trees.
Today, the lifeless tree trunks still stick out of the water like a phantom forest frozen in time. This was probably the most unique stop of the entire tour. Charyn Canyon was dramatic, Kolsay Lake was beautiful, but Kaindy Lake felt truly different.
Best Viewpoints at Kaindy Lake
There are multiple viewpoints at Kaindy Lake, and I recommend seeing it from several angles if you have time. The views change depending on where you stand, and the sunken trees look different from each viewpoint.
The walk back up to the vehicle was tough. By this point in the day, I was pretty wiped out. It was around 7:30 p.m. and getting dark when we started heading back. Once again, a few group members were late, which pushed us even farther behind schedule.
Returning to Almaty After Kaindy Lake
It took about an hour to retrace our steps on the Soviet-era UAZ minibus. Once we were back on the regular vans, it was another 3.5 hours to Almaty.
We arrived back at 11:15 p.m., which was 2 hours and 15 minutes later than expected. This was disappointing because I had to wake up at 4:30 a.m. the next morning for my Altyn-Emel National Park tour.
By the time I got back to my hotel, it was midnight, and I did not fall asleep until almost 1:00 a.m. That made for a very tiring next day, but the back-to-back tours also showed me two very different sides of Kazakhstan.
Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tips
If you are planning a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake day trip from Almaty, here are my biggest tips:
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeved sun shirt with SPF protection. It was extremely hot and sunny at Charyn Canyon during my visit.
- Bring plenty of water. This is a long day with hiking, heat, and a lot of time in vehicles.
- Wear sturdy shoes. The paths at Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake are not technical, but they are rocky and uneven in places.
- Bring snacks or buy snacks along the way. Lunch was included in the schedule, but the day was long enough that I was glad to have extra food.
- Bring small cash. Bathrooms became more primitive as the day went on, and I needed ₸100 coins for some facilities.
- Expect squat toilets at some stops.
- If you get motion sickness, bring medication for the UAZ ride to Kaindy Lake.
- Do not expect perfect organization if you book a budget group tour.
- Do not buy fermented horse milk in a cup without a lid and then try to drink it on the bus. Yes, someone did this.
Panda Travel Kazakhstan Review
I have mixed thoughts on Panda Travel.
First, through no fault of their own, our original guide got sick. The replacement guide only had about 20 minutes to get ready, so I understand that the day started with a challenge.
However, two vans and one guide made for a frustrating setup. Our van did not have the guide, and our driver did not speak English, so we received very little information until we got out at each stop.
The schedule also felt disorganized. Meeting points and meeting times were not always clear, and late returns pushed the tour farther and farther behind.
The sights themselves were stunning. Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake were some of the most amazing places I visited in Kazakhstan. However, they are also popular, so do not expect solitude.
Finally, our driver kept turning off the air conditioning. When it was off, the van became unbearably hot, and we had to keep asking him to turn it back on.
So yes, I do recommend Panda Travel, but with reservations. Know that this is a discount tour, and the service may reflect the price. For me, the scenery made the long and chaotic day worth it, but travelers who want a smoother experience may want to compare small-group or private tour options.
Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake FAQ
Can You Visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake in One Day from Almaty?
Yes, you can visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake in one day from Almaty, but it is a very long day. My tour started before sunrise and did not return to Almaty until 11:15 p.m.
This is a good option if you have limited time in Kazakhstan, but it is not a relaxing day trip.
Is the Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Day Trip Worth It?
Yes, the Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake day trip is worth it for the scenery. Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake were my two favorite stops, and Kolsay Lake was also beautiful.
However, I would only recommend this tour if you are prepared for a long day, early pickup, rough roads, crowds, and some possible disorganization.
Do You Need a Tour to Visit Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake?
I chose a tour because the distances are long, the roads can be rough, and I did not want to drive in Kazakhstan. Independent travel may be possible, but for most visitors, a tour is the easiest way to see all three places in one day.
How Long Does the Day Trip from Almaty Take?
Expect a full-day commitment. My tour left early in the morning and returned very late at night. Between Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake, and the rough transfer to Kaindy Lake, this is not a short day trip.
Which Was Better: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, or Kaindy Lake?
For me, Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake were the highlights. Charyn Canyon had the most dramatic landscapes, while Kaindy Lake was the most unique. Kolsay Lake was beautiful too, but it was more crowded than I expected.
What Should I Bring on a Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake Tour?
I recommend bringing water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes, small cash, motion sickness medication if needed, and a long-sleeved sun shirt with SPF protection. You should also bring patience because this is a long day with a lot of moving parts.
Join me for a 4:00 a.m. to late-night push from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsay Lake, and Kaindy Lake in one day. Expect honest moments, some travel chaos, and the practical tips you need to make this marathon day actually work, plus a straight-up review of Panda Travel.
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