Almaty, Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes, 6 Days
A journey through southeastern Kazakhstan combines an introduction to Almaty and the nature of the Tien Shan. Over six days, you will see the red cliffs of Charyn Canyon, the coniferous forests at Kolsai Lake-1, and the famous trunks of flooded spruce trees at Kaindy Lake. Two nights in the village of Saty allow you to visit the lakes without returning to Almaty daily. The program includes walks along accessible sections of coastal trails, a trip to Kaindy by off-road transport, and home-cooked dinners at a guesthouse. After returning to the city, Medeu and a cable car ascent to the Shymbulak resort await you. The tour is designed for travelers who enjoy nature, photography, and walking. No special hiking training is required; however, you should be prepared for long drives, uneven trails, and inclines. Visits to the second and third Kolsai Lakes are not included in the basic program.
Trip Highlights
- Historical center of Almaty and Ascension Cathedral
- Red rocks of the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon
- Kolsai-1 mountain lake and coniferous forests
- The sunken forest of Lake Kaindy
- Two nights in a guesthouse in Saty
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
- Professional guides for excursions according to the program
- Accommodation according to the program — 5 nights
- Breakfasts on days 2–6
- Lunches or lunch boxes on days 2–4
- Dinners at the guesthouse in Saty — 2 evenings
- Transport and all transfers according to the program
- Off-road vehicle for the trip to Kaindy
- Medeu — Shymbulak — Medeu cable car
- Entrance tickets and national park fees according to the program
Not Included
- International airfare
- Visa and visa fees, if required
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Boat rentals and horseback riding
- Additional ski lifts and entertainment at Shymbulak
Accommodation
Almaty — 4* hotel, 3 nights. Saty — guesthouse, 2 nights. Standard accommodation is in double/twin rooms. Conditions in Saty are simpler than in the city hotel; the availability of a private bathroom and the room type are confirmed upon booking. Specific hotels and the guesthouse are indicated in the confirmed program.
Transport
Car, minivan, or minibus depending on the group size. Local off-road transport is used for the trip to Kaindy Lake. A walk is scheduled from the drop-off point to the lake. The ascent to the Shymbulak resort and the descent are by cable car from Medeu.
Good to Know
For walking, you will need comfortable shoes with non-slip soles, warm clothing, a raincoat, headwear, and sun protection. It can be cool in the mountains even in summer, while it can be hot in Charyn Canyon. The route includes descents, ascents, and uneven natural trails. The duration of the walks is selected based on the weather and the participants' capabilities. The hike to Kolsai-2 and a visit to Kolsai-3 are not included. The trip to Kaindy depends on road conditions and access to the national park. The operation of the cable car depends on the weather and technical maintenance. In case of restrictions, the order of excursions or program substitutions will be agreed upon with the travelers.