Almaty in 2 Days for Friends - Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles)
In Collaboration with Kazakhstan Guided Tours. Updated on February 24, 2026.
2-day guided group tour from Almaty visiting the most famous natural sites of the Almaty region: Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake. Includes English-speaking guide, national park admissions, home-cooked meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner), bottled water, off-road transfer to Kaindy by Soviet van, and overnight accommodation in shared yurts or rooms. Evening bonfire with local food,
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Kazakhstan Guided Tours, inspired by the tour Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Canyons 2-day group tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles)
- Kolsai Lakes (mountain lakes & hiking)
- Kaindy Lake (submerged forest - off-road access by Soviet van)
- Overnight in a yurt camp with local dinner and bonfire
- English-speaking guide and national park admissions included
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Almaty, drive to Charyn Canyon, short visit and lunch, continue to the Kolsai area, arrive at the yurt camp for dinner and overnight.
Hotel pickups and briefing in Almaty
Group pickup from listed hotel pickup points in Almaty and short briefing with the guide. Guests are collected from selected central hotels; exact pickup time confirmed on booking voucher.
Tips from local experts:
- Be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time; drivers will call if a phone number is provided.
- Pack a small daypack with sunscreen, a light jacket, and any personal medications for the first day while the main luggage stays in the vehicle.
- If you booked pickup from a specific hotel, confirm your hotel name exactly (example pickup hotels include Holiday Inn Express Seifullin Ave., Kazakhstan (Express) Hotel Dostyk Ave., and Novotel Living & ibis Abylai Khan Ave.).
Drive to Charyn Canyon (transfer)
Scenic drive east from Almaty towards Charyn National Park. Short restroom/stretch stops en route are included.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive includes long stretches on highways; bring a light neck pillow and motion-sickness remedies if you are susceptible.
- Restroom stops are limited between towns—use rest stops when the guide announces them.
- Carry a snack or light fruit for the drive in addition to the provided bottled water.
Visit Charyn Canyon — Valley of Castles
Guided visit to the most accessible viewpoint and short walking trail through the Valley of Castles. Picnic-style lunch provided during the visit (included).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed shoes with good grip for the short walk on uneven rocky ground.
- Bring a sun hat and sunscreen; shade is limited at viewpoints.
- Keep to marked paths and follow the guide's safety instructions near cliff edges.
Drive toward Kolsai Lakes area (transfer)
After Charyn, the group continues to the Kolsai Lakes area. Expect scenic steppe and mountain foothills; travel time includes short stops.
Tips from local experts:
- The transfer may include short gravel sections—secure loose items and sit comfortably during bumpy stretches.
- Keep your camera easily accessible; there are several roadside viewpoints.
- Use this time to relax; the guide will confirm approximate arrival time to the camp and dinner arrangements.
Arrive Yurt camp — dinner and bonfire
Check-in to shared yurts or rooms near the foothills. Enjoy a home-cooked Kazakh dinner, games and a bonfire. Overnight in shared gender-separated yurts or rooms (attached WC available).
Tips from local experts:
- Yurts are shared by same-gender participants; if you prefer a room with a private WC, notify the operator in advance (rooms may be available).
- Evenings can be chilly in the foothills—bring a warm layer and a small torch for moving around at night.
- A bonfire is planned after dinner; if you have sensitivities to smoke or open flames, let the guide know in advance.
Day 2
Off-road transfer to Kaindy Lake, exploration of Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, return drive to Almaty and hotel drop-offs in the evening.
Breakfast and off-road transfer to Kaindy (Soviet van)
Early breakfast at the camp followed by the included off-road transfer to Kaindy Lake using a Soviet-style van for the rough final section.
Tips from local experts:
- The off-road van ride can be bumpy—secure small loose items and wear a seatbelt where available.
- Bring a small waterproof layer in case of light rain during the transfer or at the lakes.
- Carry any personal items you need for the morning in a daypack; main luggage remains at the camp.
Explore Kaindy Lake (submerged forest)
Guided walk along the shore to view the submerged forest and clear mountain water. Time for photos and short rest stops.
Tips from local experts:
- The trail around Kaindy is uneven and can be wet—rubber-soled shoes are recommended.
- Keep noise to a minimum to preserve the calm atmosphere and for wildlife; follow the guide's route.
- Swimming is not recommended due to cold water and submerged trees; enjoy photos from shore.
Transfer to Kolsai Lakes (drive)
Short drive from Kaindy area to the Kolsai Lakes trailhead. Lunch is provided (included) either before or after arrival depending on timing.
Tips from local experts:
- There are short uphill sections at the Kolsai trailhead—use trekking poles if you prefer extra stability.
- Carry your lunch and water if provided as a packed meal, and keep a light snack for energy on the walk.
- Restroom facilities at the trailhead are basic; plan accordingly before starting the hike.
Hike and explore Kolsai Lakes (Upper/Scenic viewpoints)
Guided walk to enjoy the lake shore and viewpoints. Moderate fitness required; time allotted to soak in the landscape and have lunch if not already taken.
Tips from local experts:
- The main walk to the upper Kolsai viewpoint includes moderate uphill sections—expect uneven paths and natural steps.
- Bring layered clothing; mountain weather can change quickly even in September.
- Keep all litter with you; the area is protected and national park admissions are included.
Return drive to Almaty
After Kolsai, board the van for the return journey to Almaty with short comfort stops en route. Estimated arrival in Almaty in the early evening depending on traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a multi-hour drive back to Almaty; charge devices and keep essential items in your daypack.
- Mobile reception may be intermittent on the return route; coordinate a meeting point in Almaty with the guide if needed.
- If you need a quick stop (restroom, local snacks), tell the guide during the first part of the return drive.
Hotel drop-offs in Almaty
Drop-off at central Almaty hotels where possible; exact drop-off order depends on traffic and hotel locations.
Tips from local experts:
- Drop-off order is determined for efficiency; be patient if your hotel is last on the route.
- Check you have all personal belongings before leaving the vehicle; ask the guide to assist with luggage if needed.
- If you require a specific early drop-off point in Almaty, advise the guide at the start of day 2.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Hotel, Outdoor |
