Private Day Tour: Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lake

5.0
(4 reviews)
Almaty, Kazakhstan

12 to 15 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Why choose our Private Experience?

Unlike the big crowded bus tours, we offer a journey that feels like traveling with a local friend who knows all the secrets of Kazakhstan. Here is what sets us apart:

100% Flexible & Private: This tour is just for you and your group. We don’t follow a rigid schedule. Want to spend an extra hour at the lake or stop for a photo in a random field of wildflowers? It’s your call.

The "Hidden" Canyons: Most tours only show you the main Charyn Canyon. We take you deeper to the Moon Canyon, where you can enjoy and see more.

SUV Comfort: Forget about bumpy old vans. You’ll travel in a clean, modern, and air-conditioned 4x4 SUV, perfectly equipped for mountain roads. We always have fresh bottled water inside

Expert Local Storytelling: We don't just give you dates and facts. We share the legends, the history, and the modern life of Almaty

Stress-Free Experience: From hotel pickup to the best lunch spots in local villages, we handle every detail

What's Included

Private transportation
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Pick up from any place
Tour Guide

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
OR
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 12 to 15 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Charyn Canyon National Park

    Prepare to be awestruck by one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Central Asia. Stretching for 154 kilometers, Charyn Canyon is a geological masterpiece carved by the Charyn River over 12 million years. Its most famous part, the "Valley of Castles," looks like a scene from an ancient legend. What you will do: Epic Hike: We will hike through the bottom of the canyon (approx. 2-3 km), surrounded by towering red sandstone walls that reach up to 300 meters high. Identify the "Castles": See the unique rock formations that resemble giant fortresses, towers, and mystical figures sculpted by nature's hand. River Oasis: At the end of the trail, we’ll reach the Charyn River, where you can rest in the shade of ancient Ash trees and enjoy the cool breeze by the rushing water. Top-Down Views: We will also visit the upper panoramic viewpoints for that iconic "Grand Canyon" photo that everyone wants to take.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Kolsay Lakes Town

    Next you will have another 1,30 hours of beautiful road to Kolsay River. On arrival our gide will show you all the beuty of this place. In Kolsay lake area there some acitivities you can take up on your choise like horse walking, swimming on boats, walking on the Lake area. Usually this activity takes about 2 hours but depending on our guests it can take more. The way back to the Almaty city takes 4 dirivng hours. So, dear adventurer, Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake awaits, ready to unfold its stories and wonders from beginning to end.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon)

    Stepping into the Moon Canyon feels like landing on another planet. Unlike the red rocks of the main Charyn, this hidden gem is famous for its unique yellow and clay formations that glow under the sun, creating a landscape that looks truly lunar. What you will do: Exclusive Hike: We’ll take a gentle walk through the winding, soft-clay passages where the silence is breathtaking. Panoramic Views: We’ll reach the best viewpoints to see the vast, labyrinth-like structures from above — perfect for those "out of this world" photos. Hidden Gems: Since this spot is less crowded than the "Valley of Castles," you’ll enjoy a more private and peaceful connection with nature. Geological Wonders: You'll see firsthand how wind and water have sculpted these soft rocks over millions of years into smooth, flowing shapes. This is the part of the journey where the "wow" factor hits the hardest. It’s quiet, majestic, and completely different from anything else in Kazakhstan.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Time travel is added to the total time duration.
Supplied by Travel_in_Almaty

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Car Tours
Shore Excursions
Adventure Tours
New Product
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 4 4 reviews
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