Canyon, lakes and the sunken forest
A night in a village guesthouse in Saty, then Kaindy before the crowds and the Kolsai lakes after.
- Starts and ends
- Almaty
- Distance
- 650 km by road
- Length
- 2 days, 1 night
- Start time
- 07:00
- Season
- May to October
- Language
- English, Russian
- Level
- Average
- Options
- Group or private
Group: join others on a fixed date. Private: your own guide and car on your date.
Kolsai & Kaindy, 2 days
The classic. We sleep in Saty so you see Kaindy at 8 a.m., when the water is still. Dinner is at the guesthouse table with the family who owns it.
Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty to Saty
- Hotel pick-up
- Charyn Canyon, Valley of Castles
- Lunch in a village on the road
- Arrive in Saty, guesthouse check-in
- Family dinner, with beshbarmak if you ask
Day 2: The lakes
- Lake Kaindy, sunken spruce forest
- Lower Kolsai lake, boat ride and walk
- Late lunch
- Back in Almaty
Times are a guide and can shift with season and road conditions. If weather or a road closure blocks a stop, your guide offers another one. Refunds do not apply to a stop skipped for safety.
Included
- Guide and van with air conditioning
- One night in a guesthouse
- Dinner and breakfast
- Park and permit fees
Not included
- Lunches
- Tips
- Vegetarian dinner swap is free. Special diets cost extra.
Group or private
Prices are in US dollars. The deposit and balance rules are below.
Group
$189per person, adults and youths 13 and over.
Children 5 to 12: $151.
Under 5: not on this trip.
Small group, up to 12 guests. Meeting point: Hotel pick-up in central Almaty.
Book a group seatPrivate
One group of travellers, no one else. Total price for the whole party.
| Guests | Total | Each, about | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | $640 | $320 | 4x4 or minivan |
| 3 | $655 | $218 | 4x4 or minivan |
| 4 | $665 | $166 | 4x4 or minivan |
| 5 | $690 | $138 | Minivan |
| 6 to 7 | $895 | $128 | Van |
| 8 to 12 | $1,215 | $101 | Minibus |
More than 12? Send us a message for a custom price.
Book privatePick a date
Want your own date? Book private
Know this
- Bring your original passport. The lakes are near the Kyrgyz border and checks happen.
- The Kaindy path is rocky. Wear boots.
Not for everyone
- Not allowed for guests who cannot take long drives or hikes.
- Not recommended during pregnancy.
Deposit and changes
- Group: 30% deposit. Free change up to 24 hours before.
- Private: $100 per booking. Free change up to 72 hours before.
- We cancel a group 48 hours ahead if fewer than 4 guests book or if weather or roads block it. You choose a new date or a refund.
- Balance goes to your guide on day one.