ABOUT THE TOUR

Explogio Travel offers one-day tours from Almaty, multi-day private tours, custom programs, and SUV jeep tours across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Our itineraries include excursions from Almaty, trips to mountain lakes, canyons, gorges, waterfalls, and plateaus. We organize private tours from Almaty, SUV tours, jeep tours, visits to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai, Kaindy, and Issyk Lakes, as well as tours around the Almaty region and unique routes in Kyrgyzstan.

The two-day journey begins in Almaty and takes you to the most picturesque places of Zhetysu.

The first stop is Charyn Canyon — the majestic “Valley of Castles,” where whimsical rocks and deep gorges seem to transport you to another world. After exploring the canyon, the road continues into the mountains to the village of Saty, where guests will enjoy a cozy guesthouse and a homemade lunch. Next, the route leads to the mysterious Kaindy Lake — a place with a submerged forest, where tree trunks rise directly from the emerald water. In the evening, return to the village for dinner, a campfire, and a night in the mountains.

On the second day, travelers head to Kolsay Lake — a quiet and harmonious corner of nature, reflecting firs and mountain slopes. After a walk and lunch, the journey continues to the Black Canyon — a rugged and monumental gorge, impressive in its power. The trip concludes with dinner on the road (optional) and a return to Almaty.

In two days, you will experience a full palette of Kazakhstan’s natural beauty: the grandeur of canyons, the mystery of lakes, and the serenity of mountain valleys.

  • Distance
    Total distance: about 690 km (round trip)
    Total travel time: 12 hours
  • Group
    Group size: 1–4 passengers per car (excluding the driver)
  • Difficulty
    Difficulty level – suitable for beginners, easy hiking
Tour plan:
Day 1
  • Departure from Almaty at 08:00
  • Arrival at Charyn Canyon, walk along the viewpoint
  • Departure to the village of Saty
  • Arrival at the guesthouse, check-in
  • Lunch
  • Departure to Kaindy Lake
  • Arrival at the parking lot
  • Hiking to the lake and surrounding areas
  • Return to the village of Saty
  • Dinner
  • Campfire, free time
Day 2
  • Wake up, breakfast
  • Departure to Kolsay Lake
  • Arrival at the lake, walk around the area
  • Return to the guesthouse
  • Lunch
  • Departure to Black Canyon
  • Stop at the Black Canyon viewpoint
  • Optional dinner stop at a café
  • Departure back to the city
  • Arrival in Almaty around 20:00
Accommodation during the trip can vary: standard guesthouses or yurts, comfortable hotel rooms, or stylish A-frame cabins. The tour price includes guesthouses or yurts by default, but we can adjust the cost if you choose a different accommodation option.
Tour price
Detailed description of what is included in the tour and any additional expenses
Tour cost
340 000 KZT for 4 people
If fewer participants
3 people — 320 000 KZT
2 people — 300 000 KZT
1 person — 280 000 KZT

  • Guide services
  • Meals
  • First aid kit
  • Eco fees (entrance to national parks)
Optional expenses
50 000 KZT
  • Pocket expenses
  • Catamaran or boat rental
  • Meals on the road
  • Horseback riding
WHAT TO BRING:
  • Documents and money
    Passport or ID, medical insurance, cash, and bank card
  • Clothing and footwear
    From light clothing to a warm jacket — weather in the mountains changes quickly. Footwear: comfortable sneakers or trekking boots, and lightweight sandals for relaxing.
  • Personal hygiene
    Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, wet wipes, towel, and any personal items you may need
  • Sun protection
    Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Medications
    Bandages, antiseptic, painkillers, and any personal medications
  • Equipment
    A comfortable hiking backpack, power bank, water bottle, flashlight, and small items to make your trek more comfortable
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