Golden Ring of Semirechye — 2-Day Tour from Almaty

Discover the spectacular landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan on a 2-day Golden Ring of Semirechye tour from Almaty. This exciting journey combines turquoise mountain lakes, dramatic canyons, unusual rock formations and breathtaking scenery in one unforgettable trip.

Visit the famous Kaindy Lake with its submerged spruce trees, admire the alpine beauty of Kolsai Lakes, and explore the striking landscapes of Black Canyon, Moon Canyon and Charyn Canyon. Travel through the scenic countryside of the Almaty Region and discover some of Kazakhstan’s most remarkable natural attractions.

Whether you are passionate about photography, nature or adventure, this two-day trip offers an excellent opportunity to experience the diversity of Kazakhstan beyond the city. Enjoy a scenic road trip, discover unique geological formations and capture unforgettable views along the way.
The tour starts and ends in Almaty, making it a convenient way to explore several iconic destinations in just two days.

230,000 KZT

View rates
Highlights of the Golden Ring of Semirechye Tour

Kaindy Lake — discover the famous submerged spruce forest and dramatic mountain scenery.

Kolsai Lake — enjoy the peaceful alpine lake, take photographs and relax by the water.

Black Canyon — admire rugged rock formations and panoramic views over the canyon.

Moon Canyon — explore unusual terrain with distinctive shapes and colors.

Charyn Canyon — walk through the spectacular Valley of Castles and see its towering red cliffs.

Scenic mountain drive — enjoy the landscapes of the Almaty Region throughout your two-day journey.
2-Day Golden Ring of Semirechye Itinerary

Day 1 — Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lake
  • 07:00 — Departure from Almaty. Start your journey towards the scenic landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan.
  • 09:00 — Stop in Shelek village. Take a short break at a roadside station for refreshments and photos.
  • 12:00 — Lunch in Saty village. Enjoy lunch before continuing to the mountain lakes.
  • 13:00 — Visit Kaindy Lake. Take a walk around the area, enjoy the scenery and capture photos of the famous submerged spruce trees.
  • 17:00 — Transfer to Kolsai Lake. Continue through the mountain landscapes.
  • 18:00 — Kolsai Lake. Enjoy a lakeside walk, take photographs and admire the evening scenery. Boat and pedal boat rentals may be available at the lake.
  • 19:00 — Return to Saty village. Enjoy dinner and free time.
Day 2 — Black Canyon, Moon Landscape Viewpoint and Charyn Canyon
  • 07:00 — Breakfast.
  • 07:30 — Departure from Saty village.
  • 08:30 — Black Canyon. Stop for photographs and enjoy the dramatic canyon views.
  • 09:00 — Moon Landscape Viewpoint. Continue to the viewpoint known for its unusual terrain and panoramic scenery.
  • 11:00 — Charyn Canyon: Valley of Castles. Explore the canyon on foot and take photographs of its remarkable rock formations.
  • 14:00 — Departure towards Almaty.
  • 15:30 — Lunch in Baiseit village.
  • 16:30 — Continue the drive to Almaty.
  • Around 19:00 — Arrival in Almaty. End of the tour.
The schedule is approximate and may vary depending on weather, road conditions and the pace of the trip.

Golden Ring of Semirechye Tour Prices

Luxury Package — Hotel
by the Lake
  • 1 person — 295,000 KZT
  • 2 people — 320,000 KZT
  • 3 people — 379,000 KZT
  • 4 people — 393,000 KZT
  • 5 people — 482,000 KZT
  • 6 people — 506,000 KZT

Included:
  • Driver-guide
  • Comfortable SUV
  • Accommodation at a hotel by the lake
  • Meals: lunch, breakfast and lunch
  • Entrance tickets along the route
  • Drinking water — 2 litres per day
Choose the accommodation package that best suits your preferences and budget. This private 2-day tour from Almaty offers three options: Luxury, Comfort and Economy.
Comfort Package — Hotel Accommodation
  • 1 person — 275,000 KZT
  • 2 people — 305,000 KZT
  • 3 people — 360,000 KZT
  • 4 people — 375,000 KZT
  • 5 people — 429,000 KZT
  • 6 people — 450,000 KZT

Included:
  • Driver-guide
  • Comfortable SUV
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Meals: lunch, breakfast and lunch
  • Entrance tickets along the route
  • Drinking water — 2 litres per day
Economy Package — Guesthouse Accommodation
  • 1 person — 230,000 KZT
  • 2 people — 270,000 KZT
  • 3 people — 300,000 KZT
  • 4 people — 330,000 KZT
  • 5 people — 360,000 KZT
  • 6 people — 400,000 KZT

Included:
  • Driver-guide
  • Comfortable SUV
  • Guesthouse accommodation
  • Meals: lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch
  • Entrance tickets along the route
  • Drinking water — 2 litres per day
Tour Highlights

What to Bring on the Tour

The weather in the mountains can change quickly. To make your 2-day trip more comfortable, we recommend bringing:

  • Identification documents: a passport or ID card is required because the lakes are located in a border area.
  • Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
  • Comfortable footwear: hiking shoes or waterproof trekking boots for walking around Kaindy Lake.
  • Rain protection: a rain jacket or umbrella.
  • Warm clothing: a jacket and comfortable layers, as it can be cool near the lakes even in summer.
  • Cash in Kazakhstani tenge: mobile coverage and online payments may be unavailable in remote areas. Cash can be useful for horse riding near Kaindy Lake, souvenirs and other optional activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book Your Golden Ring of Semirechye Tour

Discover the natural beauty of southeastern Kazakhstan on a 2-day journey from Almaty. Visit Kaindy Lake, enjoy the mountain scenery of Kolsai Lake, explore Black Canyon and the Moon Landscape viewpoint, and walk through the spectacular Valley of Castles at Charyn Canyon.

Choose your preferred accommodation package — Luxury, Comfort or Economy — and contact us to confirm availability and arrange your trip.
Mountain scenery on the Big Almaty Lake tour
Moon Canyon — A Landscape from Another World

Moon Canyon captivates visitors with its unusual sculpted terrain, soft curves and pale, lunar-like colors. Wind and water have shaped the landscape over time, creating a scene that feels almost like walking on the Moon.