Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake & Charyn Canyon Tour from Almaty
Duration: Full-day excursion
Tour type: Private guided trip
Departure: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Main destinations: Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Moon Canyon
Discover some of Kazakhstan’s most extraordinary landscapes on a full-day tour from Almaty. Visit the mysterious Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest, admire the alpine scenery of Kolsai Lake and explore the dramatic rock formations of Charyn Canyon.
Along the way, discover Black Canyon and enjoy panoramic views of Moon Canyon. This private excursion is designed for travelers who want to experience several of Kazakhstan’s iconic natural attractions in one memorable journey.
140,000 KZT
View rates Tour type: Private guided trip
Departure: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Main destinations: Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Moon Canyon
Discover some of Kazakhstan’s most extraordinary landscapes on a full-day tour from Almaty. Visit the mysterious Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest, admire the alpine scenery of Kolsai Lake and explore the dramatic rock formations of Charyn Canyon.
Along the way, discover Black Canyon and enjoy panoramic views of Moon Canyon. This private excursion is designed for travelers who want to experience several of Kazakhstan’s iconic natural attractions in one memorable journey.
140,000 KZT
Kaindy Lake — The Mysterious Sunken Forest
Kaindy Lake is one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural attractions. Formed after an earthquake triggered a landslide in the early 20th century, the lake flooded a forest of spruce trees, leaving their pale trunks rising dramatically from the water.
Surrounded by mountain slopes and forests, Kaindy Lake offers a striking contrast of turquoise water, dark green woodland and weathered tree trunks. It is a remarkable place for nature lovers and landscape photography.
Kolsai Lake — The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan
Kolsai Lake is known for its clear mountain water, forested slopes and peaceful alpine atmosphere. Take a walk along the lakeshore, enjoy the surrounding scenery and capture beautiful photographs of one of southeastern Kazakhstan’s most picturesque destinations.
Charyn Canyon — A World of Red Rock Formations
Charyn Canyon is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and the spectacular Valley of Castles. Wind and water have shaped the canyon over millions of years, creating unusual rock formations that resemble ancient fortresses.
Explore the landscape from designated viewpoints and experience the dramatic colors and scale of this remarkable natural landmark.
Black Canyon and Moon Canyon
The journey also includes views of two distinctive landscapes in the Charyn region.
Black Canyon is known for its steep, dark rock walls and dramatic river valley.
Moon Canyon features unusual pale and ochre-colored terrain that can resemble a lunar landscape. Its rugged formations offer a striking contrast to the forested mountains around the lakes.
Photo stops depend on road conditions, available time and access regulations.
Kaindy Lake is one of Kazakhstan’s most unusual natural attractions. Formed after an earthquake triggered a landslide in the early 20th century, the lake flooded a forest of spruce trees, leaving their pale trunks rising dramatically from the water.
Surrounded by mountain slopes and forests, Kaindy Lake offers a striking contrast of turquoise water, dark green woodland and weathered tree trunks. It is a remarkable place for nature lovers and landscape photography.
Kolsai Lake — The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan
Kolsai Lake is known for its clear mountain water, forested slopes and peaceful alpine atmosphere. Take a walk along the lakeshore, enjoy the surrounding scenery and capture beautiful photographs of one of southeastern Kazakhstan’s most picturesque destinations.
Charyn Canyon — A World of Red Rock Formations
Charyn Canyon is famous for its towering sandstone cliffs and the spectacular Valley of Castles. Wind and water have shaped the canyon over millions of years, creating unusual rock formations that resemble ancient fortresses.
Explore the landscape from designated viewpoints and experience the dramatic colors and scale of this remarkable natural landmark.
Black Canyon and Moon Canyon
The journey also includes views of two distinctive landscapes in the Charyn region.
Black Canyon is known for its steep, dark rock walls and dramatic river valley.
Moon Canyon features unusual pale and ochre-colored terrain that can resemble a lunar landscape. Its rugged formations offer a striking contrast to the forested mountains around the lakes.
Photo stops depend on road conditions, available time and access regulations.
Tour Itinerary
05:00 — Departure from Almaty
Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or another agreed location in Almaty. Begin your journey towards the lakes and canyons of southeastern Kazakhstan.
07:00 — Short Refreshment Stop
Take a short break along the way to get coffee, tea or a light snack before continuing the journey.
11:00 — Explore Kaindy Lake
Discover the famous submerged forest and enjoy the mountain scenery around Kaindy Lake. Take photographs and explore the permitted viewpoints. The final approach may involve walking or local transport, depending on current access conditions.
14:00 — Visit Kolsai Lake
Continue to Kolsai Lake for a walk along the shore and time to enjoy the alpine landscape.
15:00 — Scenic Drive Towards Charyn Canyon
Leave the Kolsai area and travel towards Charyn Canyon. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the route.
17:00 — Black Canyon and Moon Canyon Viewpoints
Stop at designated viewpoints overlooking Black Canyon and Moon Canyon, subject to available time and road conditions.
18:00 — Return to Almaty
Begin the drive back to Almaty after the sightseeing stops.
Arrival in Almaty
The estimated arrival time depends on traffic, weather and the actual duration of the sightseeing stops.
05:00 — Departure from Almaty
Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel or another agreed location in Almaty. Begin your journey towards the lakes and canyons of southeastern Kazakhstan.
07:00 — Short Refreshment Stop
Take a short break along the way to get coffee, tea or a light snack before continuing the journey.
11:00 — Explore Kaindy Lake
Discover the famous submerged forest and enjoy the mountain scenery around Kaindy Lake. Take photographs and explore the permitted viewpoints. The final approach may involve walking or local transport, depending on current access conditions.
14:00 — Visit Kolsai Lake
Continue to Kolsai Lake for a walk along the shore and time to enjoy the alpine landscape.
15:00 — Scenic Drive Towards Charyn Canyon
Leave the Kolsai area and travel towards Charyn Canyon. Enjoy the changing landscapes along the route.
17:00 — Black Canyon and Moon Canyon Viewpoints
Stop at designated viewpoints overlooking Black Canyon and Moon Canyon, subject to available time and road conditions.
18:00 — Return to Almaty
Begin the drive back to Almaty after the sightseeing stops.
Arrival in Almaty
The estimated arrival time depends on traffic, weather and the actual duration of the sightseeing stops.
Tour Prices
Luxury Package
Included:
Please contact us to confirm availability, the final route and the package details for your travel date.
- 1 traveler — 230,000 KZT
- 2 travelers — 250,000 KZT
- 3 travelers — 270,000 KZT
- 4 travelers — 290,000 KZT
- 5 travelers — 310,000 KZT
Included:
- Upgraded off-road vehicle
- Driver
- Tour guide
- Restaurant lunch
- Entrance fees along the agreed itinerary
- Drinking water
Please contact us to confirm availability, the final route and the package details for your travel date.
Standard Package
Included:
- Up to 2 travelers — 140,000 KZT
- Up to 4 travelers — 160,000 KZT
- Up to 6 travelers — 180,000 KZT
Included:
- Driver-guide
- Comfortable transportation
- Entrance fees along the agreed itinerary
- Drinking water
Tour Highlights
What to Bring
- Passport or accepted identification document
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers and a windproof jacket
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Drinking water and light snacks
- A camera or smartphone
- Cash for optional local services
Weather in the mountains can change quickly. Dress in layers and follow your guide’s recommendations throughout the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this itinerary is designed to include all three destinations, as well as viewpoints of Black Canyon and Moon Canyon. It is a very intensive day with substantial driving and limited time at each stop.
Kaindy Lake is known for its submerged spruce forest, with tree trunks rising from the turquoise water. This unusual landscape makes the lake one of Kazakhstan’s most recognizable natural attractions.
The trip may be suitable for families, but the long driving time and multiple stops can be tiring for young children. Please tell us the ages of your children before booking.
The experience changes with the seasons. Spring and summer bring greener landscapes, while autumn adds golden colors to the surrounding forests. Weather and road access should be checked before departure.
Restaurant lunch is included in the Luxury Package. It is not listed as an inclusion in the Standard Package.
Book Your Kaindy Lake Tour from Almaty
Ready to discover Kazakhstan’s sunken forest, alpine lakes and dramatic canyons? Book your private tour with Jeeptour.kz and explore some of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes in one adventure.
Contact us to confirm availability, choose your package and plan your trip.
Your adventure starts here jeeptour.kz.
Contact us to confirm availability, choose your package and plan your trip.
Your adventure starts here jeeptour.kz.
Kaindy Lake — The Sunken Forest
Hidden in the mountains of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Lake is famous for its submerged spruce trees rising above the turquoise water. This surreal landscape was created by an earthquake in 1911.
Hidden in the mountains of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Lake is famous for its submerged spruce trees rising above the turquoise water. This surreal landscape was created by an earthquake in 1911.
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