Almaty, Charyn & Kolsay Lakes

Almaty city and the Tien Shan lakes

Almaty city and the Tien Shan lakes A ready-built creator-led group trip across Kazakhstan, 6 days / 5 nights. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Kazakhstan · 6 days / 5 nights · Best season: June to September for the lakes and canyons · Group size: 10–16 guests

Route

Almaty > Charyn Canyon > Kolsay > Kaindy Lakes

Highlights

  • Medeu skating rink, Shymbulak, Sunkar falcon centre
  • Charyn Canyon, transfer to the Kolsay region
  • Saty Village & lower Kolsay Lake
  • Kaindy Lake, return to Almaty
  • Head into the mountains to the Medeu skating rink and the Shymbulak ski resort at 2,200 m, with alpine views, then visit the Sunkar falcon breeding centre in the Big Almaty Gorge for a falconry demonstration

Day by day

Day 1: Arrival & Almaty city tour

Arrive at Almaty International Airport and meet your guide. A panoramic city tour takes in Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral, Republic Square and the Independence Monument, the Green Bazaar and the Rakhat chocolate shop, finishing with the Koktobe hill cable car for views over the city.

Day 2: Medeu, Shymbulak & Sunkar

Head into the mountains to the Medeu skating rink and the Shymbulak ski resort at 2,200 m, with alpine views, then visit the Sunkar falcon breeding centre in the Big Almaty Gorge for a falconry demonstration.

Day 3: Charyn Canyon & transfer to Kolsay

Drive east to the dramatic Charyn Canyon, carved over millions of years into Grand-Canyon-like rock formations, then continue to the Kolsay Lakes region for the night.

Day 4: Saty Village & lower Kolsay Lake

Visit Saty Village and the lowest of the Kolsay Lakes, the 'Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan', set among spruce forest and mountains.

Day 5: Kaindy Lake & return to Almaty

Visit the striking Kaindy Lake, famous for the submerged spruce trunks rising from its clear water, then return to Almaty for the night.

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in your chosen hotel category with daily breakfast
  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Airport transfers
  • Entrance tickets as per the itinerary
  • Drinking water (1 litre per person per day)

Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • Travel insurance and visas
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed
  • Anything not mentioned under inclusions