Express Jeep Tour to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes

Kolsai Lake

At 6:00 AM, a comfortable jeep will pick you up directly from your hotel. The day before the tour, we will send you the organizer’s contact number. The drive takes about 3.5 hours (approximately 300 km). Along the way, you’ll enjoy scenic steppe landscapes, mountain views, and glimpses of authentic village life in Kazakhstan.

Our first stop is Kolsai Lake, often called the Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan. You’ll spend around 1–2 hours here, walking along the shoreline, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and taking beautiful photos with pine forests and turquoise water as your backdrop. Entrance fees are included. Your guide will share interesting facts about the lake and the region. If you wish, we can also stop for a meal at Tary Restaurant, which offers stunning views.

Lake Kaindy

Next, we head to Lake Kaindy (about a 15-minute bus ride). From the parking area, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the lake. If you prefer, you can take a UAZ transfer (2,000 tenge round trip) or ride a horse for an additional 8,000 tenge.

You’ll spend about an hour at Lake Kaindy, admiring its unique flooded forest, where spruce tree trunks rise straight out of the water, creating a striking and almost surreal landscape. Entrance fees are included.

Charyn Canyon

The journey then continues to Charyn Canyon (around 100 km, approximately 2.5 hours). We aim to arrive closer to sunset so you can experience the golden hour, when the canyon is especially beautiful in soft pink and golden light.

You’ll walk through the Valley of Castles, admire the dramatic red rock formations, and capture stunning panoramic photos. There is also an optional safari-style vehicle ride available (1,800 tenge).

The return drive to the city takes about 3 hours. Around 8:00 PM, we will drop you off directly at your hotel.

Optional extra costs: UAZ transfer to Lake Kaindy (1000 KZT one way), horse riding to Lake Kaindy (8000 KZT), the safari vehicle at Charyn Canyon (1800 KZT).

Feel free to ask your guide to take photos — we’ll be happy to help you capture unforgettable memories of your trip.