How are the sights divided between the two days?
Day one starts from Almaty at 08:00, then visits Charyn Canyon for around three hours, has lunch in Saty and continues to Lower Kolsai Lake. Overnight in a guesthouse in the Saty/Kurmenty area. Day two includes Kaindy, lunch in Saty, Black and Lunar canyon stops and the return to Almaty. Times depend on traffic, weather and daylight.
Does the tour run year-round?
Yes, subject to weather and road conditions. The guide may adjust time at the sights and the order of stops. One night in a partner guesthouse in the Saty/Kurmenty area is included; we confirm the property and room facilities before booking.
What accommodation is included?
One night in a partner guesthouse in the Saty/Kurmenty area is included. We discuss your preferences and confirm the exact property and bathroom facilities before booking.
Is the local UAZ transfer at Kaindy included?
Yes. It takes you to the nearer parking area, leaving roughly 300 m to walk to the lake. Upper viewpoints require additional walking. Horse riding is charged separately.
How long is the Charyn Canyon walk?
The route through the canyon to the river and back is around 7 km. An upper-viewpoint option is approximately 3–4 km. Your guide chooses a suitable walk for the group, and there is an opportunity to rest at Tary restaurant overlooking the canyon.
Which Kolsai lake is visited, and what activities are available?
This itinerary visits Lower Kolsai Lake. It does not include the longer trek to the second lake. Boat hire and horse riding can be arranged as paid optional activities.
What is the price and what does it include?
Per-person rates are $290 with four guests, $370 with three, $480 with two and $890 for a solo traveller. Vehicle, guide-driver, fuel, water, meals, one night in a guesthouse in the Saty/Kurmenty area, entrance tickets and the Kaindy UAZ transfer are included. Horse riding, boats, flights, insurance and personal expenses are extra.
Can I fly out immediately after the tour?
Agree your flight time with us first. Day two includes Kaindy, lunch in Saty, two canyon stops and the drive back to Almaty. Traffic and weather affect arrival; if needed, discuss shorter stops in advance.
How do I book?
Send your dates and group size. A manager agrees the route, preferred stops, accommodation and dietary needs with you. After you confirm the itinerary and total price, pay a 20% deposit: we secure your guide and then reserve the agreed accommodation. The remaining 80% is due on day one; payment in US dollars is available. For direct Silk Travel bookings, cancellation 14 calendar days or more before the start receives a refund of 100% of the amount paid; with less notice, the 20% deposit is non-refundable. Third-party bookings follow their platform terms.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is for your own party, including solo travellers. We do not run join-in groups or add you to another booking. Your English-speaking guide adapts walks, stops and time at locations to your interests and ability within the agreed itinerary. Extra days, accommodation upgrades and optional paid activities are quoted separately.
What vehicles do you use?
All our vehicles are comfortable, air-conditioned and undergo technical inspections. For groups of up to 4 guests, we use off-road-capable Toyota Land Cruiser or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUVs. For 5 guests, we use a Toyota Sequoia SUV. For groups of more than 5 guests, we use a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
What if prices differ by group size?
The price depends on group size. Send your dates and the number of people and a manager will confirm the exact offer.
Can you arrange halal meals, vegetarian food and food allergies?
Yes. Vegetarian and halal meals can be arranged in advance, with food adapted to guests’ preferences. Tell us about allergies before booking. A severe allergy requires individual discussion and confirmation of arrangements, including any needed controls against contact with the allergen. Check the chosen tour’s meal inclusions: meals are paid separately on some itineraries.
Do you provide child car seats?
Yes. We provide a child car seat on advance request. Tell us the child’s age and height when booking so we can prepare a suitable seat before the tour starts.
How can I stay connected during the trip?
On routes through Almaty, Bishkek or Karakol, you can buy a local SIM card along the way; tell us if you would like help. Mobile coverage depends on the operator and may be unavailable in remote mountain areas.
