How are the sights divided between the two days?
Day one takes you from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, lunch in Saty and Lower Kolsai Lake, followed by an overnight stay in the village. Day two includes Kaindy, lunch in Saty, Black and Lunar canyon stops and the return to Almaty.
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. Yurt availability is confirmed separately for your dates.
What facilities are available overnight?
Guesthouse rooms have private showers and toilets. At a yurt camp, these facilities may be shared. One night is included, with the guesthouse or yurt option agreed when 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 Saty, 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?
Choose a tour and send your dates and group size. Once the itinerary and price are agreed, pay a 20% deposit. The remaining 80% is payable on the first day of the tour. Cancellation 30 days or more before the start receives a full deposit refund; cancellation 15–29 days before the start receives a 50% deposit refund; the deposit is non-refundable 14 days or fewer before the start.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is private, with no large groups, and the itinerary can be adjusted.
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.
