The two day format removes the rush of the one day version. On day one you cover Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake and sleep in the village of Saty, close to the lakes. On day two you walk to Kolsai Lake, visit Black Canyon and return to Almaty.
The route is about 635 km, around 10 hours of travel per day, in a private SUV with an English-speaking guide-driver. Fuel, water, meals, tickets and accommodation are included.
Highlights
Charyn CanyonKolsai LakeSaty villageBlack CanyonKaindy Lake
Duration2 days
Activity levelModerate
SeasonMay – October
Detailed tour program
Day 1≈ 8–9 hours driving
Almaty – Charyn – Kaindy – Saty
Morning · Charyn Canyon
Pick-up at 08:00. A walk through the Valley of Castles, down to the Charyn river.
Afternoon · Kaindy Lake
Drive on to Kaindy for the sunken forest and a walk along the shore.
Evening · Saty
Dinner and a night in a local guesthouse. A campfire is possible in season.
Day 2≈ 8–9 hours driving
Saty – Kolsai Lakes – Black Canyon – Almaty
Morning · Kolsai Lakes
Walk to the first or second lake, depending on your energy and the weather.
Afternoon · Black Canyon
Stop at the dark canyon on the way back for a short walk.
Comfortable walking shoesLayers: mountain weather changes fastSun protection and a capPassport or IDCamera and a power bankA little cash for small purchases
Why Silk Travel
01
Exceptional service
A personal approach to every guest and safety throughout the journey.
02
Dependable SUVs
Air-conditioned 4x4s that reach remote spots, serviced after every tour.
03
Individual tours
No big groups. Change the route, take breaks, extend the trip.
04
Certified guides
Trained at the Kazakh Academy of Sports and Tourism.
Had an excellent three day small group tour to Altyn Emel, Kaindy/Kolsai and Charyn Canyon with Tau. Tau was a terrific guide and I highly recommend him. He was friendly and a lot of fun. He has lots of knowledge of the area and was very generous with his time to allow us all the opportunity to enjoy the area. Also takes great photos!
The places we visited on the tour are beautiful and very worth the effort to travel there. Kazakhstan surpassed all expectations and loved my time there.
d
dyCanada2Hong Kong, China · 13 contributions · Jun 2019 • Friends
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Fantastic guide, amazing trip!
Travelled with my mom in a group tour last June. We had Tau as our guide and it was a magical trip! Great driver and conversationalist, and he took us to some beautiful landscapes and also on some unreal hikes and climbs. Also very well prepared - borrowed many blankets when the temperatures got a little chilly, and had rain ponchos on hand when the weather turned rainy.
After we returned to Almaty, Tau provided great recommendations and showed some pretty neat bars / spots around town.
Hands-down, one of the highlights for summer 2019. Highly recommended. Tau will ensure that you have a great time in Kazakhstan!
E
Excursion29147138082Oct 2025
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6 days private tour in Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
“Our guide, Ray, was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible.”
l
lenb277Oct 2025
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A great way to explore Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
“My husband and I tailored the 6 day tour and spent 5 amazing days outdoors.”
r
rosr972025
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Amazing 6-Day Trip
“We had the most wonderful experience in this 6 day tour.”
A
Anisa JJun 2025
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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan private tour
“We had an amazing time on our private tour of 6 days.”
n
nirhkangMay 2025
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Wowed in every destinations
“Made plenty of unforgettable memories. We were well taken care of.”
4
49faridahj2025
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A thrilling 6 day tour
“He tailored and adjusted the tour schedule according to our preference.”
2-day Kolsai Lakes tour from Almaty: Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn Canyon: what to expect
2-day Kolsai Lakes tour from Almaty: Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn Canyon is a private 2 days tour from Almaty by comfortable 4x4 SUV with an English-speaking guide-driver. Along the way you see Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, with time for photos, short walks and local food. It is a typical Kolsai tour 2 days for travellers who want 2 day tour from Almaty without a noisy coach group.
Because the tour is private, the schedule is flexible: start earlier for soft morning light, stay longer at the viewpoints you like, or skip stops that do not interest you. Many guests combine this trip with other Kazakhstan tours from Almaty, such as Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake.
Why book 2-day Kolsai Lakes tour from Almaty: Kolsai, Kaindy and Charyn Canyon with Silk Travel
Silk Travel is a local Almaty travel agency working since 2019. We run private tours in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with certified guides, inspected vehicles and a clear price for the whole group, so there are no surprises on the day. A manager confirms your request quickly in WhatsApp, Telegram or by email.
Our guides speak English and know the region: where the road is closed after rain, when the lakes are quiet, which cafés are worth a stop. That local knowledge is what turns a standard excursion from Almaty into a good private trip.
Who this private tour is for
This tour suits couples, families with children, solo travellers who prefer a private guide, photographers, small groups of friends and business travellers with a free day or a stopover in Almaty. If you are comparing group tours and private tours in Kazakhstan, a private SUV format gives you more comfort, privacy and control over time.
Best time to go and what to prepare
Most Almaty region and Central Asia routes are best from late spring to early autumn, while mountain roads and high lakes depend on weather, so we always check conditions before departure. Wear comfortable walking shoes, take layers for changing mountain weather, sun protection, your passport or ID and a power bank. Tell us your dates and the number of travellers and we will suggest the best day for 2-day kolsai lakes tour from almaty: kolsai, kaindy and charyn canyon.
How to book
Choose the tour, send a request with your dates, group size and hotel in Almaty, and receive a confirmation with the final price. Prepayment details, pick-up time and the programme are sent in the same message. You can also ask for a custom route, an extra day or a Kyrgyzstan extension.
Popular searches
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Questions about this tour
Where do we stay overnight?
In Saty village, near the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes.
What is included?
SUV, English-speaking guide-driver, fuel, water, meals, tickets and accommodation. Activity costs are optional.
How do I book?
Send a request or message us on WhatsApp. We confirm within an hour of the form being filled in.
Are the tours private?
Yes. Every tour is private, with no large groups, and the itinerary can be adjusted.
What vehicles do you use?
Air-conditioned SUVs, inspected after every tour.
What if prices differ by group size?
Prices are quoted per group; send your dates and number of people for an exact offer.
Photos
19 photos
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