EXPLORE KAZAKHSTAN Seagull Global

Canyons, Lakes & Nomadic Culture

Tour Overview

A compact 4-day introduction to Kazakhstan for travellers short on time but not on curiosity. Drive out from Almaty to the red sandstone spires of Charyn Canyon — often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia" — then on to the submerged forest of Kaindy Lake and the pine-fringed Kolsai Lakes for a single unforgettable night beside the water.

Highlights include a walk through Charyn's Valley of Castles, a short horseback ride along the Kolsai shoreline, an evening of kymyz tasting and felt-making with your host family, and a scenic return through the foothills of the Tian Shan back to Almaty — all supported by an experienced local guide and private vehicle throughout.

Short Horseback Ride Lakeside Camp at Kolsai Kymyz & Felt-Making Charyn Canyon & Kaindy Lake

1,818

Metres Above Sea Level at Kolsai Lake

Your Journey

Tour Route

Almaty → Charyn Canyon (1N) → Kaindy Lake by Vehicle → Kolsai Lakes Camp (1N) → Return to Almaty (1N) → Departure

Almaty

Charyn Canyon 1N

Kaindy Lake

Kolsai Lakes 1N

Almaty 1N

Departure

Almaty City

Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral

Lakeside Camp

One Night on Kolsai's Shore

Charyn Canyon

Walk the Valley of Castles

Kaindy's Sunken Forest

A Lake Grown Around Drowned Spruce

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival in Almaty & Drive to Charyn Canyon

01

Arrival at Almaty International Airport & private transfer to the city
Brief stop at Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral & the Kok-Tobe hill viewpoint
Scenic drive on to the Charyn Canyon region along the edge of the Ili basin
Overnight at a local guesthouse near Charyn Canyon

DAY 02

Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake & On to Kolsai

02

Morning walk through Charyn Canyon's red sandstone Valley of Castles
Visit Kaindy Lake, the turquoise "sunken forest" of drowned spruce trees
Continue to the Kolsai Lakes for a short orientation horseback ride along the shoreline
Overnight in a lakeside camp with kymyz tasting, felt-making & dinner beside the water

DAY 03

Kolsai Morning & Return to Almaty

03

Early morning free to photograph the Lower Kolsai Lake against the pine-covered slopes
Private vehicle transfer back to Almaty through the Tian Shan foothills
Check-in to your Almaty hotel & evening at leisure
Optional farewell dinner featuring Kazakh specialities

DAY 04

Departure

04

Free morning for last-minute shopping or a visit to the Central State Museum
Private transfer to Almaty International Airport
Marking the end of a short, unforgettable taste of the Kazakh Tian Shan

Package Includes

Airport Transfers & All Ground Transport by Private Vehicle
Almaty Hotel & Charyn Canyon Guesthouse Accommodation
Full-Board Lakeside Camp Stay at Kolsai (1 Night)
Short Orientation Horse Ride & English-Speaking Guide
Charyn Canyon & Kolsai-Kaindy National Park Entrance Permits

Package Excludes

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Personal Riding Gear & Warm Clothing
Tips & Personal Expenses
Alcoholic Beverages & Almaty Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities & Excursions

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Tour Cost

USD 1,020 total group price for 03 Adults (USD 340 per person), covering airport transfers, hotel and lakeside camp accommodation, private vehicle transport with guide, orientation horse ride and entrance permits. Itinerary can be extended with an extra night at Kolsai or a longer Almaty stay; some routes may be affected by early or late-season snowfall. Bank transfers may incur extra charges.

Travel insurance should be arranged separately.

Cancellation Policy

30–20 days before departure25%
20–10 days before departure50%
10–5 days before departure75%
Less than 5 days / no-show100%

The Seagull Difference

Why Choose Seagull Global

Trusted Expertise

Local Kazakh partners with years of experience guiding short breaks into the Tian Shan foothills.

Time-Smart Routing

Private vehicle transfers get you to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai and back without losing a full day's travel time.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock assistance via phone, email and WhatsApp from our Negombo office.

Authentic Stays

Vetted host families and lakeside camps chosen for warmth, comfort and genuine hospitality.

Visual Journey

Tour Gallery

Questions

Frequently Asked

Do I need horse riding experience?

No prior experience is required. This short break includes only a gentle orientation ride along the Kolsai shoreline rather than a multi-day trek, so it suits complete beginners.

What is the lakeside camp like?

You'll stay in simple guesthouse or yurt-style accommodation near the shore, with shared washing facilities. Meals are home-cooked and full-board. Evenings at 1,800m can turn cool even in summer, so a warm layer is worth packing.

When is this short break possible?

Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai Lakes are accessible from May through October, once the mountain roads are clear of snow. July and August are the busiest and most reliable months.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 30–20 days before departure incur 25% of the total cost, 20–10 days 50%, 10–5 days 75%, and less than 5 days or a no-show is charged at 100%. Bank transfers may carry additional charges.

How do I confirm my booking?

Fill out the booking form below or message us on WhatsApp. Our team will send a detailed quotation and confirm availability within hours.

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