CHARYN CANYON & KOLSAI LAKES TREK Seagull Global

On Foot Through the Tian Shan

Trek Overview

This is the more active sibling of our Kazakhstan short break — a genuine trekking route rather than a drive-by tour. From the village of Saty, gateway to the Kolsai Lakes, walk between Lower and Middle Kolsai through pine forest, then climb over the Sary-Bulak pass on the second day to descend to the turquoise, tree-studded waters of Kaindy Lake.

Pack animals carry the heavy gear so you can walk light, with an experienced trekking guide setting the pace. The final days trade boots for a vehicle, driving out to Charyn Canyon for a walk through the red sandstone Valley of Castles before returning to Almaty — a route built for travellers who want real distance under their feet, not just views from a car window.

2-Day Lakes-to-Lake Trek Pack-Horse Support Wild Camp at Middle Kolsai Sary-Bulak Pass Crossing

Middle Kolsai Lake surrounded by spruce forest

2,252

Metres Above Sea Level at Middle Kolsai Lake

Your Route

Trek Route

Almaty → Saty Village (1N) → Trek to Middle Kolsai (1N) → Over Sary-Bulak Pass to Kaindy (1N) → Charyn Canyon & Almaty (1N) → Departure

Almaty

Saty Village 1N

Middle Kolsai 1N

Kaindy Lake 1N

Charyn & Almaty 1N

Departure

Lower Kolsai Lake

Trailhead From Saty Village

Middle Kolsai Camp

Overnight Beneath the Spruce

Sary-Bulak Pass

The Trek's High Point

Kaindy's Sunken Forest

Journey's End on Foot

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival in Almaty & Drive to Saty Village

01

Arrival at Almaty International Airport & private transfer to the city
Drive out through the Ili valley to Saty, the trailhead village for the Kolsai Lakes
Trek briefing, gear check & meeting your guide and pack-horse handler
Overnight at a local guesthouse in Saty

DAY 02

Trek to Lower & Middle Kolsai Lakes

02

Trek along the shore of Lower Kolsai Lake and climb through spruce forest toward Middle Kolsai
Pack horses carry the heavy gear; roughly 5–6 hours of walking at a comfortable pace
Set up camp on the shore of Middle Kolsai Lake, elevation 2,252m
Campfire dinner beneath the Tian Shan peaks

DAY 03

Over the Sary-Bulak Pass to Kaindy Lake

03

The trek's high point: a full-day crossing over the Sary-Bulak pass with sweeping Tian Shan views
Descend through alpine meadows toward the Kaindy valley, roughly 6–7 hours in total
First sight of Kaindy Lake's drowned spruce trees rising from turquoise water
Overnight at a guesthouse near Kaindy village

DAY 04

Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon & Back to Almaty

04

Morning at Kaindy's shoreline for photographs of the sunken forest
Trade boots for the vehicle and drive to Charyn Canyon
Easy walk through the red sandstone Valley of Castles
Drive back to Almaty; overnight hotel & optional farewell dinner

DAY 05

Departure

05

Free morning to rest, shop or visit the Central State Museum in Almaty
Private transfer to Almaty International Airport
Marking the end of a demanding, deeply rewarding trek across the Kazakh Tian Shan

Package Includes

Airport Transfers & All Ground Transport by Private Vehicle
Guesthouse Stays in Saty, Kaindy & Almaty
Full-Board Wild Camp at Middle Kolsai (1 Night) with Tents & Sleeping Mats
Pack-Horse Support for Gear & a Qualified Trekking Guide
Kolsai-Kaindy National Park & Charyn Canyon Entrance Permits

Package Excludes

International Flights
Travel & Trekking Insurance
Personal Hiking Boots, Poles & Warm Clothing
Tips, Porters' Gratuities & Personal Expenses
Alcoholic Beverages & Almaty Farewell Dinner
Optional Activities & Excursions

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Trek Cost

USD 1,260 total group price for 03 Adults (USD 420 per person), covering airport transfers, guesthouse and camp accommodation, trekking guide, pack-horse support, camping equipment, and entrance permits. Fitness level: moderate to good — expect 5–7 hours of walking on Days 2 and 3. Bank transfers may incur extra charges.

Travel and trekking 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

Experienced Trek Leaders

Local guides who know the Sary-Bulak pass in every season and every mood.

Pack-Horse Support

Walk with a day pack while horses carry the camp gear between Kolsai and Kaindy.

24/7 Support

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

Small Groups Only

Kept intentionally small so the pace and camp always suit the people on the trail.

Visual Journey

Trek Gallery

Questions

Frequently Asked

How fit do I need to be?

This trek suits people with moderate to good fitness who are comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day on uneven mountain trails. No technical climbing is involved, but regular hiking practice beforehand is strongly recommended.

What is the camp at Middle Kolsai like?

A proper wild camp with two-person tents, sleeping mats and a campfire dinner cooked by your trek crew. There are no shower facilities; a nearby stream and wet wipes cover washing needs. Nights at 2,252m are cold even in summer, so a warm sleeping bag is essential.

When is this trek possible?

The Sary-Bulak pass is typically snow-free from June through September, making that the trekking window. July and August offer the most stable weather.

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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