Kaindy & Charyn Canyons
A lake and the canyons in one private day: the surreal sunken forest of Lake Kaindy, reached by a UAZ off-roader, then the Valley of Castles, the Black Canyon and the Moon Canyon.
Private and flexible, with your guide adapting the day around you.
Highlights
- Lake Kaindy and its iconic sunken forest
- Valley of Castles — the star of Charyn Canyon
- Black Canyon and Moon Canyon viewpoints
- Private vehicle, hotel pickup and a flexible schedule
Itinerary
- Pickup from your hotel in Almaty
- 4x4 transfer to Lake Kaindy, sunken forest walk
- Black Canyon and Moon Canyon viewpoints
- Valley of Castles — walk to the Charyn River
- Depart for Almaty
- Drop-off at your hotel
What's included
- Private vehicle, sized to your group (UAZ to Kaindy)
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Almaty
- Ecological / national park entrance fees
- Bottled water
Not included
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Good to know
What is the difference from the Kolsai & Charyn tour?
This one swaps Kolsai Lake for Lake Kaindy (the sunken forest), which involves a short off-road UAZ transfer. Same Charyn canyons.
Is the walk to Kaindy hard?
It is a 20–30 minute walk from the parking; a horse can be rented on site for an extra fee.