Kolsai & Charyn Canyons
A lake and four canyons in a single private day: Kolsai Lake in the morning, then the Valley of Castles, the Black Canyon, the Moon Canyon and the Charyn River. A smooth, scenic loop with no off-road section.
Private and flexible — your guide sets the pace and the photo stops around you.
Highlights
- Kolsai-1 alpine lake
- 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
- Kolsai Lake — shoreline walk and free time
- 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
- 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
Is there any off-road driving?
No — this route stays on good roads. For the off-road Kaindy lake, see our Kolsai, Kaindy & Black Canyon tour.
How much walking is there?
Easy walks only — a lakeside stroll and the gentle 2 km Valley of Castles trail. Everything else is by viewpoint.