Excellent and Unforgettable
Our India and Nepal journey was professionally arranged, from airport assistance and comfortable hotels to punctual drivers and knowledgeable Spanish-speaking guides.
5 Days – Almaty, Kolsai Lakes & Charyn Canyon Tour
4 Nights / 5 Days
Almaty – Shymbulak – Charyn Canyon – Kolsai Lakes – Kaindy Lake
Tour Overview
This 5 Days Almaty, Kolsai Lakes & Charyn Canyon Tour is one of the best Kazakhstan itineraries for first-time travelers. The route combines Almaty city sightseeing, mountain views, cable car experiences, dramatic canyon landscapes, and the beautiful alpine lakes of southeastern Kazakhstan.
The journey starts in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s most popular travel gateway. From there, you will explore Medeu, Shymbulak, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Kaindy Lake. This tour is ideal for couples, families, photographers, nature lovers, and Indian travelers looking for a short international holiday with scenic variety.
Tour Highlights:
- Explore Almaty city with Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar and Kok Tobe.
- Enjoy mountain views at Medeu and Shymbulak Ski Resort.
- Visit Charyn Canyon and walk through the famous Valley of Castles.
- Experience the peaceful alpine beauty of Kolsai Lakes.
- Discover Kaindy Lake, known for its unique submerged forest.
- Private transfers, comfortable sightseeing and flexible travel pacing.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Almaty International Airport, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and recover from your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short evening walk near your hotel or visit a local café to get your first feel of Almaty’s relaxed city atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Almaty.
After breakfast, begin your Almaty sightseeing tour with visits to Panfilov Park and the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral. Continue to Green Bazaar, where you can experience local flavors, dry fruits, snacks, and everyday Kazakh market life.
Later, drive towards Medeu, a famous high-altitude sports complex surrounded by mountains. Continue by cable car towards Shymbulak Ski Resort for panoramic views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
In the evening, visit Kok Tobe, one of Almaty’s most popular viewpoints, offering beautiful city views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight stay in Almaty.
After breakfast, leave Almaty for one of Kazakhstan’s most famous natural attractions, Charyn Canyon. The drive takes you through open landscapes, steppe scenery, and rural areas of southeastern Kazakhstan.
On arrival, explore the impressive canyon formations, especially the famous Valley of Castles. The red rock cliffs, dramatic shapes, and wide canyon views make this one of the most photogenic places in Kazakhstan.
After sightseeing, continue towards the Saty or Kolsai region for your overnight stay.
Overnight stay near Saty / Kolsai region.
After breakfast, visit Kolsai Lakes, one of the most beautiful alpine lake areas in Kazakhstan. Surrounded by forested mountains and peaceful natural scenery, the lake is ideal for photography, walking, and relaxed sightseeing.
Later, continue to Kaindy Lake, known for its striking blue-green water and submerged tree trunks rising from the lake. This unique landscape is one of the highlights of the tour and a favorite spot for nature lovers.
After completing the lake visits, return to the local guesthouse or accommodation for rest.
Overnight stay near Saty / Kolsai region.
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Almaty. Enjoy the scenic drive back through mountain and countryside landscapes.
On arrival in Almaty, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. If time permits, short shopping or café time can be arranged before departure.
Tour concludes with beautiful memories of Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake.
What’s Included
Package Includes:
- Hotel accommodation in Almaty / Astana / regional stays on double or twin sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast at all hotels.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing as per itinerary.
- English-speaking driver (driver-cum-guide in most cases).
- All airport transfers (arrival & departure assistance).
- Cable car tickets for Shymbulak (where mentioned in itinerary).
- Excursion to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake (as per itinerary).
- Domestic flights or train tickets (only if mentioned in itinerary).
- Fuel charges, tolls, parking fees, and driver allowance.
- All applicable taxes.
Package Excludes:
- International airfare to/from Kazakhstan.
- Visa charges (if applicable).
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tips, laundry, mini-bar, etc.
- Entry tickets, guide services, and activity charges unless specified.
- Early check-in & late check-out at hotels.
- Travel insurance.
- Any cost arising due to weather, flight delays, road conditions or unforeseen situations.
Children Policy:
- Children below 5 years stay complimentary (sharing parent’s bed).
- Extra bed or mattress available at additional cost.
- Meals for children available on request.
- Parents are responsible for children during outdoor activities and excursions.
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