Kazakhstan · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Kazakhstan

216 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8 average  ·  from $28

A country the size of western Europe with about six places most visitors get to. The 15 below are the trips that repay the driving, priced and timed, with the whole catalogue underneath when you want to go further off the Almaty circuit.

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip - Charyn Canyon National Park: red rock cliffs and a guided hike
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip

1.Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,522 reviews · 17 hours · from $58Our pick

Almaty day trip to Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, with UAZ ride and optional horseback on a 17-hour loop.

“We had an exceptional tour to Charyn and Black Canyon, Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes with Panda Travel. Rustam was our guide and he managed the entire tour on his own with great energy, professionalism, and attention to detail. My favorite part was the UAV bus ride to Kaindy Lake where he sang Kazakh rap music on the way. The driver was also really nice and he ensured we stayed on schedule at every stop. The scenery was breathtaking, and the day was seamlessly organized. Highly recommended! Thank you Rustam and Panda Travel!”

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Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour - Charyn Canyon, Valley of the Castles, and the Canyon Walk
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour

2.Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 642 reviews · from $58Top rated

Wake up early from Almaty for Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsai lakes, plus UAZ-452 rides and a hearty local lunch.

“Along day to see a lot of sights. Everything went great. Be aware that the Soviet bus ride to Kaindy lake is extremely bumpy and rough. The canyons were amazing. And lunch was very good. And we did not like the loud music on the rides. But the sing along was great. The guide was very good and took care of us well.”

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Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip - Getting From Almaty to Charyn Canyon National Park: The Valley of Castles Walk
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

3.Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 505 reviews · 16 hours · from $43

A long but rewarding Almaty day trip to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake, with guided walks and optional boats.

“I really enjoyed everything. Kazakhstan is beautiful and the walks were really wonderful and it's great to be out in nature and then get a nap on the bus 😍 I had a lot of fun and the guides were really interesting, friendly and informative. I learned a lot and had a brilliant day!!! I highly recommend anyone visiting kazakhstan book this trip, you won't regret it!!!!”

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From Almaty: Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip - Charyn Canyon National Park: red rock cliffs and the easy walk that pays off
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

From Almaty: Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

4.Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 452 reviews · from $43

Early start Almaty day trip to Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes, plus Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons, with UAZ ride and optional extras.

“The trip was flawless, a seamless blend of perfect moments. Our guide was exceptional, turning every stone to reveal hidden gems and sharing insights that enriched the experience. The ride itself was smooth, allowing us to soak in the scenery without a single bump in the road. It was, in every sense, an ideal journey.”

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Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour - The yurt night: where the trip becomes more than scenery
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour

5.Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 432 reviews · 2 days · from $130

Two days from Almaty to Kolsai, Kaindy, and Charyn canyons with Kazakh meals and a yurt night, plus a Soviet-van ride.

“I had an excellent experience on the 2 day Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons group tour. Our guide Naz was excellent from start finish, keeping us safe, giving us information about the area, showing us the best photo spots, and giving us time in each location to enjoy the excellent views! The group was mixed of families and solo travellers, and Naz made everyone feel very welcome and helped us to all make friends. As a solo traveller myself, I felt very included in the group. We had good Kazakh food provided and a cosy yurt to sleep in! Thank you a Naz for an unforgettable experience”

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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour - Moon Canyon and Black Canyon: quick stops with real payoff
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

6.Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 392 reviews · from $130

2-day Almaty region tour to Charyn Canyons, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, with yurt-night dinner, A/C transport, and optional horseback rides.

“Nazerke was the best tour guide! She was a lot of fun and very informative with all of our stops. The tour itself was a good pace over two days and we saw a lot. I’d recommend to everyone!”

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Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included) - Moon Canyon and Black Canyon, quick stops that still matter
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included)

7.Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 292 reviews · from $57

One long day from Almaty to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, with lunch, park fees, and off-road rides.

“Elle was a great tour guide, working tirelessly for 17 hours from our pre-6am pickup to final drop offs at 11pm. She took us to see so many attractions outside of Almaty City, including Charyn Canyon (the so-called little brother of the Grand CanRead more”

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Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour - Pickup timing, bus comfort, and why your morning matters
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour

9.Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 198 reviews · 17 hours · from $57

Almaty Kolsai and Kaindy lakes plus Charyn Canyon in one 17-hour day tour, with hotel pickup, guided stops, and Kazakh home lunch.

“Had an amazing day despite the weather because of our guide, Muhta. I’ve been on many tours in my life and met many guides but she’s definitely one to remember. She felt like an old friend the entire time and made sure we were all comfortable and having fun. Good music taste too 😉 She made sure the tour was well organised and kept everyone updated at all times through Whatsapp— so that’s much appreciated. Very punctual too, so don’t be late for pickup! Don’t make the same mistake as us and not carry cash on you. You’ll need it for bathroom breaks and if you want to opt for…”

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Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon - Choosing Day 1: Morning start or 8 pm start from Almaty
2-Day Experiences, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car - Stop 2: Kaindy (Қайынды) and the UAZ Segment to the Sunken-Forest Feel
Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP

Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car

Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe - The Health Staircase: 842 steps, local fitness energy, big rewards
Almaty City Tours, Almaty Tours, City Tours, Kok-Tobe Hill Tours, Medeu & Shymbulak Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe

12.City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 163 reviews · 11 hours · from $49

Almaty highlights in one day: Medeu ice rink views, 842-step climb to Shymbulak, and Kok-Tobe panoramas plus bazaar, cathedral, and chocolate.

“Had a wonderful experience with Zhibek as my guide. Even though there were a few small hiccups along the way, her professionalism, patience, and dedication really stood out. She handled everything with calm and care, making sure we felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the journey. Thank you, Zhibek, for your hard work and professionalism—I’d be happy to recommend you to others!”

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Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour - Pickup, drive time, and how the day stays on schedule
Almaty Tours, Issyk Lake Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turgen Gorge Waterfalls

Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

13.Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 127 reviews · 9 hours · from $32

See Bear Waterfall in the Turgen gorge and turquoise Lake Issyk on an English-guided day trip from Almaty, with A/C transport.

“The tour was great! Our guide Amal was really helpful and friendly, and the views at the waterfall and lake were insanely beautiful. I would highly recommend :)”

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Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour - Big Almaty Lake Without the Big Effort
Almaty City Tours, Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, City Tours, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours

Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

14.Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 110 reviews · 4 hours · from $69

Big Almaty Lake in a half-day from Almaty, with an English or Russian guide, eco taxi access, and mountain views for $69 per person.

“I had fun seeing the frozen lake. Nature is really good. Our tour guide Ais is very warm and welcoming to all of us. I love it here! So peaceful and serene.”

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Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike - Choosing Your Pace: Car Transfer vs the 12km Hike
Almaty Tours, Big Almaty Lake Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews, Tours

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

15.Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 109 reviews · from $69

Big Almaty Lake tour from Almaty with a car option or a tough hike. Guided views, mountain history, and 2,500m scenery.

“All good. Picked up right infront of your doorsteps. Only had to walk a little bit then picked up by car to go to a higher viewpoint. just wished that I could've spend time longer up there and really breathe in the view. The time limit is a bit short.. overall im still happy with what i get. thank u!”

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