Kazakhstan · 1-DAY TOURS

The 15 Best Day Tours in Kazakhstan

32 tours  ·  from $28

One day, one vehicle, back the same night. The 15 below are the single-day trips that are genuinely doable, with the real door-to-door hours rather than the advertised ones.

Almaty: Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes Day Trip - Kaindy Lake and the Soviet UAZ ride
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

Spend a long but rewarding day from Almaty visiting Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake. You’ll ride a Mercedes Sprinter, switch to a Soviet UAZ for Kaindy, and may meet energetic guides such as Karina, Rustam, Amina, or Nurtas.

“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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Almaty: Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip - Choosing among the three routes
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

2.Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyons Day Trip

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

Join a guided 16-hour journey from central Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, and optional Kaindy Lake. Guides such as Sayana, Altynai, and Zhanna are praised for clear timing and friendly help. Choose a route, ride a UAZ to Kaindy, and add boating or horse riding for about $10.

“It was such an amazing tour. The tour guide and driver were kind and professional. Kudos”

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From Almaty: Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip - Charyn Canyon and its red rock walls
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

3.Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

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

Join Panda Travel for a very full day from Almaty to Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, Charyn and Black Canyons, and Moon Canyon in summer. Guides such as Karina, Nurtas, Ice, and Adam lead in English or Russian. Expect an early start, long drives, a bumpy UAZ ride, optional horses, and excellent value.

“It was such an excellent experiences, the lake and the view are amazing and our tour guide Karina is absolutely fantastic person bring so much joy through this trip. I’m surely I’ll be still will be remember the bumpy road with our incredible our DJ Karina when I turn to 60 🤣”

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Almaty: Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip - The Three-Hour Drive Into Turgen Gorge
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Tour Reviews, Turgen Gorge Tours

Almaty: Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip

4.Esik Lake and Turgen Waterfall Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 203 reviews · 10 hours · from $28Best value

Join a Kazakh, English, or Russian-speaking guide such as Aigerim, Altynai, Sayana, or Zhanna for a full day from Almaty. Walk roughly 1.3 kilometers to Turgen Waterfall, stop at a trout farm for optional lunch, then enjoy two hours beside beautiful Issyk Lake.

“An awesome trip to the Esik lake and waterfall. The tour guide Aigerim was super friendly and has good knowledge about the places. The food was very tasty at the farm.”

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Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon Day Trip - The 5:00 am departure from Almaty
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

5.Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · from $43

Leave Almaty at 5:00 am for Charyn Canyon’s Valley of Castles, Black Canyon, Lunar Canyon, and Kolsai Lake. A guide such as Dimash, Aizee, or Alina may lead the day. Expect long road time, walking, optional horse rides and boating, and a 20-person maximum.

“It was an express tour but didn't feel like it. The trip was fun and informative. Special mention to our tour guides Dimash and Aizee who made it so much fun. Would recommend them instantly”

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Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip - Walking below the red walls of Charyn Canyon
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

6.Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $57Top rated

Leave Almaty at 5:00 am for a full day at Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake. You will walk to the Charyn River, hike about 2.5 kilometers to Kaindy, and explore Kolsai with guides such as Jana or Sayana. Park fees and transport are included.

“Good tour. With natural beauty. With some buts: very infantile guide, partly felt like in a kindergarten. The UAZ drive is not suitable for people with frequent back pain. Thanks for this…”

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Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour - Reaching Kaindy Lake by UAZ van
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Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour

7.Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 51 reviews · 16 hours · from $48

Leave Almaty early for Black Canyon, then reach Kaindy Lake by UAZ van and Kolsai Lake by coach. You get an English or Russian-speaking guide, national park tickets, walks, and optional horse rides or boats. Guides such as Alina, Sayana, Zhan­na, and Rollan have earned strong praise for clear, friendly service.

“I had a long and unforgettable day, discovering magnificent places and meeting very kind people . Sayana, our guide, was very pleasant and professional and allowed us to fully enjoy the day. Dana was also very kind and attentive. Thank you both for this wonderful day!”

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Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour - Charyn Canyon: wide views, red rock, and a short walk
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

8.Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $196

Leave Almaty at 7:00 for Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake on a private, customizable day trip. Your guide can explain local culture, help with photos, and adjust the pace. A village lunch is included, and you can add a boat ride at Kolsai Lake. Guides include Dias, Diana, and Enlar.

“Enlar and our driver were the best! We loved this immersive tour and ever changing nature! It’s really hard to describe how clear and beautiful Kolsai lake. The lunch provided was so delicious! Ending the day at Charyn canyon was a perfect way to close out exploring this beautiful part of the world. Definitely one of the best tours we have ever done!”

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Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure - From Almaty Circus to the Turgen Gorge
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Tour Reviews, Turgen Gorge Tours

Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure

9.Day Trip by SUV: Turgen Waterfall & Assy Plateau Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 39 reviews · 12 hours · from $50

Joinme Asia takes you from Almaty’s circus to Turgen Gorge and Bear Waterfall, then high into the Assy Plateau above 2,500 meters. Expect a small-group SUV trip, light walking, changing weather, mountain tea, and guides such as Aya, Altynay, Jana, or Umit.

“Loved how the tour guide made sure that we spend quality time at both the locations and went way beyond to make up feel comfortable. While there were no issues during the journey, the pre-journey experience could be improved for instance communication before the trip and punctuality. Overall, the experience was worth it”

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Private Day Trip to Fantastic Charyn Canyon - Leaving Almaty at 9:00 a.m.
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

Private Day Trip to Fantastic Charyn Canyon

10.Private Day Trip to Fantastic Charyn Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · from $180

Travel privately from Almaty to Charyn Canyon with hotel pickup, a professional guide, park entry, and a 3.5-hour drive each way. Walk through the Valley of Castles, reach the Charyn River, enjoy free time for photos and short hikes, and return by evening. Guides may include Adil, Nazerke, or Miras.

“First n foremost our Driver cum guide was the best person.His name was Miras.Very courteous n .helpful.His English was fluent n he showed us all the places.Scenery n weather was good.Will recommend a visit to Almaty to all.”

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1-day Backcountry Tour - A good bridge from piste skiing to backcountry riding
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

1-day Backcountry Tour

11.1-day Backcountry Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · from $156

Join FrozenRocks guides Maxim or Kirill for a private day of backcountry skiing or snowboarding in the Zailiyskiy Alatau near Almaty. You’ll leave the pistes for below-treeline powder, valleys, couloirs, and peaks, with routes matched to your group.

“Completed a two day avalanche awareness course with max then a day tour with Kirill. Both were fantastic!! Max was a very knowledgeable instructor and we learnt a lot!!”

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One Day Private Kolsay Lake, Charyn and Black canyon - The 5 a.m. start and the long road east
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Black Canyon Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews

One Day Private Kolsay Lake, Charyn and Black canyon

12.One Day Private Kolsay Lake, Charyn and Black canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $179

Leave Almaty at 5 a.m. for a private 10 to 11-hour trip to Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Moon Canyon, and Black Canyon. Guides such as Yernar, Denis, and Nurlan provide local insight, hotel pickup, transport, admission, and a traditional food lunch.

“Apart from the natural sights, both the driver and the guide had a polite and personalised approach and offered a lot of insights into local culture. I still remember the day we had our tour and it charges me with positive energy. 10/10”

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1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake - Lunch in Saty village and the move to Kaindy
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake

13.1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $130

Start at 5:00 am with guide Alina or another Almaty Inspiration Tour guide for a long but rewarding day at Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lake. The tour includes transport, lunch, water and entrance fees, with old four-wheel-drive cars and walking at Kaindy.

“Alina is the best guide I’ve ever met, very open person, huge knowledge about visited sites, helpful and passionate of her job. 10/10.”

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1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy - Kaiyndy Lake and its sunken forest
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy

14.1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $89

You’ll spend a long but rewarding day with a private guide such as Ayan or Sam, driving from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, mysterious Kaiyndy Lake, and mountain-ringed Kolsay Lake. The trip includes transport, snacks, drinks, WiFi, entrance fees, and time to adjust the pace.

“I had a great experience with Sam's Tour on its one day private tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes. My guide, Ayan was extremely engaging, helpful and supportive throughout the trip, and most importantly a safe driver. Although tRead more”

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One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes - Kaindy Lake: the day’s strangest sight
1-Day Tours, Almaty Tours, Charyn Canyon Tours, Kaindy Lake Tours, Kolsai Lakes Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes

15.One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · from $260

Leave Almaty at 5:00 am for a private 12 to 14 hour trip to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsai Lake. Expect long drives, local lunch, mountain scenery, old vehicles near Kaindy, and a packed day focused on Kazakhstan’s finest natural sights.

“This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip to Almaty, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. We did the full-day journey to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Kolsay Lakes, and every moment was spectacular. The natural beauty is simRead more”

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New in 1-Day Tours

★ 5.0Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon 1 Day Private TourFrom $1754 reviews
★ 5.0Almaty 1-Day Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy & Charyn Black CanyonFrom $403 reviews
★ 4.8Charyn Canyon Private Day TripFrom $1755 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Express Tour: Issyk Lake, Assy Plateau & Turgen GorgeFrom $2575 reviews
★ 3.01-Day Tour to Shymbulak, Medeo, Kok-Tobe Hill & ZooFrom $455 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles 1 Day tourFrom $1906 reviews
★ 5.0One Day Ski Tour Near AlmatyFrom $2776 reviews
★ 4.8One Day Tour to Altyn-Emel: Singing Dune and Aktau MountainFrom $2256 reviews
★ 5.01 Day Tour Charyn Canyon, Kolsai/Kaindy lakesFrom $1057 reviews
★ 4.2Issyk Lake, Bear Waterfall & Trout Farm Day TripFrom $327 reviews
★ 4.9Charyn Canyon Full-Day Trip with Boxed LunchFrom $507 reviews

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Charyn Canyon Tours58Kolsai Lakes Tours52Kaindy Lake Tours43Black Canyon Tours7Issyk Lake Tours6Turgen Gorge Tours5
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Explore Kazakhstan

Pick a canyon, a lake, a ridge or a bazaar.

Canyons and lakes

Charyn CanyonKolsai LakesKaindy LakeBig Almaty LakeIssyk Lake

Above the city

Medeu and ShymbulakKok TobeHiking DaysTurgen Gorge

Steppe and desert

Singing DuneAktau MountainsBlack CanyonNational ParksHorse Riding

City days

Almaty CityAstana CityCity ToursWalking ToursHistory Tours