Kazakhstan · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Kazakhstan

192 tours  ·  from $20

A country the size of western Europe with the population of the Netherlands, so almost everything worth seeing is a drive. The 15 below are the days that earn the drive, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath.

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour - Charyn Canyon and the Valley of the Castles
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

Leave Almaty before sunrise for Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kaindy Lake, and Lower Kolsai Lake. An English-speaking guide such as Amina, Sabina, Didi, or Nurjan leads the day, with a local lunch and a bumpy Soviet UAZ ride to Kaindy. Expect long drives and walking.

“We had a wonderful time at the lakes and canyons, and Amina was a fantastic guide. It was a long day, but everything was well paced. Lunch was very nice, and the views were stunning - thoroughly recommended!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

3.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”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

4.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 🤣”

Check availability →Read our full review

Almaty: Kolsai Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyons 2-Day Tour - Charyn Canyon: red rock and a big first impression
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

Spend two days exploring Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black, and Moon Canyons from Almaty. Guides such as Luba, Naz, Aidar, and Zhenis lead the route in English or Russian, with Kazakh meals, a yurt stay, bonfire games, and an off-road Soviet van ride to Kaindy.

“Very enjoyable tour with more than enough time to enjoy every stop. Naz was amazing and made the journey very straightforward. She also gave us a good introduction about the culture and life in the country. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour - Day 1: Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, and Lower Kolsai
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

Travel from Almaty to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon and Moon Canyon in two busy days. You get park fees, meals, transport, a yurt stay and an off-road Soviet van ride. Guides have included Nazerke, Zhenis, Dana and Aigerim, with guide quality varying by departure.

“The tour was very well organized. I had a great time visiting each of the sites, we got ample time to enjoy and take in the scenery. Food was great and so was the yurt accommodation. Now coming to one of the best parts of the tour - our tour guide Aigerim!!! She is the best. A great guide as well as a fun person. We had a lot of fun at the bonfire and the multiple rounds of Uno games that we played after. Lovedd her playlist too hehe :D Also, shoutout to our wonderful driver - Ruslan!! - Yours truly, Masuma (Manisa, Manusa, Minisa etc., etc.) 😆”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Tour (lunch included) - Moon Canyon and Black Canyon add welcome variety
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

From a 6am pickup in Almaty, you visit Charyn Canyon, Moon Canyon, Black Canyon, Lower Kolsai Lake, and Kaindy Lake in one packed day. Guides such as Luba, Kuanysh, Azamat, Aika, and Serzhan lead the route, with local lunch and a memorable Soviet van ride included.

“This is a solid one-day activity to experience the Kazakh outdoors. We went to 5 sites, including a ride on an old Soviet bus and a pony, with a delicious lunch at a local home. If you have more time, stretching it to a two-day trip with an overnRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

8.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Day Tour - The early pickup and the long road east
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

Pack five major Almaty-region sights into one demanding day. You’ll ride a comfortable bus, switch to a Soviet van for Kaindy, hike to two alpine lakes, and eat home-cooked Kazakh food in Saty. English-speaking guides such as Aika, Serzh, and Kuanysh add useful context and keep the schedule moving.

“Our tour guide Aider is knowledgeable and explains everything in detail. Time management was perfect. The car came late. Hence we reached home at 11.0 pm. But the experience was nice. I shall recommend this tour to all.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Almaty: 2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon - The long road from Almaty to Saty Village
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

10.2-Day Tour to Kolsai-Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 196 reviews · 2 days · from $105

Join an English or Russian-speaking guide such as Zhanna, Daniel, Aya, or Rollan for lakes, canyons, a Soviet UAZ ride, village homestay meals, and a bonfire near Saty. Choose a one-night morning departure or a two-night evening departure from Almaty.

“One of the best tours I’ve done! If you’re wanting to see the best parts of Kazakhstan, 100% book this tour. Danny our tour guide was amazing and couldn’t have been better, always bringing the good vibes & making sure everyone was happy! Everything was seamless and we had an awesome group of people.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car - Kolsai Lake: the calm first major stop
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

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · from $49

Leave Almaty at 4:30 am for Kolsai Lake, the sunken forest at Kaindy, and Charyn Canyon. You’ll ride a UAZ to Kaindy, with horse transport optional. Guides such as Karina, Rustam, Adam, and Ice Sultan keep the long day organized and lively.

“The Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes tour was unforgettable adventure and a must see whenever you are visiting Kazakhstan, featuring beautiful landscapes like the Sunken Forest at Kaindy, Valley of Castles in Charyn, made seRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe - The cable car to Shymbulak
Almaty Tours, City Tours, Medeu and 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

Spend a full day seeing Almaty from several angles: climb Medeu’s 842-step Health Staircase, ride the cable car to Shymbulak, visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, shop at Green Bazaar and Rahat, then take in the city from Kok-Tobe. English and Russian guides include Alina, Dilnaz, Zhanna, and Zhibek.

“traffic jam and thick fog at shymbulak. despite that its a pleasant day trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour - Leaving Almaty in a small group
Almaty Tours, Issyk Lake Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Turgen Gorge Tours

Almaty: Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

13.Lake Issyk with Turgen Waterfall Day Tour

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

Spend nine hours beyond Almaty with an English or Russian-speaking guide, hiking to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge and visiting turquoise Lake Issyk. Guides such as Aika, Amal, Shakh, and Azamat have been praised for friendly service, useful stories, and careful help on the rocky trail.

“Guide was so nice and humble, good vehicle nice driver and overall exciting trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Almaty City: Big Almaty Lake Roundtrip Transfer and Tour - Apple orchard, waterfall, and gorge side stops
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

Travel from Almaty to Big Almaty Lake by road and eco taxi, with an English or Russian-speaking guide such as Adam, Karina, Ice, or Rustam. Expect pine forests, high mountain views, changing blue water, and possible extra stops such as a waterfall or apple orchard.

“It was 5 hrs which was perfect . There was there was 9 people on the tour so the van wasn’t full , our guide ice was very chatty and very friendly & approach to talk to . The van driver was a very good driver . We all had a lovely meal too . Would definitely recommend this tour”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Optional Hike - The car option: easier access and more time for views
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

Choose a car ride to a Big Almaty Lake viewpoint or a demanding 12 km hike with guides such as Dmitriy, Vladimir, or Igor. You will see the lake at about 2,500 meters, hear stories about the mountains, and travel from Almaty with park entry and transport included.

“Dmitriy is an extremely knowledgeable guide, giving us in depth history of Kazakhstan on the journey to the mountains. He also explained how the mountain lakes etc were formed which was very interesting. The hike itself was amazing. It was challenging, but that made the view at the Big Almaty Lake even better. It truly is a stunning lake and the mountain views all through the hike are breathtaking. I would fully recommend this to anyone who is capable. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip👍 One of the best experiences of my life.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tour Reviews

★ 5.0The Silk Road tour of KazakhstanFrom $3473 reviews
★ 5.0The Old City TourFrom $933 reviews
★ 4.0Astana Private Custom Walking Tour with A Local GuideFrom $533 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Private Astana City Tour in ComfortFrom $905 reviews
★ 5.02 Days Private Kolsai and Kaindy TourFrom $2694 reviews
★ 4.52 day tour to Altyn Emel Singing Dune and Aktau mountainFrom $2804 reviews
★ 5.0Personalized guided Car Tours to Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lake4 reviews
★ 5.0Private Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour with alternatgive PipelineFrom $704 reviews
★ 5.0Private Day Tour to the Land of Canyons-UNESCO-of KazakhstanFrom $4004 reviews
★ 5.0Altyn Emel, Singing Dune, Charyn canyon, Kolsay, Kaindy lake 4 days tourFrom $8823 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Kolsay Kaindy Private TourFrom $1903 reviews
★ 5.0City Pub Crawl AlmatyFrom $403 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn canyon, Kolsai lake, Kaindy lake 2 DaysFrom $3894 reviews
★ 5.0Charyn Canyon and Black Canyon 1 Day Private TourFrom $1754 reviews
★ 5.0Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyon Lunch IncludedFrom $603 reviews

Keep browsing

Charyn Canyon Tours58Kolsai Lakes Tours52Kaindy Lake Tours43Big Almaty Lake Tours15Almaty City Tours9Astana City Tours23
Scroll to Top

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