6-Day Almaty & National Parks Tour | Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes

📋 Tour description

🌙 Duration: 6 nights / 6 days, departure on Day 7

🏙️ Type of tour: Mixed Almaty tour package (city sightseeing, eco tourism, national parks)

🥾 Activity level: easy+

🌐 Operated in: English, German, Russian, Kazakh, Arabic, Chinese, Italian, French

📅 Season: April – October

🏨 Accommodation: 4 * City hotel in the center of Almaty

🍽️ Meals: breakfast in the hotels, lunch during day tour (without alcohol), a bottle of water and lemonade each day

🌍 Overview

Discover one of the most scenic and welcoming destinations in Central Asia with a carefully crafted 6-day journey through Almaty and the surrounding mountains.

This Almaty tour package combines vibrant city life, breathtaking natural landmarks and authentic cultural experiences — ideal for travelers who want a comfortable and well-organized Kazakhstan travel experience and to see the real Kazakhstan in a short itinerary.

Explore iconic landscapes of the Silk Road region and discover why Almaty is considered a natural gateway to Central Asia.

⭐ Tour highlights

🌄 Enjoy evening panoramic views from Kok-Tobe Hill, Almaty’s most famous viewpoint
🏔️ Scenic mountain trip to Big Almaty Gorge surrounded by alpine forests and peaks
⛸️ Visit the legendary Medeu Skating Rink, the world’s highest mountain ice rink
🏜️ Explore Charyn Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia
💧 Discover the crystal-clear Kolsai Lakes and the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake
🦅 Experience a traditional Kazakh eagle hunting show, part of nomadic heritage
🥘 Taste authentic Kazakh national cuisine and meet local culture along the route

🧭 Why Choose This Tour

🏔️ Discover the most iconic landscapes of Almaty & the Northern Tien Shan
⭐ Perfect introduction to Kazakhstan’s national parks and natural wonders
🧭 Expert local guides with deep knowledge of the region
🚐 Comfortable private transport throughout the journey
🌄 Scenic hikes to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
🏡 Authentic cultural experiences and local cuisine along the route

📍 Main Locations

Almaty – the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, set against the mountains of the Northern Tien Shan

Medeu – a world-famous high-altitude skating rink located at 1691 meters above sea level

Shymbulak Mountain Resort – Central Asia’s leading alpine resort with breathtaking mountain views

Big Almaty Gorge – a scenic mountain valley with forests, rivers and alpine landscapes

Charyn Canyon – a dramatic red-rock canyon often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia

Kolsai Lakes National Park – a chain of stunning alpine lakes hidden in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains

Kaindy Lake – a unique sunken forest lake, one of the most remarkable natural sights in Kazakhstan

Saty Village – a traditional mountain village located near Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

⭐ Best For

Travelers who want to discover the top natural wonders of Almaty and the Northern Tien Shan
Visitors interested in national parks, scenic landscapes, and easy mountain hikes
Travelers looking to explore Charyn Canyon, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes in one journey
First-time visitors to Kazakhstan seeking a complete introduction to the region
Nature lovers who want to combine mountains, canyons, alpine lakes, and local culture

✔ Included

✈️ Airport transfers (arrival & departure in Almaty)

🚐 Transportation to all tour locations throughout the itinerary

🏨 Accommodation in a 4★ city hotel in Almaty + guesthouse in Saty Village

🧭 Professional English-speaking tour guide

🎟️ National park & facility entrance fees, cable cars (Medeu–Shymbulak & Kok-Tobe)

🎯 All activities and excursions according to the itinerary

🍽️ Meals: hotel breakfasts & lunches during day tours (non-alcoholic)

🥤 Daily drinks: bottled water & juice

🥾 Trekking poles rental for mountain walks

💰 All taxes and VAT included

❌ Excluded

✈️ Flights

🍽️ Dinners

🏨 Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

💵 Tips

🎒 Personal items (Souvenirs, rent of hiking equipment etc.)

🛂 Visa fees and travel insurance

🗺 Tour Program

Day 1: Airport pick-up and private transfer to your city hotel

• Hotel check-in and free time to relax after arrival
• Overnight in Almaty city center

Day 2: Medeu & Shymbulak Mountain Experience

• Visit Medeu, the world’s highest mountain skating rink (1691 meters above sea level)
• Walk up the famous Health Stairs (842 steps) to the Medeu mountain dam viewpoint
• Ride the Medeu–Shymbulak cable car high into the Northern Tien Shan Mountains
• Explore Shymbulak Mountain Resort, Central Asia’s most famous alpine resort
• Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of glaciers and alpine peaks
• Scenic lunch at a mountain restaurant in Shymbulak

Day 3: Big Almaty Gorge Nature & Falconry Experience

• Travel to the scenic Big Almaty Gorge, one of the most beautiful mountain valleys near Almaty
• Enjoy an easy hike to the picturesque Ayusai Waterfall surrounded by alpine forests
• Take a relaxing picnic stop in the mountains with fresh mountain air and panoramic views
• Experience a traditional Kazakh falconry show with wild birds of prey
• Learn about the ancient nomadic hunting traditions of Central Asia

Day 4: Almaty Culture & City Highlights Tour

• Visit the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan to explore the country’s rich history and heritage
• Walk through the historic center of Almaty, discovering its main cultural landmarks
• Enjoy lunch at a traditional Central Asian restaurant with authentic local cuisine
• Explore Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral, one of Almaty’s most iconic architectural sites
• Stop at the Rakhat Chocolate Factory brand store for famous Kazakh sweets
• Experience local life at the vibrant Green Bazaar, Almaty’s most famous market
• End the day with a panoramic evening view of Almaty from Kok-Tobe Hill

Day 5: Charyn Canyon Adventure & Saty Village Experience

• Travel to the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia
• Explore the famous Valley of Castles, the most iconic part of Charyn Canyon with dramatic rock formations
• Enjoy scenic walks through the canyon surrounded by breathtaking desert landscapes
• Relax during a scenic lunch stop at Charyn Canyon with panoramic views
• In the evening, arrive to Saty Village, the gateway to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
• Traditional dinner and overnight at a cozy guesthouse in Saty Village

Day 6: Kaindy Lake & Kolsai Lakes Alpine Adventure

• Enjoy an easy hike to the famous Kaindy Lake, known for its unique sunken forest and turquoise waters
• Visit the picturesque Yegizkol Alpine Lake, hidden high in the mountains of the Northern Tien Shan
• Traditional homemade lunch at a local guesthouse in Saty Village
• Explore the beautiful Kolsai Lake, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”
• Scenic return transfer to Almaty city through mountain landscapes
• Evening arrival in Almaty with hotel overnight

Day 7 (Final day): departure from the hotel before 12 o'clock + transfer to the Almaty airport

Price: from 1,195 USD per person* (The price per person applies to groups of 10 guests or more and is intended for tour operators and tour leaders. For groups of fewer than 10 guests, please contact our manager to receive a customized quote)

Day 4: Departure from Almaty

• Hotel check-out before 12:00
• Private transfer to Almaty International Airport

❓ FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Kazakhstan?

Yes. This tour is a great introduction to Almaty and the natural wonders of southeastern Kazakhstan, including Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake.

Is the tour private?

Yes. The tour is operated as a private experience exclusively for you and your group.

What is the activity level of this tour?

The tour is rated easy to moderate and includes scenic walks and light hikes in the mountains and national parks.

What type of accommodation is included?

The tour includes accommodation in a 4★ city hotel in Almaty and a local guesthouse in Saty Village near the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes.

What should I wear for the mountain trips?

Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing and a light jacket are recommended, as temperatures in the mountains can be cooler than in the city.

Are entrance fees and activities included?

Yes. National park entrance fees, cable cars and all activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour price.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. Minor changes to the itinerary can be arranged upon request for private travelers.

What is the best season for this tour?

The tour operates from April to October, when the weather is ideal for exploring mountains, canyons and alpine lakes.

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6-Day Almaty & National Parks Tour (Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes)