Almaty to Charyn Canyon & Kolsay Lake Day Trip: A Review

Thinking about checking out Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake on a day trip from Almaty? You might be wanting some deets on whether it’s actually a cool thing to do, and I can totally get that. It’s quite the haul to pack into a single day, you know? I recently made that very trip myself, and I’m going to let you in on all the highlights – plus some honest thoughts – so you can decide if this adventure is a good fit for you.

Why Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake?

Kazakhstan is seriously a treasure trove of unreal landscapes. That, like, covers everything from sprawling steppes to massive mountains. You get that feeling like you’re in another world altogether. So, Charyn Canyon, sometimes called the little brother of the Grand Canyon, it shows off these super interesting rock formations and epic scenery that’ll make you feel quite small, in a great way, of course. Then there’s Kolsay Lake, a super calm, crystal-clear lake that reflects the surrounding forest, and that offers something truly beautiful. It is a great spot for just soaking in the natural beauty. Tackling both in a day promises a peek at two totally distinct, breathtaking sights.

Planning and Booking Your Trip

There are quite a few tour companies around Almaty offering this exact day trip combo, you see. Finding them is never too hard, that’s for sure. I decided to roll with a company I discovered online, and I had checked out some reviews beforehand. It did seem pretty solid. Booking was super straightforward – just a couple of clicks and a quick payment, then done. Most tours usually take care of the transportation. They get the entrance fees sorted, and a guide is provided to give you all the background stories and info. Make certain you ask what’s covered when you are booking so that there aren’t, perhaps, any unhappy surprises down the line. Most tours that I’ve found typically don’t include meals. Always, always verify!

The Long Ride There (and Back)

Here’s the honest bit. That, really, is one lengthy day on the road! The drive from Almaty to Charyn Canyon can clock in at around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic, you realize. The roads, while mostly fine, aren’t exactly smooth as silk, that’s for certain. Bring a travel pillow and maybe download a podcast or two, so you have some entertainment on hand. Once you finish at the canyon, another couple of hours in the car will get you to Kolsay Lake. By then, I was really very ready to get out and stretch my legs! The views along the way are quite pleasant, but don’t kid yourself, you’re likely spending a huge chunk of your day sitting. Just to set your expectations accordingly!

Experiencing Charyn Canyon

When we got to Charyn Canyon, wow, like, it’s pretty awesome. I can totally see why they call it the “little Grand Canyon.” The Valley of Castles, with its bizarre rock formations, almost feels otherworldly, it’s kind of majestic. The guide told stories regarding the canyon’s formation, too. It did give the scenery a richer feeling, more meaningful for sure. You could walk down into the canyon floor. Doing this gives you the impression that you’re surrounded by these massive, ancient structures. You do need decent walking shoes! This might involve some uneven terrain, you know?

Kolsay Lake: A Peaceful Retreat

Following the heat and the rockiness of Charyn, the cool, calm vibes of Kolsay Lake provided a welcome change. The water, I remember it, was incredibly clear, mirroring the pine trees, and this creates a super tranquil picture. You are able to stroll around the lake, take some pictures, and simply breathe in that super fresh air. Depending on the tour, you could have the opportunity to hike to the second Kolsay Lake, though, you do need to know, that’s usually a separate arrangement, for reals. Even if you just stick to the first lake, it’s seriously worth the trip to unwind and soak in the atmosphere.

Things to Bring With You

Definitely learn from me, OK? And pack smart. A few must-haves I wished I’d thought about more seriously were comfy shoes (those canyons can get tricky), a hat and sunscreen (the sun is no joke), and layers (the weather can be unpredictable), for reals. I’d recommend you bring water and snacks because you’ll get very hungry in between stops. A portable charger to charge the phone should be in your travel backpack so that you will be snapping photos all day, right?

Is It Worth It? The Final Verdict

Okay, you know, this is the big Q. That’s the very heart of the review. So, yes, it is very worth it for experiencing some diverse and spectacular Kazakhstan scenery in just one day. That said, be at peace with those long hours on the road. If you don’t love sitting for lengthy durations, this tour might try your patience. But if you are good with travel time, and also want to see both of these places without having to plan all the logistics on your own, then definitely go for it. For myself, it felt long. However, getting to see both places made it well worth the effort, for reals.

Tips for an amazing Day Trip

• Wear layers: The temperature can change drastically between the canyon and the lake.
• Good footwear: Get some hiking or walking shoes to walk those rocky surfaces, for reals.
• Bring snacks and water: That could come in clutch for your journey, so bring your own goodies.
• Book in advance: That saves a bit of stress in peak season
• Fully charge your devices: You don’t wanna be THAT guy, so go take the charge with you

Frequently Asked Questions