At a glance
- Best for
- Hiking, photography, canyons and mountain lakes
- Nearest airport
- Almaty International (ALA)
- Time needed
- Two to three days
- Best season
- Late May to early October
- Base
- Saty village guesthouses
- Getting around
- Small group tour or a driver from a licensed agency
Charyn Canyon
Charyn is often compared to a smaller Grand Canyon. The most visited section, the Valley of Castles, is a sandy path that winds for a couple of kilometres between towering red and orange rock formations down to the Charyn river, where there is a small eco park with simple places to eat and stay. The walk is easy going down and warm coming back up, so bring water, sun protection and good shoes. Viewpoints along the rim give great photos at sunrise and sunset. Charyn is part of a national park and an entry ticket is required; check current arrangements on arrival.
The Kolsai lakes
The Kolsai lakes are a chain of three lakes in a forested valley of the Kungey Alatau mountains. The first lake is reached by road and has a lakeside path, boats and simple cafés. A well used trail climbs through spruce forest to the second lake, a hike of a few hours each way, which is quieter and lovelier. The third lake, higher still, is close to the border with Kyrgyzstan and is usually only visited with a guide and the correct permits. The national park requires entry tickets.
Kaindy Lake
Kaindy formed after an earthquake in 1911 caused a landslide that dammed a gorge. The drowned spruce trunks still stand upright out of the cold turquoise water, which makes it one of the most photographed places in the country. The last stretch is a rough track usually covered in a 4x4 or on horseback from Saty, followed by a short walk down to the shore.
Saty village
Saty, between the two lakes, is the natural base. Families run simple guesthouses with home cooked meals, fresh bread and endless tea. Facilities are basic, so expect shared bathrooms in some places, but the welcome is warm.
Planning the loop
Public transport is limited, so most visitors join a small group tour from Almaty or arrange a car and driver through a licensed agency. A common plan is Almaty to Charyn on day one, then on to Saty; Kaindy and the Kolsai lakes on day two; and the return to Almaty on day three. Roads are long and some sections are rough.
When to go and what to pack
Late May to early October is the season. Summer days can be hot in the canyon and cool by the lakes, and nights in Saty are chilly even in July. Pack layers, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes, cash and snacks. Mobile signal is patchy. Some areas near the border need permits, so stay on main routes unless a guide has arranged them.
Plan the whole route with the free trip planner, or start from Almaty and see places to visit.
Questions about Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai lakes
Can I visit Charyn and Kolsai as a day trip from Almaty?
Charyn alone works as a long day trip. Adding the lakes in one day means too many hours in a vehicle, so allow at least two days, ideally three.
Do I need a permit for the Kolsai lakes?
You need national park entry tickets for the first and second lakes. Areas close to the Kyrgyz border, including the third lake, may need a border permit, so go with a guide who arranges it.
Is the hike to the second Kolsai lake difficult?
It is a moderate forest walk with steady climbs, manageable for most reasonably fit people. Allow a full morning or afternoon for the return trip.
Where can I eat on the loop?
Guesthouses in Saty serve hearty home cooked breakfasts and dinners, often with fresh bread, soups, plov and endless tea, and simple cafés operate near the first Kolsai lake and the Charyn eco park in season. Between these points there is little, so carry snacks, fruit and water for the long drives and hikes, and bring cash because cards are not always accepted in the villages.
Can I swim in Kaindy Lake?
The water is very cold all year and the shore is steep. Most people simply enjoy the view, and divers sometimes visit in winter when it freezes.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
