3-Day Kazakhstan Nature Tour: Kok Tobe, Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes

What’s included

Itinerary

1. 01
   Day 1Almaty City Tour – Kok Tobe

   Overnight: Almaty

   Begin your Kazakhstan adventure with a sightseeing tour of Almaty, the country’s largest city, known for its leafy streets, cultural attractions, and dramatic mountain backdrop.

   Your first major stop is Kok Tobe Hill, a popular viewpoint overlooking the city and the surrounding mountains. Take in the panoramic scenery, stroll through the hilltop park, and enjoy time for photographs. If operating, the cable car offers a memorable ride between the city and the hilltop.

   Spend some free time exploring the park’s walking areas, monuments, cafés, and optional attractions. You can also enjoy lunch or coffee with a view.

   In the afternoon, return to the city and enjoy free time to explore Almaty at your own pace.

   Highlights:

   • Kok Tobe Hill and panoramic viewpoints

   • Optional cable car ride

   • City and mountain photography

   • Free time in Almaty

2. 02
   Day 2Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Saty Village

   Overnight: Saty village or the Kolsai area

   After breakfast, depart Almaty and travel east through the landscapes of the Almaty Region toward Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most remarkable natural attractions.

   Upon arrival, visit the famous Valley of Castles, where wind and water erosion have shaped the sandstone cliffs into formations resembling towers and ancient fortresses.

   Enjoy time to explore the viewpoints and walk into the canyon along the established trail. The red, orange, and golden rock formations create excellent opportunities for photography, particularly in the softer light of morning or late afternoon.

   After exploring the canyon, continue toward Saty village, the traditional base for visiting Kolsai Lakes. On arrival, check in to your guesthouse or accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the rural mountain landscape.

   Highlights:

   • Scenic drive through southeastern Kazakhstan

   • Charyn Canyon viewpoints

   • Walk through the Valley of Castles

   • Photography stops and time to explore

   • Overnight in a local guesthouse or countryside accommodation

3. 03
   Day 3Saty Village to Kolsai Lakes to Almaty

   After breakfast, travel to Lower Kolsai Lake, one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes. Surrounded by forested slopes and mountain peaks, the lake offers a peaceful contrast to the rugged landscape of Charyn Canyon.

   Spend time walking along the lakeshore, enjoying the mountain scenery, and taking photographs. Depending on the season, weather, and available activities, you may have time for a longer walk or optional activities near the lake.

   After exploring Kolsai, begin the return journey to Almaty. The drive passes through mountain foothills, rural settlements, and open landscapes. Arrive in Almaty in the evening, concluding your three-day Kazakhstan adventure.

   Highlights:

   • Visit Lower Kolsai Lake

   • Scenic mountain and forest views

   • Lakeside walk and photography

   • Return transfer to Almaty

Tour highlights

• Explore Medeu and Shymbulak in the spectacular mountains near Almaty.

• Discover the dramatic cliffs and rock formations of Charyn Canyon.

• Admire the alpine scenery of Kolsai Lakes.

• Visit Lake Kaindy and its remarkable submerged spruce forest.

• Explore Altyn-Emel National Park and its vast desert landscapes.

• Experience the famous Singing Dune, known for its distinctive natural phenomenon.

• Discover the contrasting landscapes of Kazakhstan, from mountain forests to open steppe and desert.

• Enjoy a private journey with personalized transportation arrangements.

• Experience six nights of accommodation across the route, according to the selected package.

The tour map

About the tour