In this tour, we will successfully combine natural and historical highlights. You will see not only the wonderful mountain landscapes of the Northern Tien Shan and its unique lakes, including Issyk, Kolsai, and Kaindy (the latter will stay in your memory for its surreal appearance), and not only the famous Charyn canyon, which transport you into desert landscapes reminiscent of cowboy films. You will also visit the place where one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the history of Kazakhstan was made — Issyk, where the famous Saka Golden Man was found, now one of the country’s key symbols. Your base during this tour will be the village of Saty, the main hub for tourism development in the Kolsai region, which was recognised by the UN Tourism as one of the best tourist villages in the world in 2023.
Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy and Issyk 3 days | June to October | Comfort Classic tours
TOUR ITINERARY Highlights Of Your Journey
Day 1
07:30 – 09:00 Travelling from Almaty to the Issyk Museum-Reserve (50 km).
09:00 – 10:00 Visiting the Issyk Museum, which was established as a result of one of the largest
archaeological discoveries of the Saka (Scythian) period – the Golden Man, excavated in Issyk (Yesik) burial mound.
10:00 – 10:40 Travelling to the Issyk (Yesik) Lake (22 km).
10:40 – 11:30 You spend time at the lake that, according to geologists, was formed as a result of a
massive landslide about 8–10 thousand years ago. The lake is exceptionally scenic and lies surrounded by cliffs and forests.
11:30 – 13:00 Travelling from Issyk Lake to Baiseit village (107 km), famous for its restaurants with delicious Uyghur cuisine.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch in a restaurant in Baiseit.
14:00 – 15:00 Travelling to the Valley of Castles — the most popular and spectacular part of Charyn National Park (70 km).
15:00 – 17:30 Walking down the canyon in the Valley of Castles (3 km one way), where the most classic photos of the canyon are usually taken. Visiting one of the upper viewpoints upon return, from which you will look down on the valley from above to appreciate its scale.
17:30 – 19:00 Travelling from the Valley of Castles to Saty village (89 km), where the headquarters of Kolsai Lakes National Park is located.
19:00 – 20:00 Lunch in a guesthouse in Saty.
Day 2
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast.
09:00 – 09:20 Travelling from Saty to the parking lot near the Lower Kolsai Lake (14 km.).
09:20 – 12:30 You have your time at the lake, walk around and take a lot of photos. The most classic pictures of Kolsai are made here, at the shore of the First or Lower Kolsai Lake. It is possible to take a boat as well (optional).
12:40 – 13:00 Coming back to Saty.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch in guesthouse in Saty.
14:00 – 15:00 Free time.
15:00 – 15:40 Travelling from Saty to the parking lot near Kaindy Lake (14 km).
15:40 – 16:10 Walking 1.5 kilometers to the lakeshore (you can optionally do this on horseback).
16:10 – 17:00 You have your time at the lake, walk around and take a lot of photos.
17:00 – 17:20 Walking (or riding) back to the parking lot.
17:20 – 18:00 Coming back to Saty.
18:00 – 19:00 Free time.
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner in a guesthouse/hotel/yurt.
Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
10:00 – 11:00 Travelling from Saty to the Black Canyon (63 km), one more part of Charyn River canyon system.
11:00 – 11:30 You will look down the canyon from a viewpoint, it is a good place for photo session.
11:30 – 12:00 Travelling to the Moon Canyon (19 km).
12:00 – 13:00 A short hike in the Moon Canyon, a part of Charyn, which slopes are composed of yellowish-brown rocks.
13:00 – 13:40 Travelling to Kokpek Village (47 km).
13:40 – 14:40 Lunch in a restaurant in Kokpek.
14:40 – 18:00 Travelling back to Almaty (180 km).
Price per person (depends on the group size and type of accommodation), USD:
Group size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Price | from ___ | from ___ | from ___ | from ___ |
The price includes:
— Private transportation by comfortable SUV,
— English speaking guide,
— Accommodation in guesthouse/hotel/yurt in Saty,
— Meals as per the program,
— Entrances to all National Parks,
— Drinking water.
Price does not include:
— Horseback riding,
— Boats,
— National Park taxis,
— Any other personal expenses.