Kolsai lake, Kaindy lake, Sharyn canyon in one day
Visit the most beautiful lakes of the Almaty region on a one-day adventure tour with the Monte team!
More details about the Kolsay lake, Kayndy lake, Sharyn canyon
day tour in Almaty region, Kazakhstan
COMPLEXITY
Easy
DISTANCE
Hike: 6km
Transportation: 330 km one way
Transportation: 330 km one way
LANGUAGE
English
BACKPACK
Light,
take only basic things and snacks
take only basic things and snacks
DURATION
3-4 hours hike
SEASON
All year
Timeline of Kolsai-Kaindy-Sharyn canyon tour
Almaty, Kazakhstan
06:00 – 06:15
06:00 – 06:15
Meeting point
We will meet in the city center or near your hotel to get to the starting point together with a guide. There is a long trip to Almaty oblast (region).
09:30 – 12:00
09:30 – 12:00
Kaindy lake
In the village of Saty, we will transfer to a separate vehicle to reach Kaindy.
Kaindy is a unique lake formed as a result of an earthquake that flooded a dense coniferous forest. Bare treetops rise above the water, and beneath the surface, you can see every needle preserved in the lake's cold water.
We will walk along the lake and take a trail above it that offers panoramic views of the gorge and the lake.
After returning, we will stop for lunch at a café.
Kaindy is a unique lake formed as a result of an earthquake that flooded a dense coniferous forest. Bare treetops rise above the water, and beneath the surface, you can see every needle preserved in the lake's cold water.
We will walk along the lake and take a trail above it that offers panoramic views of the gorge and the lake.
After returning, we will stop for lunch at a café.
14:00 – 16:00
14:00 – 16:00
Kolsay lake
After returning to Saty, we will transfer to the bus and continue our journey to Lake Kolsai.
The Lower Kolsai Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. Surrounded by coniferous forest, we will walk along the trail and view the lake from all sides, as well as take photos at panoramic spots.
The Lower Kolsai Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. Surrounded by coniferous forest, we will walk along the trail and view the lake from all sides, as well as take photos at panoramic spots.
17:00 – 18:00
17:00 – 18:00
Sharyn canyon
At sunset, we will see the Charyn Canyon from panoramic viewpoints and take beautiful photos. If time permits, we can take a short walk through the canyon to the Sharyn River and back (2 km one way).
18:00 – 21:00
18:00 – 21:00
Back to the city
These places of divine beauty will leave lifelong impressions! You'll gain many emotions, but also spend a lot of energy — physically you'll feel a light fatigue, but inside you'll be filled with beauty, new emotions, impressions, and new acquaintances.
List of essentials for hiking to the Kolsai-Kaindy-Sharyn?
Essentials
- Passport (border document check)
- Some cash
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit
- Trekking poles
- Seat mats (optional)
Food
- Water 1l-2l
- Thermos with tea
- Lunch (sandwiches, pancakes, pies, etc.)
Clothes (summer)
- Trekking shirt
- Fleece jacket\Hoodie
- Raincoat\Hardshell jacket
- Trekking trousers
- Sun hat and buff
- Trekking shoes\boots
Clothes
(winter)
(winter)
- Long sleeve (thermal)
- Fleece jacket\hoodie
- Snow pants
- Demi-season/winter boots
- Jacket
- Woolen beanie and gloves
- Warm socks
- Headlamp
- Gaiters
- Crampons
What is included in the price of the Kolsai-Kaindy-Sharyn tour?
Included
Guide service
Basic first aid kit
Photo report
Consultation
Nat.Park's Ecological fees
Basic first aid kit
Photo report
Consultation
Nat.Park's Ecological fees
Not included
Necessary transportation ~ $160/1 car-5 persons
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Lunch in a cafe ~ $15
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Lunch in a cafe ~ $15
Price for day hiking tour with local Almaty guide
One-day tour
The price include guide service, eco charges.
does not include transfer, lunch or other extra-expenses.
The price include guide service, eco charges.
does not include transfer, lunch or other extra-expenses.
1 person
65 000 tenge
/ $130
/ $130
2 persons
70 000 tenge
/ $140
/ $140
35 000 tg/pp
3 persons
85 000 tenge
/$170
/$170
28 333 tg/pp
4 persons
98 000 tenge
/ $196
/ $196
24 500 tg/pp
5 persons
110 000 tenge
/ $220
/ $220
22 000 tg/pp
over 5 people
calculated individually
Request a call
Where is Sharyn Canyon located?
Sharyn Canyon is a picturesque, deep gorge in Kazakhstan, stretching 154 km along the Sharyn River valley, near the borders with China and Kyrgyzstan. It is one of the Earth's places that takes your breath away with its beauty and grandeur. Given its size and geological features, Sharyn Canyon is often referred to as the "younger brother" of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Its reddish cliffs, reminiscent of fortress towers, and abysses reaching depths of 150 to 300 meters impress all who visit.
The river carved out the extensive valley in the mountainous rocks, while wind sculpted the fanciful shapes of the cliffs. To preserve the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the richness of local nature, the Sharyn National Park was established around the canyon in 2004. Travelers visiting here contribute to conservation efforts through an ecological fee. The park is well-maintained, with trash bins placed along the trails.
Flowing through the canyon floor is the Sharyn River, which originates from the southern slopes of the Ketmen Range and carries turquoise waters into the Ili River. This rugged, fast-flowing river stretches for 427 km. The canyon can be observed from the river valley as well as from equipped observation platforms located above the sheer cliffs.
The river carved out the extensive valley in the mountainous rocks, while wind sculpted the fanciful shapes of the cliffs. To preserve the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the richness of local nature, the Sharyn National Park was established around the canyon in 2004. Travelers visiting here contribute to conservation efforts through an ecological fee. The park is well-maintained, with trash bins placed along the trails.
Flowing through the canyon floor is the Sharyn River, which originates from the southern slopes of the Ketmen Range and carries turquoise waters into the Ili River. This rugged, fast-flowing river stretches for 427 km. The canyon can be observed from the river valley as well as from equipped observation platforms located above the sheer cliffs.
Where are the Kolsai Lakes located?
Kolsai Lakes are located in the Kulsai (Kolsai) Gorge between the ridges of the Zailiysky Alatau and the Kungey Alatau. The Kolsai Lakes are situated in the Rayimbek district of the Almaty region, 10 km north of the border with Kyrgyzstan, and 300 km from Almaty.
There are a total of 3 lakes, located at altitudes of approximately 1000 m, 2500 m, and 2700 m above sea level. The Kolsai Lakes are surrounded by a picturesque forest of Tien Shan spruce. The lakes reach depths of up to 50 m, where rainbow trout can be found splashing about.
There are a total of 3 lakes, located at altitudes of approximately 1000 m, 2500 m, and 2700 m above sea level. The Kolsai Lakes are surrounded by a picturesque forest of Tien Shan spruce. The lakes reach depths of up to 50 m, where rainbow trout can be found splashing about.
What dangers may arise during a hike?
It is important to carefully consider the list of necessary equipment. In the mountains, the sun's radiation is strong, so do not stay in the sun without a hat. Additionally, sunscreen and sunglasses will protect you from the harmful effects of the sun. Always bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket as the weather can be unpredictable!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health—be cautious!
Remember that you are solely responsible for your health—be cautious!