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Centralia travel agency

We design and operate authentic adventure travel experiences across Central Asia.

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  • Samarkand, Uzbekistan

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Enjoy the Adventure

Discover the natural wonders of the Almaty region on this unforgettable 2-day adventure to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes and the breathtaking Charyn Canyons. Designed for travelers who want to experience Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes without rushing, this tour perfectly balances nature, comfort, and adventure. On the first day, journey from Almaty to Charyn National Park, where you will visit the surreal Moon Canyon and Black Canyon, followed by the famous Valley of the Castles with its dramatic rock formations. Continue to Lower Kolsai Lake, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan,” where you’ll have time for walking, photography, and optional boating or horseback riding. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner of local cuisine, gather around a bonfire with games and karaoke, and spend the night in a cozy yurt camp or guesthouse surrounded by mountains and silence far from city life. On the second day, travel by off-road vehicle to the legendary Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged forest and crystal-clear turquoise water. Explore the area on foot or by horseback before enjoying a final scenic walk through Charyn Canyon. After lunch, return to Almaty with unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan’s wild beauty. This tour includes transportation, meals, accommodation, park entrance fees, and professional guiding, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Included / Excluded

To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.

  • All the transportaion
  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • National parks entrance fees
  • Transport by air-conditioned private SUV vehicle or minivan
  • Meals - Two Lunches, One Dinner, One Breakfast
  • accommodation at cozy Guest House
  • International flights
  • Personal expences
  • Visa fees
  • Optional activities
  • Horseback ride (available to purchase onsite)
  • Boat/catamaran ride (available to purchase onsite)

Destinations

Almaty
Charyn Canyon
Kolsai lake
Kaindy lake

Tour Highlights

Visit Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Kazakhstan’s most famous alpine lakes
Explore Charyn Canyon, including Moon, Black Canyon & Valley of the Castles
Off-road adventure to Kaindy Lake
Overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp or guesthouse
Home-cooked local meals and bonfire evening experience

Itinerary

We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Description

The journey begins in the morning with departure from Almaty at the designated meeting points. Traveling through scenic steppe and mountain landscapes, you will reach Charyn National Park, one of the most impressive natural landmarks of the region.

Here you will stop at Moon Canyon for panoramic views and make a short photo stop at Black Canyon, known for its dramatic rock formations. After exploring the canyon viewpoints, the tour continues toward the mountain area of Kolsai.

A home-cooked lunch featuring local cuisine is served en route (vegetarian option available). In the afternoon, you arrive at Lower Kolsai Lake, where you have free time to walk around the lake, enjoy the alpine scenery, take photos, or choose optional activities such as boating or horseback riding.

In the evening, you check in at a cozy yurt camp or guesthouse located in the foothills. After a traditional dinner, enjoy a relaxed evening with bonfire gatherings, games, and karaoke under the starry sky, experiencing the authentic nomadic atmosphere far from city noise.

What to Expect

Spectacular canyon landscapes, peaceful alpine lakes, local cuisine, and an authentic overnight stay in a yurt camp surrounded by nature.

Meals Included

LunchDinner

Transportation

Driving

Driving

8-9hrs · 300-400km

Day Gallery

Moon & Black Canyons · Charyn National Park · Kolsai Lake - Day Gallery image 1
+2
Moon & Black Canyons · Charyn National Park · Kolsai Lake - Day Gallery image 2
+1
Moon & Black Canyons · Charyn National Park · Kolsai Lake - Day Gallery image 3

Accommodation Manager

Saty guesthouse

StarsGuesthouse

Address

3C97+Q54, Saty, Kazakhstan

View On Map

Check-in Time

12:00

Check-out Time

11:00

Rooms

Twin/Double (2 person)

Accommodation Photos

Saty guesthouse - Accommodation Photos image 1
+5
Saty guesthouse - Accommodation Photos image 2
+4
Saty guesthouse - Accommodation Photos image 3
+3

Description

After breakfast at the yurt camp, the tour continues toward the mountain area of Lake Kaindy. To reach the lake, travelers switch to a special off-road Soviet UAZ vehicle, making the journey itself an exciting adventure through rugged mountain terrain.

Kaindy Lake is famous for its surreal sunken forest, where tree trunks rise from crystal-clear turquoise water. You will have ample time to explore the area on foot, enjoy the peaceful alpine atmosphere, take photos, and optionally try horseback riding.

Following a home-cooked lunch, the journey continues to Charyn Canyon Valley of the Castles. Here you walk along the canyon floor for about 1.5 km toward the Charyn River and back, surrounded by dramatic rock formations resembling ancient castles.

In the late afternoon, the group departs for Almaty. Arrival is expected in the evening, where the tour concludes at the original meeting points.

What to Expect

Off-road adventure to Kaindy Lake, the iconic sunken forest, and a scenic hike through Charyn Canyon’s Valley of the Castles before returning to Almaty.

Meals Included

BreakfastLunchDinner

Transportation

Driving

Driving

7-8hrs · 300-400km

Day Gallery

Kaindy Lake · Charyn Canyon “Valley of the Castles” - Day Gallery image 1
+3
Kaindy Lake · Charyn Canyon “Valley of the Castles” - Day Gallery image 2
+2
Kaindy Lake · Charyn Canyon “Valley of the Castles” - Day Gallery image 3
+1

Tour Map

This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.

FAQs

The tour requires a moderate fitness level. It includes long drives and short hikes (approximately 1.5–3 km).

Children under 5 years old Pregnant travelers Travelers with serious back or heart problems Travelers with physical disabilities or mobility limitations

Modern air-conditioned van or bus Off-road Soviet UAZ vehicle for access to Kaindy Lake

Overnight stay is in a yurt camp or guesthouse with attached WC. Yurts are shared with other tour participants of the same gender.

Comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes for the evening, sun protection, and personal medications.

Yes, the tour usually operates in all weather conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons if necessary.

Choose your style

Group tour

Private
From $753
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve today, pay over time

Enjoy the Adventure

Discover the natural wonders of the Almaty region on this unforgettable 2-day adventure to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes and the breathtaking Charyn Canyons. Designed for travelers who want to experience Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes without rushing, this tour perfectly balances nature, comfort, and adventure. On the first day, journey from Almaty to Charyn National Park, where you will visit the surreal Moon Canyon and Black Canyon, followed by the famous Valley of the Castles with its dramatic rock formations. Continue to Lower Kolsai Lake, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan,” where you’ll have time for walking, photography, and optional boating or horseback riding. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner of local cuisine, gather around a bonfire with games and karaoke, and spend the night in a cozy yurt camp or guesthouse surrounded by mountains and silence far from city life. On the second day, travel by off-road vehicle to the legendary Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged forest and crystal-clear turquoise water. Explore the area on foot or by horseback before enjoying a final scenic walk through Charyn Canyon. After lunch, return to Almaty with unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan’s wild beauty. This tour includes transportation, meals, accommodation, park entrance fees, and professional guiding, making it an ideal choice for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Included / Excluded

To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.

  • All the transportaion
  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off
  • National parks entrance fees
  • Transport by air-conditioned private SUV vehicle or minivan
  • Meals - Two Lunches, One Dinner, One Breakfast
  • accommodation at cozy Guest House
  • International flights
  • Personal expences
  • Visa fees
  • Optional activities
  • Horseback ride (available to purchase onsite)
  • Boat/catamaran ride (available to purchase onsite)

Destinations

Almaty
Charyn Canyon
Kolsai lake
Kaindy lake

Tour Highlights

Visit Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Kazakhstan’s most famous alpine lakes
Explore Charyn Canyon, including Moon, Black Canyon & Valley of the Castles
Off-road adventure to Kaindy Lake
Overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp or guesthouse
Home-cooked local meals and bonfire evening experience

Itinerary

We have carefully planned out each day to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in the world.

Description

The journey begins in the morning with departure from Almaty at the designated meeting points. Traveling through scenic steppe and mountain landscapes, you will reach Charyn National Park, one of the most impressive natural landmarks of the region.

Here you will stop at Moon Canyon for panoramic views and make a short photo stop at Black Canyon, known for its dramatic rock formations. After exploring the canyon viewpoints, the tour continues toward the mountain area of Kolsai.

A home-cooked lunch featuring local cuisine is served en route (vegetarian option available). In the afternoon, you arrive at Lower Kolsai Lake, where you have free time to walk around the lake, enjoy the alpine scenery, take photos, or choose optional activities such as boating or horseback riding.

In the evening, you check in at a cozy yurt camp or guesthouse located in the foothills. After a traditional dinner, enjoy a relaxed evening with bonfire gatherings, games, and karaoke under the starry sky, experiencing the authentic nomadic atmosphere far from city noise.

What to Expect

Spectacular canyon landscapes, peaceful alpine lakes, local cuisine, and an authentic overnight stay in a yurt camp surrounded by nature.

Meals Included

LunchDinner

Transportation

Driving

Driving

8-9hrs · 300-400km

Day Gallery

Moon & Black Canyons · Charyn National Park · Kolsai Lake - Day Gallery image 1
+2
Moon & Black Canyons · Charyn National Park · Kolsai Lake - Day Gallery image 2
+1
Moon & Black Canyons · Charyn National Park · Kolsai Lake - Day Gallery image 3

Accommodation Manager

Saty guesthouse

StarsGuesthouse

Address

3C97+Q54, Saty, Kazakhstan

View On Map

Check-in Time

12:00

Check-out Time

11:00

Rooms

Twin/Double (2 person)

Accommodation Photos

Saty guesthouse - Accommodation Photos image 1
+5
Saty guesthouse - Accommodation Photos image 2
+4
Saty guesthouse - Accommodation Photos image 3
+3

Description

After breakfast at the yurt camp, the tour continues toward the mountain area of Lake Kaindy. To reach the lake, travelers switch to a special off-road Soviet UAZ vehicle, making the journey itself an exciting adventure through rugged mountain terrain.

Kaindy Lake is famous for its surreal sunken forest, where tree trunks rise from crystal-clear turquoise water. You will have ample time to explore the area on foot, enjoy the peaceful alpine atmosphere, take photos, and optionally try horseback riding.

Following a home-cooked lunch, the journey continues to Charyn Canyon Valley of the Castles. Here you walk along the canyon floor for about 1.5 km toward the Charyn River and back, surrounded by dramatic rock formations resembling ancient castles.

In the late afternoon, the group departs for Almaty. Arrival is expected in the evening, where the tour concludes at the original meeting points.

What to Expect

Off-road adventure to Kaindy Lake, the iconic sunken forest, and a scenic hike through Charyn Canyon’s Valley of the Castles before returning to Almaty.

Meals Included

BreakfastLunchDinner

Transportation

Driving

Driving

7-8hrs · 300-400km

Day Gallery

Kaindy Lake · Charyn Canyon “Valley of the Castles” - Day Gallery image 1
+3
Kaindy Lake · Charyn Canyon “Valley of the Castles” - Day Gallery image 2
+2
Kaindy Lake · Charyn Canyon “Valley of the Castles” - Day Gallery image 3
+1

Tour Map

This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.

FAQs

The tour requires a moderate fitness level. It includes long drives and short hikes (approximately 1.5–3 km).

Children under 5 years old Pregnant travelers Travelers with serious back or heart problems Travelers with physical disabilities or mobility limitations

Modern air-conditioned van or bus Off-road Soviet UAZ vehicle for access to Kaindy Lake

Overnight stay is in a yurt camp or guesthouse with attached WC. Yurts are shared with other tour participants of the same gender.

Comfortable walking shoes, warm clothes for the evening, sun protection, and personal medications.

Yes, the tour usually operates in all weather conditions. The itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons if necessary.

Choose your style

Group tour

Private
From $753
Cancel in the first 48h for free
Reserve today, pay over time
Starting from$753

What Travelers say about Centralia

Traveler Stories

Y

Yoel – Israel

We had a great day with Numon our guide and the driver. The lakes are magnificent. Everything went as planed and on time. Numon was very friendly and welcoming. He made the long day very enjoyable and insightful sharing with us his vast knowledge about the sites and Tajikistan.

Read More
GetYourGuide traveler – Uzbekistan

GetYourGuide traveler – Uzbekistan

The Bukhara walking tour was truly unforgettable. The guide was friendly, professional, and passionate about the city’s heritage. I learned so much about the ancient trade routes, madrasas, mosques, and unique architecture that makes Bukhara so magical.

Read More
U

Ummi Haslinda Mohd – Malaysia

The trip was superb! The views and lakes here are stunning, I just can't get over it! Our guide, Vohidjon was great all the way. He was very informative, helpful and tentative. Expect the roads to be bumpy, but take it as nature's massage.

Read More
A

Arvind – Belgium

Hamza was a great guide! It was so amazing walking around Bukhara with him. He is very knowledgable, explained the history in a very interesting and passionate way. I had a great afternoon and can highly recommend.

Read More
P

Patric – Canada

The trip was amazing. The driver and guide were perfect. Thank you for all! If you like nature this is must go location!

Read More
GetYourGuide traveler – Uzbekistan

GetYourGuide traveler – Uzbekistan

Absolutely amazing trip from Samarkand. My tour guide was Asror and he was very helpful, polite and knowledgeable. We walked on the glass bridge and experienced with cable car. It was great day. Thank you for my guide and company. I really recommend this company.

Read More