Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour
4.91,080 reviews15h
from €53
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Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon
4.5251 reviews17h
from €42
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1-2 Days Singing dunes & Aktau mountains grouptour to Altyn Emel
4.9156 reviews16h
from €218
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Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire
4.8153 reviews48h
from €109
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Top sights in Almaty
- 1Big Almaty Lake
- 2Zenkov Cathedral
- 3Green Bazaar
- 4Medeu Skating Rink
- 5Shymbulak Ski Resort
- 6Kok Tobe Hill
- Dramatic Mountain Access: Within an hour from the city center, you can be hiking in the Ile-Alatau National Park, skiing at the Shymbulak Ski Resort, or marveling at the glacial beauty of Big Almaty Lake—a turquoise jewel at 2,511 meters.
- Unique Architectural Fusion: Witness the collision of eras, from the ornate, all-wooden Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park to the stark Soviet Modernism of the Republic Palace and the contemporary glass of the Nurly Tau business center.
- Vibrant Central Asian Bazaar Culture: Immerse yourself in the sensory overload of the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar), a labyrinth of stalls selling mountains of spices, dried fruits, horse meat (kazy), and local delicacies.
Tickets and passes in Almaty
2-Day Private Tour - The Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken forest) via Charyn canyon
4.978 reviews48h
from €408
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Charyn, Kolsay&Kaiyndy Lakes 2days tour with Mount View Stay
4.972 reviews48h
from €136
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Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan 8 days Private tour from Almaty
4.943 reviews192h
from €2,391
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Ethno-Village Tour Eagle hunting show, Horseback show and Lunch
4.511 reviews6h
from €91
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Hidden gems in Almaty
Places most visitors miss, many of them free.
The Museum of First President (Former Presidential Residence)
The beautifully preserved former residence of President Nazarbayev, set in a park with fountains and offering a glimpse into the early independence era of Kazakhstan.
Barakholka (The Flea Market)
A massive, sprawling market on the city's outskirts, selling absolutely everything from Soviet memorabilia and carpets to car parts and livestock.
Kok Zhailau Plateau
A vast, beautiful alpine meadow in the Ile-Alatau National Park, accessible by a challenging hike or 4x4 vehicle from Shymbulak.
Dungan Mosque (in the village of Zharkent)
A stunning wooden mosque built without a single nail by Dungan (Chinese Muslim) craftsmen in the late 19th century, featuring a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Arbat (Zhibek Zholy) in the Evening
The pedestrian street transforms after dark, with local musicians, artists, and students creating a lively, communal atmosphere.
Day trips from Almaty
Big Almaty Lake & Ile-Alatau National Park
1-1.5 hours by car/taxi
A breathtaking glacial lake nestled high in the Tian Shan mountains. The intense turquoise water against stark peaks is a iconic Almaty image. The surrounding national park offers serious hiking trails for all levels.
Charyn Canyon
3 hours by car
Often called Kazakhstan's 'Grand Canyon,' this dramatic 80km-long canyon features stunning red-rock formations carved by the Charyn River over millions of years. The 'Valley of Castles' is the most accessible and impressive section.
Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs
2 hours by car northwest of Almaty
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of ancient rock carvings (petroglyphs) dating from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages, set in a dramatic landscape of the Ili River.
Plan your Almaty trip
Things to do in Almaty: FAQ
What are the best things to do in Almaty?+
Top sights include Big Almaty Lake, Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar and Medeu Skating Rink. Away from the crowds, try The Museum of First President (Former Presidential Residence) and Barakholka (The Flea Market).
What are the most popular tours in Almaty?+
The most booked experiences on Viator are Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour (4.9 stars, 1,080 reviews); Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour (4.9 stars, 584 reviews); Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons (4.8 stars, 331 reviews).
How much do tours in Almaty cost?+
The tours and tickets on this page start between €42 and €2,391 per person, depending on length and what is included.
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.