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Charyn Canyon

Kazakhstan – Almaty, Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes

Almaty city and Shymbulak, then Charyn and Black Canyon, a night in Saty village and the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. Visa-free for Indians.

Duration
5 Nights / 6 Days
Departs from
Almaty
Departures
Any dates you choose
Transport
Airport transfers, all transport in the itinerary and 4x4 to Kaindy lake
Stay
4 nights deluxe hotel in Almaty + 1 night homestay in Saty village
Meals
5 breakfasts + lunch and dinner in Saty village (veg and non-veg)

Trip overview

Almaty city and Shymbulak, then Charyn and Black Canyon, a night in Saty village and the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. Visa-free for Indians.

Trip highlights

  • Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon
  • Kaindy lake's sunken forest (4x4)
  • Kolsai lake
  • Shymbulak by cable car to the top
  • Night in a Saty village homestay

Day-wise itinerary

Download itinerary
  1. 1
    Day 1Arrive Almaty+
    • Pickup at Almaty airport and transfer to the hotel
    • Check in and rest after the flight
    • Evening at leisure in the city centre

    Night: Almaty

  2. 2
    Day 2Almaty City Tour+
    • Panfilov Park, the city's central green space
    • Zenkov Cathedral, a brightly painted wooden cathedral inside the park
    • Kok Tobe hill, reached by cable car, for a view over the city and the Tian Shan mountains

    Meals: BreakfastNight: Almaty

  3. 3
    Day 3Shymbulak+
    • Drive up past Medeu, the high-altitude skating rink
    • Cable car to the top station of Shymbulak ski resort for views of snow peaks and glaciers
    • Time to enjoy the snow and the mountain cafés; return to the city by evening

    Meals: BreakfastNight: Almaty

  4. 4
    Day 4Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon+
    • Early start for the drive east to Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon
    • Hike through the Valley of Castles, named for its red rock towers
    • Black Canyon viewpoint, a deep dark gorge cut by the Charyn river
    • Continue to Saty village for a homestay night with home-cooked meals

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerNight: Saty village homestay

  5. 5
    Day 5Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes+
    • 4x4 ride to Kaindy lake, where the trunks of a sunken spruce forest rise out of the turquoise water
    • Kolsai lake, a clear mountain lake surrounded by pine forest
    • Long scenic drive back to Almaty, arriving by evening

    Meals: BreakfastNight: Almaty

  6. 6
    Day 6Departure+
    • Breakfast at the hotel and time to pack
    • Drop at Almaty airport for your flight home

    Meals: Breakfast

Important travel notes

  • Sightseeing depends on weather and local conditions; the order may change on the ground.
  • Flights are not included. We quote the best fares for your dates, or you can book your own.
  • Indian passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 14 days.
  • A booking advance of ₹10,000 per person confirms hotels and tours; the balance is due 15 days before travel.
  • Hotels are confirmed or similar in the same category, subject to availability on your dates.
  • Every trip can be customised — hotels, nights and activities. Your destination expert shares the final quote.

What's included

  • Accommodation: 4 nights deluxe hotel in Almaty + 1 night homestay in Saty village
  • Meals: 5 breakfasts + lunch and dinner in Saty village (veg and non-veg)
  • Transport: Airport transfers, all transport in the itinerary and 4x4 to Kaindy lake
  • Entry tickets: Kok Tobe, Shymbulak cable car to the top, Charyn Canyon park, Kolsai & Kaindy lakes
  • Visa: Visa-free for Indians
  • Support: Aquilla destination expert on WhatsApp throughout

Not included

  • Flights: International and domestic airfare (we quote the best fares on request)
  • Meals: Lunches and dinners unless mentioned
  • Personal: Tips, laundry, shopping and personal expenses
  • Insurance: Travel insurance
  • Taxes: 5% GST and TCS as per government rules (TCS is adjustable against income tax)

Dates & prices

Twin sharing (2 per room)

₹54,499

per person + 5% GST & TCS · land only

Triple sharing (3 per room)

₹52,499

per person + 5% GST & TCS · land only

Travel on any dates. Flights are quoted separately at the best fare for your dates, or tell us your must-dos and we'll tailor the whole trip.

Make it yours

Customise your Kazakhstan trip

  1. 1. Choose your must-dos
  2. 2. Get your itinerary
  3. 3. Talk to a destination expert

Pick your must-dos (2 chosen)

Nights

5N / 6D

Hotels

Travellers

Adults2Children0

Trip style

Estimated land cost

₹54,500 – ₹62,500 /person

Indicative, twin sharing · flights quoted separately · final price from your expert

Things to carry

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from your return date
  • Return ticket and hotel booking (may be asked at immigration)
  • Forex card or some local currency + a credit card
  • Universal travel adapter and power bank
  • International roaming or a local SIM / eSIM
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Warm jacket, thermals, gloves and cap (mountains are cold even in summer)
  • Comfortable walking shoes with grip
  • Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)
  • Personal medicines with prescriptions

Cancellation policy

  • The booking amount / advance is non-refundable in any case.
  • 30 or more days before departure: 80% refund (excluding the advance).
  • 15–29 days before departure: 50% refund (excluding the advance).
  • 7–14 days before departure: 25% refund (excluding the advance).
  • Less than 7 days before departure: no refund.
  • No-shows and late arrivals: no refund.
  • If Aquilla Hikes cancels or reschedules for unavoidable reasons, you get another date or a trip of equal value (no cash refund). Rescheduling credit is valid for 12 months.
Full policy

Important instructions

  • Carry a valid government photo ID.
  • The balance must be cleared before boarding.
  • Itineraries may change due to weather, road conditions or local restrictions.
  • Follow your Trip Captain's instructions — their decision on safety is final.
  • AC is switched off on hill roads for safety.
Terms & conditions

Questions about this trip

What is the price of the Kazakhstan – Almaty, Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes?+

Double sharing (2 per room): ₹54,499; Triple sharing (3 per room): ₹52,499 per person. 5% GST is extra. A booking advance of ₹10,000 per person confirms your seat.

Where is the pickup / boarding point?+

Departure from Almaty. Exact boarding details, vehicle number and your Trip Captain's contact are shared in the trip WhatsApp group a day before departure.

What stay and meals are included?+

Stay: 4 nights deluxe hotel in Almaty + 1 night homestay in Saty village. Meals: 5 breakfasts + lunch and dinner in Saty village (veg and non-veg). See the full inclusions list on this page.

How will we travel?+

By Airport transfers, all transport in the itinerary and 4x4 to Kaindy lake, as per the itinerary. AC is switched off on hill roads for safety.

Can I join solo?+

Yes — book a single seat on quad or triple sharing and you'll share with fellow travellers from the group.

What if I need to cancel?+

The booking amount / advance is non-refundable in any case. 30 or more days before departure: 80% refund (excluding the advance). 15–29 days before departure: 50% refund (excluding the advance). 7–14 days before departure: 25% refund (excluding the advance). Less than 7 days before departure: no refund.

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