Charyn Canyon – Kayindy – Kolsai lakes from Almaty

08:00 Meet the guide and driver at the lobby of your hotel in Almaty. 

Transfer to Charyn Canyon. Sightseeing in the "Valley of Castles".

Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique in its kind not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed during Paleogene and reminds the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon is up to 150-300 meters. Extraordinary dissection of the terrain is striking: the numerous ravines form a dense, chaotic network. Wind and water have created the beautiful "Valley of Castles", where you are always surrounded by the fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley - more than 2 km, width - 20-80 meters. For millions of years the nature has been creating a unique architecture, erecting magnificent castles carefully and slowly.

Exploring one of the most beautiful places of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Gorge.  Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake.

Breakfast at the guesthouse.

Morning easy hike to Kolsai lakes. 
Kolsai lake 1 (1800 m above sea level).

Exploring the surroundings and light hiking from Kolsai lake 1 to Lake 2 with photo stops en-route.
The crystal mirrors of the lakes and priscine nature is a nature highlight of Kazakhstan.

Transfer to Almaty.

Arrival in Almaty in the afternoon. Transfer to the hotel.

End of the tour.