All Kazakhstan Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour

15 hoursFree Cancellation

(973)

from $59

The area around Almaty contains beautiful nature that’s worth visiting, but it can be hard to get there on your own. Simplify your trip to the Kolsai Kaindy Lakes, Charyn Canyon, and other natural highlights on a guided group tour from Almaty. National park admissions are included, as well as a night in a comfortable yurt and all meals. See a different side to Kazakh life without planning the logistics.

Likely to Sell Out

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

There are many beautiful natural features to enjoy within driving distance of Almaty but getting there alone—especially to several places in one day—can be challenging. Make an easy day trip out of Almaty to explore the Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, and other features of the Kaindy National Park and surrounding areas. Get there in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a guide leading the way and providing commentary.

(542)

from $160

Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon

Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon

17 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(231)

from $39

Special Offer

Explore the Majestic Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon

N️omad Travel VIP ️ Charyn Canyon – Explore the legendary Valley of Castles and admire breathtaking red rock formations. Moon Canyon – Discover a unique lunar-like landscape with incredible panoramic views. Black Canyon – Enjoy spectacular viewpoints overlooking the emerald Charyn River. ️ Saty Village – Taste a traditional homemade Kazakh lunch and experience local hospitality. Kolsai Lake – Relax by one of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes, surrounded by forests and mountains. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup, bottled water, national park entrance fees, lunch, and a small souvenir from Nomad Travel are included.

Explore the Majestic Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon

16 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the best Astana has to offer with Astana Horizons! Join us for a private, full-day city tour through Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital with a local guide—perfect for both solo travelers and groups, dedicated to giving you the most authentic experience available! You will be taken to the city’s iconic landmarks like Central Asia’s largest mosque and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, plus much more. Dive deeper into Astana’s history with unique stops at early 20th-century merchant houses. With a flexible, personalized itinerary, you will enjoy a delicious local lunch and have the option for a local wine-tasting experience. Book now and experience the best of Astana with a guide who’s passionate about sharing Kazakhstan’s authentic heart and soul. Note: the National Museum is closed on Mondays!

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

(106)

from $149

Welcome to Kazakhstan! Over 2 unforgettable days, explore five of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Tian-Shan mountains in one group adventure. Day 1: Black Canyon → Moon Canyon → Kolsai Lake. Evening campfire under a sky full of stars in Saty village. Day 2: Soviet UAZ-452 ride to Kaindy Lake with its famous submerged forest → Charyn Canyon — the Grand Canyon of Central Asia. Optional boat ride and horseback riding available on-site. Accommodation in Saty village — choose your comfort: Standard room (shared bathroom) — included in base price En-suite room (private bathroom) — available for extra charge ⛺ Yurt experience (shared with group, sleeping on traditional floor mats) — available for extra charge All meals included: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. Maximum 18 people.

Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire

Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire

(110)

from $120

Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,500 meters above sea level — a turquoise alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Tian-Shan mountains, just 30 minutes from Almaty. Choose your adventure: Group Hike — Trek 10 km one way through alpine meadows and pine forests to reach the lake. Hiking sticks provided. Best for active travelers who love a real challenge. Hike + Falcon Show — Same epic 10 km hike, plus a traditional Kazakh falconry show on the way back. A perfect mix of nature and culture. Private Hike — The full 10 km trail with your personal guide, at your own pace. No strangers, total focus on your group. Car Tour — Drive directly to the lake and enjoy breathtaking views without the hike. Perfect for families or those with limited time. English-speaking guide included in all hiking options. Hotel pickup available. All national park entrance fees included.

Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

5 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

(68)

from $70

Read before book! Now glacier very unstable.Contact me first before booking WUP77012110150! The Bogdanovich Glacier is a striking natural monument formed over thousands of years. Surrounded by rugged peaks and alpine terrain, the glacier offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to see living ice up close and inside cave. During the 1.8km walk, after Shymbulak cable car ,equipped with helmets, hiking poles, and spikes for safety, guests can observe crevasses, ice layers, and glacial formations while learning about the glacier’s history, formation, and role in the local ecosystem. The area is ideal for photography and for those who appreciate pristine mountain nature. Also we can do any tour in Kazakstan and Kyrgyztan, Big Almaty lake tour, Big Almaty peak tour, Koktobe tour, Almaty bike tour,Almaty city tour, Shymbulak tour, Charyn canyon tour, Kolsay lake tour, balloons aerostat tour, Almaty shooting tour.

Bogdanovich Glacier tour with hotel pick up

Bogdanovich Glacier tour with hotel pick up

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day adventure through the heart of Mangystau with our exclusive tour package. This immersive journey covers 9 main natural attractions, including 5 of the most visited places in Central Asia, ensuring you experience the essence of the region in all its glory. Traverse rugged landscapes and ancient sites in the comfort of our 4x4 air-conditioned jeeps, camp under the starlit sky, and indulge in the unique flavors of camel milk products, available only in Mangystau. This short yet comprehensive tour promises an unforgettable experience like no other. We believe that our tour and the services we provide are genuinely unique.

(8)

from $103

Unforgettable 3 Days Mangystau - Group Tour

Unforgettable 3 Days Mangystau - Group Tour

3 daysFree Cancellation

Choose between a comfortable car tour with 60 minutes at the viewpoint above Big Almaty Lake, followed by a visit to Alma-Arasan Hot Springs, or a 12 km hike by steep mountain trail (only Mondays), an panoramic viewpoint with a traditional Kazakh swing, a different return route. The car option is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the mountains without much walking. After visiting the lake, you'll continue to Alma-Arasan Gorge and take a scenic 20-minute walk along a mountain river to the hot springs. The hiking option is for fit and experienced hikers. Departure is from First President's Park. Please bring your passport, water, snacks, and hiking boots. Important • October can be rainy; clear views are not guaranteed • From November to May, the lake is usually frozen • Solo travelers: the tour may be canceled if the minimum group size is not met • For private tours and last-minute bookings (within 24 hours), please contact us via WhatsApp before reserving WA: +7 708 076 7571

(24)

from $545

Big Almaty Lake & Hot Springs by Car or Hike to the Lake

Big Almaty Lake & Hot Springs by Car or Hike to the Lake

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Astana City Tour is calling for you!! Buckle up and discover Astana with our local guide that will provide you the up-most authentic experience of travelling in Kazakhstan and the best of all Astana tours there are to be offered! Our team will make sure that you do not miss any of the important sightseeings of Astana and will ensure that you learn all about the history of Kazakhstan starting from the days of Kazakh Khanate up to modern day Kazakhstan! The sightseeing tour's stops are listed below. The list does not include an additional POI - the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which will be the very first stop of your tour!

(52)

from $59

Astana City Tour: Old and Modern City Tour

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

(24)

from $149

Explore Altyn Emel National Park — one of Kazakhstan's most surreal landscapes. Hike through the otherworldly Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau formations, and climb the legendary Singing Dunes that hum as you descend. 1-Day Tour: Aktau Mountains → Katutau → Singing Dunes. Pickup 5:30 AM, return ~10 PM. Lunch at a local guesthouse included. 2-Day Tour: Day 1 — Aktau Mountains, Katutau, 700-year-old Willow Tree, overnight in Basshi village with homemade dinner and campfire under the stars. Day 2 — Singing Dunes, return to Almaty. Breakfast and dinner included. Private Tour: Full itinerary for your group only. Flexible pace, personalized experience. All options include: English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and all national park entrance fees.

1-2 Days Singing dunes & Aktau mountains grouptour to Altyn Emel

1-2 Days Singing dunes & Aktau mountains grouptour to Altyn Emel

16 hoursFree Cancellation

(136)

from $200

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Big Almaty Lake, the crown jewel of Almaty's natural wonders. Nestled amidst the magnificent Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, this turquoise oasis at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level is a sight to behold. Discover the captivating beauty of this stunning lake formed by the forces of nature. While the road might be temporarily closed, fear not. An exclusive solution allows you to reach Big Almaty Lake by car.

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Scenic Horseback Ride

Big Almaty Lake Tour with Scenic Horseback Ride

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

(48)

from $69

Most tours stick to the crowded paths, but this trek takes you deep into the quieter parts of the Western Tian Shan. You'll be exploring the Sairam-Ugam Nature Park with a local guide who knows these mountains inside out. Expect to walk among rare, centuries-old juniper trees and drink from ice-cold mountain streams without another tourist in sight. It's a real, raw piece of Central Asian nature

Trekking Adventure in Western Tian Shan Mountains

Trekking Adventure in Western Tian Shan Mountains

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of Burabay National Park as we take you to the heart of this remarkable landscape. Ascend to the BolekTau peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the park and its serene lakes. Enjoy a peaceful walk through the pine forests of Abylaikhan Meadow. Savor authentic Central Asian cuisine with a stunning forest view and experience the tranquility of a boat ride across Burabay’s crystal-clear lake while exploring the famous Zhumbaktas rock or an exhilarating horseback ride deep within the forest. Your adventure begins with convenient pick-up and drop-off at your preferred location. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, cultural insights, or outdoor excitement, the magic of Burabay awaits!

from $235

Per group

Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

(94)

from $249

1 Day trip Charyn Canyon Kolsay and Kaindy lakes VIP car

16 hoursFree Cancellation

Prepare to travel back in time on this captivating tour, where we will explore the historic city of Karaganda and the nearby KarLag Museum, a must visit for history lovers fascinated by the Soviet era. Located two and a half hours from Astana, Karaganda was once a coal-mining industrial heartland and offers a fascinating glimpse into its past with landmarks such as the famous Gagarin’s Monument and impressive Soviet-era theaters. The highlight of our journey will be a visit to the KarLag Museum, located 35 km outside Karaganda. This vast museum provides a deeply moving and detailed look into the history of Stalin’s labor camps, offering invaluable insights into a dark chapter of Soviet history. We'll also take time to enjoy a delicious lunch, giving us the energy to continue our exploration of this city steeped in history and resilience.

(15)

from $48

Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour

Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour

10 to 11 hoursFree Cancellation

(24)

from $199

Astana can sometimes feel inaccessible to foreign visitors, but this private walking tour with a local guide makes the city easy to explore. This is a personalized tour where you will discover the exterior of monuments, including museums. However, if you’d like to include a museum visit, your guide can create a fully customized itinerary—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your interests, ensuring you visit only the places that appeal to you. As you wander the streets of Astana, gain insider knowledge about local life, uncover hidden gems, and hear fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour offers an exclusive, authentic experience tailored just for you.

Astana Private Custom Walking Tour with A Local Guide

Astana Private Custom Walking Tour with A Local Guide

2 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(3)

from $54

Get your best travel experience with "Almaty Guides". Observe must-visit places of the city, learn history and culture&cuisine of the kazakhs just in 3-hours Walking City Tour. Key spots covered on tour: 1. City Hall 2. Independence Square 3. Abay Square 4. Metro 5. Panfilov Street 6. Zenkov Cathedral 7. Eternal Fire 8. Green Bazaar (Market), except Monday. Lunch/Dinner at cafe/restaurant

Almaty City Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(9)

from $75

Modern Nur-Sultan is a planned city, much like other planned capitals. After it became the capital of Kazakhstan, the city cardinally changed its shape. The Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa designed the master plan of Astana. As the seat of the Government of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan is the site of the Parliament House, the Supreme Court, the Ak Orda Presidential Palace and numerous government departments and agencies. It is home to many futuristic buildings, hotels and skyscrapers. Nur-Sultan also has extensive healthcare, sports and education systems.

Private day tour in Astana

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(2)

from $141

Discover the beauty of Mangystau with tours organized directly by local experts. By booking with us, you ensure that your experience is authentic, without the extra costs often associated with intermediaries. Our knowledgeable guides and drivers provide insider access to the region's stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Enjoy a seamless journey tailored to your interests and preferences, ensuring a unique and memorable experience in Mangystau. - Book directly with local experts for the best prices - Enjoy authentic guided tours tailored to your interests - Avoid intermediaries and their added costs - Experienced guides and drivers ensure a seamless experience

Explore Mangystau with Private Transportation Tour

Explore Mangystau with Private Transportation Tour

1 to 5 daysFree Cancellation

4.2

(6)

from $678

Per group

Special Offer

Big Almaty Lake transfer directly to the lake. No hiking

Enjoy the incredibly beautiful scenery of the big Almaty lake without hiking. Our tour provide all transfers directly to the lake round trip. First, we will visit Big Almaty Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive from Almaty City. On the way to the lake, you will observe the beautiful mountains, crowded pine trees, and landscape. Big Almaty Lake is a natural alpine reservoir. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, 15 km south of the center of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The lake is 2511 meters above sea level. After we will visit Alma Arasan hot springs. A picturesque gorge in Zailiysky Alatau in the south-west of Almaty (height ~1780-1827 m) near the Big Almaty lake, known for its hot radon springs. This is a popular holiday destination with the Prokhodnaya River, restaurants, sanatoriums and well-maintained hiking trails, accessible all year round.

Big Almaty Lake transfer directly to the lake. No hiking

6 hoursFree Cancellation

2 Days in Altyn-Emel: Following the Wind and Time Embark on an unforgettable journey to a place where the sand sings and the mountains hold silent secrets of millions of years. This is not just a trip — it's a meeting with the soul of Kazakhstan’s nature. The tour begins in Almaty. In comfortable SUV vehicles, you'll head to Altyn-Emel National Park — one of Kazakhstan’s most unique natural wonders. On the first day — the Singing Dune. A towering sand dune that truly “sings” as you walk on it. Here, you'll hear what the silence of the desert sounds like. Second day - the legendary 700-year-old Willow, a living relic wrapped in ancient legends. After that, a scenic trek through the Martian-like Aktau Mountains. These chalky ridges, as if made for cinema, offer surreal landscapes and unforgettable impressions. Then on to the volcanic Katutau Mountains, where stone has frozen in waves and curves like sculptures of ancient gods.

2 day tour to Altyn Emel Singing Dune and Aktau mountain

Charyn, Kolsay&Kaiyndy Lakes 2days tour with Mount View Stay

4.7

(6)

from $280

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

(49)

from $135

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What are people saying about Kazakhstan

Kenshu_N, Aug 2026

Amazing Experience, Beautiful Nature

Absolutely fantastic, it was an amazing experience. Below is some information for those considering booking, including some things I was wondering about before booking. First, you depart from the parking lot in front of the circus at 5:00 AM. City buses and the metro aren't running yet, so it's best to get to the meeting point on foot or by using Yandex Go. In my case, boarding started at 5:00 AM and departure was around 5:10 AM, but I think it's better to be there by 4:30 AM just in case. You can't charge your devices on the bus, so I recommend bringing a portable charger. Also, you'll often have to pay in cash for toilet breaks, meals, and activities like horseback riding, so it's good to have some cash on hand. Additionally, it will possibly rain, so I recommend you to bring jacket and umbrella. As for Lake Kaindy, the bus will take you as far as you can walk to. Lunch is free if you bring it yourself, but you can also use the restaurants and cafes there. The tour ended around 10:30 PM, but apparently it can be as late as 11:00 PM depending on traffic.

Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

Spencer_D, Aug 2026

This tour was great! We...

This tour was great! We covered a lot of the area and saw many great sites along the way. The guides and driver were excellent and very knowledgeable about what we were seeing. Food provided was excellent and plentiful. Can not recommend this tour enough!

1-2 Days Singing dunes & Aktau mountains grouptour to Altyn Emel

Harshit_V, Aug 2026

Very nice

Very nice tour! Loved the Aktau mountains and the singing dunes. The dunes can actually sing and the guide teaches you how to make them sing! Food at the guesthouse was amazing. Butter was a great guide throughout, very knowledgeable and always thoughtful of our experiences.

Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour

Garrett_W, Aug 2026

Dimesh was an excellent...

Dimesh was an excellent tour guide. This was an epic tour that crams the highlights in a single day. Other people take multiple days to see everything we covered in this one day. The canyons and lakes were incredibly beautiful. Dimesh was deeply knowledgable and shared the history and facts about the areas we visited. Our driver was good and our group was prompt. The tour had good options for people who want a more intense, all hiking experience or to use local taxis for a less strenuous experience. I went in August and it was very hot in the canyon. They provided a bottle of water but I bought extra water at rest stops along the way. The lunch was a homestyle meal in a small village in a family’s house. It was nice to experience a local family’s hospitality. The only thing I would improve upon is the air conditioning in the van. It was very hot and the A/C was not sufficient to cool the van to a comfortable temperature between stops. This was a very nice tour and I would do it again. Just be prepared for a long and rewarding tour!

Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire

Francis_F, Jul 2026

This was an excellent way...

This was an excellent way to experience the lakes and canyons east of Almaty without rushing. Our guide Batyrkhan was informative and helped me get out of trouble with the park rangers! Very cool guy. He made sure everyone in the big tour group was taken care of and attended to. I'm glad I had my introduction to Kazakhstan with Kazakhstan Very Nice! :)

Big Almaty Lake & Hot Springs by Car or Hike to the Lake

FrancisJim_R, Jun 2026

Chill and relax trip....

Chill and relax trip. Everything is hassle free. Everything is good about the trip however, I think it maybe a little short? Anyway, still a good trip. Our guide Yerkin is also knowlegeable about the place and has shared helpful information. His extra effort with the drone shots is a big plus. Big Almaty lake’s beauty is easily seen with those drone shots.

Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

Kevin_T, May 2026

Decent physical fitness...

Decent physical fitness is necessary. Beginning area of the hike can be difficult otherwise. Good morning start time avoids sun and crowds. Tour guide was very nice and friendly, and pickup was on time. There was no rush. Would’ve maybe liked to hear some background info on the area but otherwise all good!

Ancient petroglyphs of Tanbaly - UNESCO World Heritage

MH_L, Apr 2026

A Highly Recommended Tour

Mr Nursultan was my tour guide and driver, and he is exceptionally knowledgeable and professional, who, besides the tour site, provided me with insights about Kazakstan in general. We visited the petroglychs of Tanbaly and its visitor centre. It is worth the time and effort to go that far just to see these valuable yet mysterious creations. A highly recommended tour in my opinion

Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon

Abigail_B, Apr 2026

Karina was the best tour guide!

Karina was an amazing tour guide. She is very energetic, friendly, and easy to talk to. She made sure everyone felt included and comfortable throughout the trip. She kept the group engaged, helped us take nice photos, and always reminded us of the timings so everything ran smoothly. She also shared helpful tips on what to do in Almaty, including food, places to visit, and other tours to try with Panda Tours. Her recommendations were very useful and made our trip even better. Karina is very organised, caring, and attentive. She always checked on us and made sure everyone was enjoying. You can really see that she loves what she does. I would definitely join this tour again, and I hope to have Karina as our guide next time. Highly recommended.

Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons

Robert_H, Mar 2026

An absolute must-do - fantastic tour

This tour was incredible! The canyons and lakes are stunning, and a must-see for anyone visiting Kazakhstan. The tour itself is brilliant - perfectly timed to fit everything in, with an amazing meal in a guest house and a very fun off-road ride in a Soviet UAZ truck that I’ll never forget. Our tour guide Serzh was informative and funny, giving us lots of interesting information about the region and Kazakhstan’s history. If you are travelling to Almaty, you should absolutely do this tour. It’s a long day (5:30am pickup, usually back by 8-10pm depending on the size of the group), but it is absolutely worth the early start. Thank you Serzh!

Private Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake with Optional Kaindy Lake tour

kathreen_s, Nov 2025

Amazing Almaty

We were very fortunate to have Erasyl as our private guide in Almaty. From early morning pickup to our return to the hotel, he took excellent care of us with his professional approach and advanced English. Erasyl impressed us with his deep knowledge of Kazakhstan's history, science, business, culture, and even politics. He shared fascinating information throughout our journey while always being respectful and mindful of cultural boundaries during our conversations. Erasyl went above and beyond during our visits to Lake Kaindy and Lake Kolsay. When I struggled with walking in these areas, he provided helpful assistance that made me feel comfortable and supported. His hard work, helpful nature, and genuine care made our experience truly special. Erasyl is a wonderful ambassador for his beautiful country Kazakhstan, and we hope he continues to share his knowledge and passion with more visitors in the future.