Golden Trio
#1 BESTSELLER • Individual Tours • From $200

Golden Trio

Kolsay • Kaindy • Charyn Canyon

The ultimate Kazakhstan experience in one journey. Emerald lakes, the surreal Sunken Forest, and red rock castles — all with a private expert guide. No rush, just pure nature.

Duration

2 Days

Start from

Almaty

9:00 AM

Transport

4x4 Jeep

ABOUT THE TOUR

The Golden Trio is a unique journey through the most picturesque landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan. This route combines the beauty of mountain lakes, ancient forests, and dramatic canyons.

Lake Kaindy, known as the 'Sunken Forest', was formed by a massive earthquake in 1911. The submerged spruce forest creates an underwater landscape that resembles a scene from a fantasy film.

The Lower Kolsay Lake, the 'Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan', is surrounded by towering mountains. The crystal-clear water reflects the peaks, creating a mirror-like effect.

Near the lake, you may spot brisk weasels and stoats — skilled hunters perfectly adapted to this environment. Their graceful movements add a special charm to the wild atmosphere.

We prioritize meaningful exploration over quantity. Expect 30–90 minutes at each major location, with time to walk, stretch, and discover hidden photo spots our guide knows off the standard maps.

The Charyn Canyon features bizarre rock formations resembling medieval fortresses. The red and orange hues are particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Tour Highlights

  • Visit the famous Sunken Forest of Lake Kaindy
  • Hike along the shores of Lower Kolsay Lake
  • Explore the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon
  • Spot local wildlife including weasels, stoats, eagles and marmots
  • Discover hidden photo angles not found on tourist maps
  • Experience traditional Kazakh hospitality in Saty village
  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout

TOUR PROGRAM

01

Day 1

Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Saty Village

  • 9:00 AM pickup in Almaty (SUV). Drive to Charyn Canyon (220 km / 3h)
  • Stop at local village for snacks & bazaar visit
  • Arrival at Charyn Canyon. Easy 30-min walk down to Castle Valley
  • Relax by the river, enjoy dramatic scenery. Return walk: ~45 min
  • Drive through mountain passes to Saty Village (95 km / 2h)
  • Traditional homemade Kazakh dinner + overnight in guesthouse

Driving: 315 km (~5h) | Hiking: 6 km (~1.5h) | Total: ~9 hours

02

Day 2

Kaindy Lake – Kolsai Lake – Black Canyon – Almaty

  • Breakfast in Saty. Drive to Kaindy Lake (30 km / 1h)
  • Choose your way to lake: 🚕 Taxi (10min) | 🐎 Horse (20min) | 🥾 Hike (40min)
  • Walk around submerged forest, photos from viewpoints
  • Return to Saty, drive to Kolsai Lake (30 km / 40min)
  • Hike along lakeshore & fir forest (1.5–2h). Lunch at guesthouse
  • Return to Almaty (290 km / 4h) with stop at Black Canyon panorama

Driving: 350 km (~5h 40m) | Hiking: 8 km (~2h) | Total: ~10 hours

⚠️

Important Note

Flexibility & Safety First

  • Guide may adjust itinerary due to weather, road conditions, or unforeseen circumstances
  • Order of activities may change to prioritize comfort and safety
  • Guests will be informed immediately about any changes
  • We appreciate your understanding and trust in our expertise

Every decision is made for the best possible travel experience

ACCOMMODATION COSTS

Guest House

1 tourist 200$
2 tourists 200$
3 tourists 200$
4 tourists 200$
5 tourists 200$
6 tourists 200$

The price includes:

  • Professional guide/driver
  • Fuel and toll roads
  • Comfortable 4x4 car (Land Cruiser)
  • Guest house accommodation
  • All meals during the tour
  • Entrance fees to national parks

Best Views & Photo Spots

Our guide knows the hidden angles that aren't on standard maps. From the reflection of peaks in Kolsay to the dramatic shadows of Charyn Castle Valley.

Best Views & Photo Spots

What Our Clients Say

Join hundreds of happy travelers who explored Kazakhstan with us

5.0 out of 5
Based on 22 reviews
L

Loes

Netherlands Sep 2019

Our tour with Julia was amazing! She is a really great driver and guide. Taking us to the best places and telling us everything about those places, she really knows a lot. She took really good care of us (even arranged vegetarian food for me in such a meat loving country) and it was great fun with her. Her English is great as well and she is really responsive. Would def recommend a tour with her!

S

Songyi

South Korea Sep 2019

Yuliya sent me a guide who speaks Korean really well and a English speaking driver. They are terrific! No problem in communication and fell comfortable. Car and Lunch both are good. The Assy plateau is very amazing and I could really enjoy it.

I

Isabelle and Veronique

France Oct 2019

We have the chance to spent two days with Dima in our trip. He has been a really awesome guide, very kind, helpful and with a lot informations to tell about kazakhstan, the nature and everything around. Always with a smile and great kindness to us. We really enjoyed the real coffee from the coffee's maker around charyn canyon. It was such a blast. The homestay was like home, warm and sweet with great dishes. We felt very honoured by everyone. The different landscapes we explored were amazing and so beautiful. It has been two awesome days, and probably the best in our trip. We thank a lot Yuliya for her efficient work to organized the trip as we asked. She did a great work finding what would be the best according our wishs and fund. Thank you very much for everythin. We highly recommand them.

M

Maarten and Sanneke

Netherlands Nov 2019

Yuliya is a very knowledgeable and experienced tour guide. Her 4x4 off-road car will take you virtually everywhere you would like to go. Moreover, she is a very safe driver, which is not so evident in Central Asia. She took fantastic care of us and really customized the tour to our likings. In short, if you would like to see some of Kazakhstan's varied and very beautiful nature in a time efficient manner, we would highly recommend booking a tour with Yuliya.

A

Aiko

Japan Dec 2019

Yuliya was the best tourguide I ever had so far. She was very responsive in all my messages, she was very considerate in all my request especially I was going alone and was on a budget trip. She even arranged my 4 days itinerary even if I'll be with her for 2 days trip only. I just had the best 30th birthday in kazakhstan and it was all beacause of yuliya. I had great food and a very comfortable and warm home. She made me experienced how beautiful and astonishing kazakhstan is.

A

Adrian

UK Feb 2020

Fantastic trip with Yuliya to see Kaindy/ Kolsai Lake and Charyn Canyon. Not a bad word to say. You couldn't really ask for more in a laidback, relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable trip. Communication was excellent from very first contact to on time arrival at hotel meeting point. It felt more like a road trip with a friend than a trip with a tour guide I'd never met before. Very knowledgeable about the area, sights, nature and wildlife. Safe driving and good conversation. Great local shashlik. Homestay in Saty was very comfortable and home cooked food simple (manti) yet delicious and very filling. It was a shame it was over so quickly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is exactly included in the tour price?

Our pricing is fully transparent with no hidden fees. Unlike mass-market agencies, we include professional guide services, all national park entrance fees (eco-fees), accommodation, bottled water, and all meals in the base price. You won't need to reach for your wallet during the trip. Note that flights to/from Almaty, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.

How much time will we actually spend at each location?

We prioritize meaningful exploration over quantity and never do '5-places-in-a-day' rush tours. We typically spend 2–4 hours at each major location, providing historical context and pointing out hidden photo spots. This balanced approach ensures you have time to walk, stretch, and truly immerse yourself in the landscape without burnout.

What kind of vehicles do you use for your tours?

Safety and comfort are non-negotiable on rugged terrain. We exclusively use reliable Japanese 4x4 off-road vehicles — Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota FJ Cruiser, or Mitsubishi Pajero — meticulously maintained for mountain roads. Every vehicle features high-performance A/C and limited passenger capacity to ensure legroom and personal space, so you arrive energized rather than exhausted.

How large are your tour groups?

We avoid mass-tour crowds to maintain intimacy. Our small-group expeditions are capped at 12 participants, while private tours offer 100% privacy for couples or solo travelers. We also welcome corporate and B2B groups of up to 30 people, splitting everyone into separate vehicles with dedicated guides so the experience stays relaxed and human-centric rather than a standard bus-tour format.

How challenging are the hikes? Do I need to be an athlete?

We don't believe in 'one-size-fits-all' trekking. During consultation, we match the route to your fitness level. At Kolsai Lake, the standard trekking route runs 2–6 km (about 3 hours), and reaching the second Kolsai Lake on foot or by horseback is available on request. At Kaindy Lake, trekking covers 2–4 km (about 3 hours), and Charyn Canyon has a 3–5 km trek (about 2.5 hours). The guide adjusts the pace daily, ensuring you enjoy the beauty at a comfortable speed without exhaustion.

Can I plan flights on the return day evening?

For safety reasons, we have a strict policy against evening departures on return day. While we usually finish by 4–6 PM, mountain weather and road conditions can cause unpredictable delays. We will decline bookings with critical international flights scheduled for that evening. We strongly advise staying one extra night in Almaty to rest stress-free instead of rushing to beat the clock.

Are there stops during long drives?

The journey is part of the adventure. We make strategic stops every 1.5–2 hours at clean restroom facilities and local shops for authentic snacks. Beyond necessities, we often reveal unique points of interest off standard maps, giving you chances to stretch, breathe fresh mountain air, and experience local culture. We curate the drive to be as rewarding as the destination itself.

What should I pack? Local expert checklist

Preparation equals enjoyment. Pack sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing (mountain weather changes rapidly), and SPF 50+ sun protection. Bring a personal first-aid kit, energy-dense snacks, and a thermos for hot drinks. Crucially, carry your original passport for national park checkpoints and keep cash/cards handy. Since signal is spotty, download offline maps/music beforehand and inform loved ones of your itinerary.