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When I signed up for a 17-hour guided tour to explore Almaty’s natural wonders, I had no idea it would turn into one of the most awe-inspiring days of my life. Known as the Switzerland of Asia, Almaty is a hidden gem for nature lovers, offering pristine lakes, dramatic canyons, and breathtaking mountain views. The tour gave me a glimpse into this magical region, and these landscapes should top every adventurer’s bucket list.
As a time-pressed traveler, I booked the tour through GetYourGuide, and it was an absolute steal at just ~$60 USD. The itinerary was packed with key destinations like Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake, and Charyn Canyon, all covered in one seamless, guided day. From start to finish, the experience was not just convenient but also deeply enriching, making it worth every penny and more.
The trip starts early at 5am with a transfer at Saty, where you take the Soviet Union Vans up the rugged terrain to the starting point and end the trip at 11pm back in Almaty city. Be prepared for a lot of walking and carry lots of water and sunscreen with you!
Kaindy Lake: A Sunken Forest Like No Other
The journey began with a four-hour drive to Kaindy Lake, nestled amidst lush greenery and rugged mountains. There are three ways to reach this famous spot: hike 3km up, ride on a horseback, or hop into a taxi. I opted to hike and somehow managed to convince four fellow tour members to join me.
At first, the hike seemed manageable. But as the trail became steeper halfway through, it turned into a test of endurance. After 80 minutes of climbing, we finally arrived at Kaindy Lake—and it was worth every step. The view of the lake, with its crystal-clear bluish-green waters and submerged spruce trees, was nothing short of magical. Formed after an earthquake, the lake preserved the submerged trees so perfectly that they still stand upright, creating an eerie but stunning sight.
The temperature of this lake was told to be always below perceived room temperature, even in summer, I dipped my hand in the water—it was freezing! The temperature hovered below 10°C, so it’s no wonder I didn’t see anyone swimming. Hiking up instead of taking a taxi allowed us to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the trail, making the experience even more memorable.
Kolsai Lake: Tranquility in the Mountains
Next, we made our way to Kolsai Lake, often called the “Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan.” Unlike Kaindy, this lake was much more accessible, offering a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of spots to sit and take in the views. The water here had a deep, dark-blue hue, fed by the glaciers surrounding the area.
I found myself completely at ease, soaking in the tranquility and marveling at the contrast between the vibrant greenery and the still waters. If Kaindy Lake felt surreal, Kolsai Lake was the perfect spot to relax and let time stand still.
Black Canyon
This was a quick stop at the black canyon in the late afternoon. It is a 154km stretch of rock formations sculpted by the Charyn River years ago. Breathtaking, but I found Charyn Canyon’s valley of Castle much more impressive.
Charyn Canyon: The Grand Canyon of Asia
After Kolsai, we ventured to Charyn Canyon, a breathtaking marvel often compared to the Grand Canyon. While the Black Canyon wasn’t particularly impressive in my opinion, Charyn Canyon was a showstopper. Its rugged, orange-hued cliffs looked especially stunning at sunset, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop that even a non-photographer couldn’t mess up.
For the adventurous, a 5km hike through the canyon is a must. The winding trail revealed dramatic views at every turn, and the golden light of the setting sun added a magical glow to the landscape. For those less inclined to hike, the view from the starting point is still spectacular.
This was hands down one of the highlights of my trip, and I couldn’t help but think how underrated this destination is.
Take Note : Not all tours include Charyn Canyon, so make sure to book a comprehensive itinerary. I highly recommend Panda Travels on GetYourGuide for an affordable and well-organized experience.
Big Almaty Lake: The Missed Opportunity
On my final day, I had planned to visit Big Almaty Lake, a popular spot known for its vibrant turquoise waters. However, the road to the lake was closed, and the only way up was a grueling 14km hike on a Water tunnel. As much as I love nature, I decided to give it a pass and explore Almaty’s city attractions instead. If you’re planning to visit, check ahead to avoid unexpected surprises or book a tour guide to bring you through the journey.
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