Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night |

Start/End: Almaty (your hotel)

Group Type: 100% Private

Vehicle: MINIVAN SUV

Accommodation: optional upon request

This 2-day expedition is designed for those who want to experience the raw beauty of the Tien Shan mountains without spending 8 hours in a car in a single day.

By staying overnight in the mountains, you escape the day-tripper crowds, witness the lakes during the magical golden hours of sunset and sunrise, and explore the famous sunken forest of Lake Kaindy at a relaxed pace.

📅 THE EXPEDITION ITINERARY

DAY 1: The Canyons and The Sunken Forest

• 08:00 | Private Hotel Pickup Your dedicated English-speaking driver arrives at your hotel in a clean, air-conditioned Minivan SUV. Complimentary bottled water, local snacks are ready in the cabin.
• 11:00 | Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles) We arrive at the canyon before the intense midday heat. Enjoy a guided walk along the rim to the best panoramic viewpoints. No strenuous hiking required — your guide ensures comfort at every step.
• 13:00 | Black Canyon & Mountain Transition A brief stop at the dramatic Black Canyon to see the Charyn River from a cliff viewpoint, followed by a scenic drive into the cool, green foothills of Saty.
• 13:30 | Saty Village arrival. Lunch time.
• 15:00 – 18:00 | Lake Kaindy (The Sunken Forest) We swap the smooth highway for a rugged mountain track.
• 19:00 | Evening at Leisure & Dinner Check into your mountain chalet. Free time.

DAY 2: Alpine Serenity & The Return

• 09:30 – 12:30 | Kolsai Lake 1 (The Morning Calm) We arrive at Kolsai Lake early, before the massive tour buses from Almaty arrive. The water is perfectly still, acting as a mirror for the pine forests.
• What you can do: Take a private wooden boat ride, enjoy an espresso at the panoramic lakeside terrace, or hike the peaceful shoreline trail completely crowd-free.
• 13:00 | Farewell Village Lunch Return to the lodge for a final lunch before heading back to the city.
• 14:30 | Smooth Return to Almaty Settle into the comfortable leather seats of your Minivan for a smooth ride back to civilization.
• 18:30 | Hotel Drop-off Arrive back at your Almaty hotel relaxed, recharged, and with zero travel fatigue.