2-Day Private Tour – the Kolsai Lake & Kaindy (Sunken Forest) via Charyn Canyon

Discover the breathtaking natural wonders of Kazakhstan on a 2-day private tour from Almaty. This intimate experience whisks you away to the serene Kolsai Lake, the enchanting Kaindy Sunken Forest, and the majestic Charyn Canyon. With a maximum of five participants, you’ll enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious home-cooked meals, and private transportation in an air-conditioned SUV. Capture unforgettable moments as you learn about the country’s stunning landscapes, but be prepared to be left in awe of the sheer beauty that awaits. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure that will leave you captivated by the natural wonders of Kazakhstan.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Almaty.

Key Points

• 2-day private tour from Almaty that visits Kolsai Lake, Kaindy (Sunken Forest), and Charyn Canyon, with a maximum group size of 5 for an intimate experience.
• Includes overnight stay at a cozy guest house, two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast, as well as transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
• Highlights include turquoise waters, snow-capped peaks, and diverse wildlife at Kolsai Lake, the submerged forest of Kaindy, and the striking rock formations of Charyn Canyon.
• Accommodation provides an authentic experience with shared rooms, home-cooked meals, and basic but well-maintained facilities, complementing the outdoor adventures.
• Tour is not wheelchair accessible and may present challenges for travelers with certain medical conditions, but healthy you can typically participate without major issues.

Tour Overview

This 2-day private tour from Almaty takes travelers on a journey to explore the stunning Kolsai Lake, the enchanting Kaindy (Sunken forest), and the dramatic Charyn Canyon, all within a maximum group size of 5 people.

With an overall rating of 5.0 out of 55 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Priced from $370.00, it includes an overnight stay at a cozy guest house, ensuring a comfortable and authentic adventure.

The tour features scenic landscapes, unique rock formations, and ample photographic opportunities, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts.

Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway or a longer exploration, this private tour offers a comprehensive introduction to some of Kazakhstan’s most captivating natural wonders.

Itinerary and Inclusions

The 2-day private tour includes visits to the stunning Kolsai Lake, the enchanting Kaindy (Sunken Forest), and the dramatic Charyn Canyon, offering scenic landscapes, unique rock formations, and ample photographic opportunities.

During the tour, travelers will enjoy two lunches, one dinner, and one breakfast, all included.

Accommodations are provided at a cozy guest house, and transportation is via an air-conditioned private SUV or minivan, with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Additional amenities, like bottled water and infant seats, are available.

This comprehensive itinerary allows guests to enjoy Kazakhstan’s natural wonders and create lasting memories.

Destination Highlights

Kolsai Lake dazzles with its turquoise waters surrounded by majestic snow-capped peaks, while the eerie Kaindy Submerged Forest captivates with its haunting beauty below the surface of a tranquil lake.

These two natural wonders offer a truly unforgettable experience for adventurous travelers:

1. Kolsai Lake: Nestled in the Tian Shan mountain range, this alpine lake boasts stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, including ibex, bears, and a variety of bird species.

2. Kaindy Submerged Forest: This surreal landscape features the skeletal remains of pine trees that were submerged underwater after a massive earthquake in 1911, creating a captivating underwater forest.

3. Charyn Canyon: Along the way, the tour also explores the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, a geological wonder with its otherworldly rock formations and striking red and yellow hues.

Accommodation Details

Guests will enjoy a cozy overnight stay at a local guest house during the tour, which provides a comfortable respite after a day of exploring the natural wonders.

The guest house accommodations are simple yet clean and well-maintained, offering a chance to experience a more authentic Kazakh lifestyle. Guests will stay in shared rooms with bunk beds, allowing them to mingle with other tour participants.

Meals are home-cooked and served family-style, giving travelers a taste of traditional Kazakh cuisine.

While the guest house may lack some modern amenities, it provides a charming and immersive experience that complements the rugged outdoor adventures of the tour.

Transportation Arrangements

For this tour, transportation is provided via an air-conditioned private SUV or minivan, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. The host arranges hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing guests to focus on the scenic experiences without the hassle of self-driving.

Whether traveling solo or in a small group, the private vehicle accommodates everyone’s needs and provides ample space for luggage and photography equipment.

The transportation arrangements include:

1. Comfortable and spacious air-conditioned private SUV or minivan

2. Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off at the start and end of the tour

3. Ample room for luggage, photography gear, and a small group of up to 5 people

Health and Accessibility

Accessibility is a crucial consideration for this tour, as it may not be suitable for all travelers. The itinerary and activities involved aren’t wheelchair accessible, and the terrain can be challenging for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

However, most healthy travelers can participate in the tour with no major issues. It’s essential to consider your physical abilities and any medical concerns before booking to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The host recommends consulting with a healthcare professional if you have any doubts about your suitability for the tour. They strive to accommodate travelers’ needs as much as possible, but certain activities may not be feasible for everyone.

Guest Feedback

Overwhelmingly, guests have praised the tour’s professional and knowledgeable guides, who expertly navigate the unique terrain and provide home-cooked meals at the cozy guest house accommodations.

While some have mentioned minor issues, such as:

1. Occasional communication challenges with the guide
2. Lack of detailed information during the journey
3. Sporadic air-conditioning concerns

the overall feedback remains highly positive.

The host acknowledges these comments and remains committed to continuously improving the tour experience and ensuring guest satisfaction.

Travelers can expect a well-organized adventure through Kazakhstan’s stunning natural landscapes, complemented by genuine hospitality and exceptional service.

Host Response and Commitment

Acknowledging the guest feedback, the host remains committed to continuously improving the tour experience and ensuring customer satisfaction across all aspects of the Kolsai Lake & Kaindy Tour.

The host takes the feedback seriously and is actively working to address the issues raised, such as enhancing communication styles, providing more information during the journey, and ensuring the air-conditioning functions properly.

The host’s goal is to deliver the best tours in Kazakhstan, and they’re dedicated to refining the tour’s logistics, guest experiences, and overall service quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Preferences?

The tour can be customized to meet the travelers’ preferences. The host is willing to accommodate special requests and make adjustments to the itinerary, meals, and accommodations to ensure a satisfactory experience.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour provider offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing guests to cancel up to 14 days before the tour date for a full refund. Within 14 days, guests may receive a partial refund, depending on the circumstances.

Are There Any Additional Costs Not Included in the Price?

The tour price covers all essential costs, including transportation, meals, and accommodations. However, travelers may need to pay for personal expenses like souvenirs, snacks, or tips for the guide, which are not included in the base price.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes some meals, but guests can supplement their own snacks and beverages as desired to customize their experience.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The typical group size for this tour is 5 people maximum. The tour operator states that the tour is a private experience, allowing for a small group size to provide a more personalized and intimate journey.

Recap

This private 2-day tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy Kazakhstan’s stunning natural wonders.

From the serene Kolsai Lake to the ethereal Kaindy Sunken Forest, and the majestic Charyn Canyon, the journey promises unforgettable experiences.

Comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and private transportation ensure a seamless and intimate exploration of these captivating landscapes.