6 Days Kazakhstan (Almaty, Kolsai Lakes)
Almaty > Almaty 2N > Kolsai Lakes 1N > Almaty 2N > Almaty
Duration
6 Days
Group Size
24 persons
Location
Kazakhstan
Sketch Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival In Almaty, Kazakhstan!
Day 1
Arrival In Almaty, Kazakhstan!
Overnight Stay at the hotel in Almaty
Day 2
Shymbulak Mountains | Walking tour of Panfilov Promenade & Arbat Street
Day 2
Shymbulak Mountains | Walking tour of Panfilov Promenade & Arbat Street
Overnight Stay at the hotel in Almaty
Day 3
Kolsai Lakes (285 kms / 4 hours)
Day 3
Kolsai Lakes (285 kms / 4 hours)
Overnight Stay at the hotel near Kolsai Lakes
Day 4
4 Kaindy Lake & Charyn Canyon
Day 4
4 Kaindy Lake & Charyn Canyon
Overnight Stay at the hotel in Almaty
Day 5
Green Bazaar + Rakhat Chocolate Shop
Day 5
Green Bazaar + Rakhat Chocolate Shop
Overnight Stay at the hotel in Almaty
Day 6
Departure
Day 6
Departure
Transfer to Almaty Airport as per flight schedule
End Tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival In Almaty, Kazakhstan!
16:00 hrs Welcome to Almaty – City of a thousand colours! After clearing custom & immigration procedures followed by baggage collection, you will be met by your English-speaking guide in the arrival’s hall.
17:00 hrs You will be escorted to your vehicle. Chocolates & refreshing napkins will be served on board your vehicle. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi on board your vehicle. Please ask your guide for login details.
18:00 hrs Welcome to your hotel & check-in to your room.
20:00 hrs Dinner as per your choice of cuisine or restaurant. (On own)
22:00 hrs Hotel drop-off and good night sleep.
Overnight Stay in Almaty
Day 2: Shymbulak Mountains | Walking tour of Panfilov Promenade & Arbat Street
07:00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 hrs Visit the Shymbulak Mountains – Level 3 via Gondola
In just 1 hour, you can get from Almaty city center to its highest point (3200 meters) and drink coffee in the highest bar in the CIS using 3 tier world-class Gondola.
On Shymbulak, you can have a great time even if you can’t ski or snowboard. An all-day entertainment for the whole family is provided by cafes and restaurants with excellent cuisine, an observation deck with powerful binoculars that rotate 360 degrees and a playground. For those who want to enjoy the mountain silence and admire the snowy slopes, the resort offers high-class hotels and various kinds of adventure activities such as zip lining, paragliding, horse riding etc.
14:00 hrs Enjoy lunch in Shymbulak or a choice of your restaurant in the city. (On own)
16:00 hrs Proceed to your hotel for some relaxation.
18:00 hrs Panfilov & Arbat Walking Tour
Evening walk around Panfilov promenade. The promenade which overlooks the Kazakh Opera & Ballet theatre is lined with small shops, eateries, and cafes & beautiful lights. You will enjoy hearing many local musicians singing songs & playing local musical instruments. The tour will end on Arbat street with lots of shopping outlets and street entertainment.
20:00 hrs Dinner as per your choice of cuisine or restaurant. (On own)
22:00 hrs Hotel drop-off and good night sleep.
Overnight Stay in Almaty
Day 3: Kolsai Lakes (285 kms / 4 hours)
07:00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 hrs Proceed for Kolsai National Park!
The “Pearl of the Tien Shan”, Kolsai Lakes, are located 300 km from Almaty, in the spurs of the Kungei-Alatau ridge. It is also called Kazakh Switzerland. These are one of the most beautiful mountain lakes surrounded by steep mountain slopes.
13:00 hrs Arrive at check-in to your boutique resort.
14:00 hrs Enjoy lunch at your resort or any small cafes in the area (On own)
16:00 hrs Bask in the beauty of the nature. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kolsai or ride a horse to explore the area.
20:00 hrs Dinner as per your choice of cuisine or restaurant. (On own)
Overnight Stay at Boutique resort near Kolsai Lakes
Day 4: Kaindy Lake & Charyn Canyon
07:00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 hrs Visit Kaindy Lake – Ghostly underwater forest!
You've seen forests, and you've seen lakes. But when you see one inside the other, things start to feel eerie. That's the essence of Kaindy Lake. A landslide a century ago created the lake atop a spruce forest — leading to some breathtaking scenery.
13:00 hrs Lunch in a local café before proceeding to Charyn Canyon. (On own)
14:00 hrs Visit Charyn – A 12-million-year-old canyon!
It is often compared to the American Grand Canyon, to which Charyn is only slightly inferior in size and not at all in beauty. The total length of the canyon is 154 kilometres, and its age is about 12 million years. The river of the same name Charyn flows at the bottom of the canyon, the total length of which exceeds 360 kilometres.
The beauty of the canyon brings forth thoughts about Martian landscapes. If you want to feel like you’re on another planet, make sure to come to the space Charyn! Thousands of tourists visit this magical place annually, taking unforgettable impressions, delightful emotions and beautiful photos of the wild, unbridled beauty of Kazakhstan’s nature with them.
The «Valley of Castles» is one of the most beautiful canyon gorges. Its steep, vertical cliffs truly resemble the walls of royal houses. You can walk through the valley for 1.5 hours, completing a walk at a crystal-clear mountain river. Also there are other places that are of great interest for tourists, like the «Witch Gorge», «Dragon Gorge» and many other scenic parts of this natural wonder.
16:00 hrs Procced to Almaty city
19:00 hrs Arrive & check-in to your hotel for relaxation.
20:00 hrs Dinner (On own)
22:00 hrs Hotel drop-off.
Overnight Stay in Almaty
Day 5: Green Bazaar + Rakhat Chocolate Shop
07:00 hrs Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 hrs Green Bazaar + Rakhat Chocolate Shop
If you are among these, who don’t like to go to a mall and prefer the outdoor market among fresh air and belong to the old-school shopping type, then without wasting any time, head straight towards the Zelyony Bazaar located close to the Panfilov Park in Almaty. Also, known as the Green Market, this market is your typical local market where you can purchase everything starting from meat to spices to fruits to even clothes and furniture. The key to shopping here is that you should have a flair for bargaining, and you can get everything at a very reasonable rate.
You will be delighted to see the colourful atmosphere and the variety of goods available.
Right next door is the famous Rakhat Chocolate shop. Rakhat which means pleasure in Kazakh is the oldest manufactures of chocolates dating back to almost 70 years. Around 3500 workers work in basically 2 factories, one located in Almaty and one in Shymkent city. They also make chocolates for people suffering from diabetes and their low-calorie products like candies, cookies and waffles are a range among the people and tourists.
14:00 hrs Lunch at an Indian restaurant (On own)
15:00 hrs Shopping
Almaty is a paradise for all your shopping, so you can head to some of the swankiest malls the city has to offer. We recommend Dostyk Plaza, Esentai Mall & Mega Mall for high-end quality shopping.
18:00 hrs Sunset in Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe is the highest point in the city of Almaty standing on a 1100 m hill at the south-east edge of the city. It is worth a visit to Kok Tobe because of its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, one should take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Novotel and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit growing gardens. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you would see the famous 372 m high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus many attractions at the top including many restaurants serving cuisines from across the globe.
20:00 hrs Dinner as per your choice of cuisine or restaurant. (On own)
22:00 hrs Hotel drop-off and good night sleep.
Overnight Stay in Almaty
Day 6: Return Home
12:00 hrs Packed breakfast & check-out from the hotel.
It’s time to say good-bye to this beautiful city.
Our driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home or to an onward destination.
End Tour
Included/Excluded
Airport meet & greet
Chocolates & Refreshing Napkins Served On Board Your Vehicle
Complimentary Wi-Fi on board all our vehicles
4 nights stay as per choice of hotels mentioned above
1 night stay in Kolsai @ Kolsai Nomad resort – Lake View room
Daily Breakfast
Dedicated English Speaking Guide Through Out The Trip
Souvenir upon departure courtesy Kazin Dmc
Dedicated private vehicle with driver throughout the trip
Vehicle & guide at disposal daily for 12 hours (10:00 hrs – 22:00 hrs)
Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary above
Gondola tickets to Shymbulak – Level 3
Gondola tickets to Kok Tobe
Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake &Charyn Canyon
2 Bottles of Water Daily Per Person
Hotel Taxes
5% Bed tax payable to the hotel at the time of check-in
Flights
Expenses of personal nature
Meals (unless or otherwise specified)
GST & TCS (For India only)
For those who require visa to enter KZ, U$ 85 per person will apply
Hotel Details
Almaty (5 Nights)
Almaty (5 Nights)
Almaty (5 Nights)
Almaty (5 Nights)
Almaty (5 Nights)
Almaty (5 Nights)
Experiences
Adventure & Thrill
Culture, Heritage & History
Lakes & Rivers
Mountain & Hill Stations
Nature & Wildlife
Scenic Drives
Shopping & Local Markets
Spa & Wellness RetreatsFAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Kazakhstan?
Visa-free entry is available for many countries (including India, up to 14 days).
Others may require an eVisa or apply via consulates.
For the latest requirements, visit www.vmp.gov.kz or check with your local embassy.
What is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) offer the best weather for sightseeing.
Summer (July–August) is good for mountains and lakes, but can be hot in the steppe regions.
Winter (December–February) is ideal for skiing in places like Shymbulak.
What are the must-visit places in Kazakhstan?
Almaty – Cultural capital, mountain base, vibrant city life;
Nur-Sultan (Astana) – Futuristic capital with unique architecture;
Charyn Canyon – Mini Grand Canyon of Central Asia;
Big Almaty Lake – Turquoise alpine lake in the Tien Shan mountains;
Turkistan – Ancient Silk Road city with historical significance;
Altyn-Emel National Park – Singing Dunes and wildlife;
Lake Kaindy – Submerged forest lake;
Shymbulak Ski Resort – Winter sports destination near Almaty.
How do I get around within Kazakhstan?
Domestic flights connect major cities (Air Astana, SCAT Airlines).
Trains are reliable and scenic for long-distance travel (book in advance).
In cities: use Yandex Go or InDrive apps for taxis.
For countryside travel, it’s best to hire a private car or join a tour.
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Kazakhstan?
No mandatory vaccines, but routine vaccinations (Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid) are recommended.
Bring insect repellent if visiting nature reserves or during summer months.
Stick to bottled water or use a portable water filter.
What is the food like in Kazakhstan?
Local cuisine is meat-heavy, especially mutton and horse meat.
Popular dishes:
Beshbarmak – Boiled meat with noodles;
Plov – Central Asian rice dish;
Kumis – Fermented mare’s milk;
Lagman – Noodles with meat and vegetables;
Vegetarian options are available in cities but limited in rural areas.
What kind of accommodations are available?
Hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and resorts available across cities.
Eco-yurts and homestays available in rural or natural areas for authentic experiences.
What should I pack for a trip to Kazakhstan?
Seasonal clothing:
Summer – light clothes, sunscreen, hat;
Winter – heavy jackets, gloves, thermal wear;
Comfortable shoes for hiking/sightseeing;
Adapter (Type C & F plugs, 220V);
Daypack, sunglasses, and basic medicines.
What are the mobile and internet services like?
Good coverage in cities and towns.
Get a local SIM card from Beeline, Kcell, or Tele2 for affordable data.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and malls.
Is English widely spoken?
Not widely spoken outside major cities.
Learning basic Kazakh or Russian phrases or using Google Translate can help
Are there cultural or dress etiquette rules?
Dress modestly in rural areas or religious sites.
Greet with a handshake; remove shoes in someone’s home if asked.
Avoid discussing politics or ethnicity openly.
What makes Almaty worth visiting?
Almaty is the cultural and commercial capital of Kazakhstan. Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains, it offers a mix of modern city life, Soviet-era charm, and quick access to nature. Some of the top attractions are
Kok-Tobe Hill – City views, cable car, amusement park;
Zenkov Cathedral – Wooden Orthodox church in Panfilov Park;
Green Bazaar – Local produce, spices, souvenirs;
Medeu Ice Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort – Winter sports;
Central State Museum – Kazakh history and culture;
Arbat Street – Walking, shopping, local art and cafes.
From traditional Kazakh cuisine (kuyrdak, beshbarmak) to international fare, Almaty has diverse options. Popular choices: Gakku, Daredzhani, Navat, Line Brew.
What are Kolsai Lakes?
A group of three alpine lakes in southeastern Kazakhstan, surrounded by forests and mountains, located in Kolsai-Kolderi National Park. They're known for pristine beauty, trekking, and camping. A national park entry permit and a border zone permit (due to proximity to Kyrgyzstan) are required. Some things to do at the lake are
Trekking from Kolsai-1 to Kolsai-2;
Boating on Kolsai-1;
Horseback riding;
Camping near the lakes or staying in guesthouses/yurts in Saty village;
Nature photography, bird watching.
Are there places to stay near Kolsai?
Yes. Saty village is the best base, with guesthouses, eco-lodges, and yurts. Booking in advance is recommended during peak months.
What should I pack for visiting Kolsai Lakes?
Warm clothes (even in summer, nights are cold);
Hiking shoes;
Snacks/water;
Power bank (electricity may be limited);
Binoculars and camera.
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