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Charyn Canyon to Kolsai Lake Distance: The 100km Short Cut
The actual Charyn Canyon to Kolsai Lake distance is roughly 100 to 110 kilometers (about 65 miles). Kolsai Lakes are located southeast of the canyon, tucked high up in the Tien Shan mountains near the border with Kyrgyzstan.
If you were driving on a highway in Europe or the US, this would take you 1-1.5 hour. But here in the mountains of the Almaty region, you need to adjust your expectations. The drive usually takes between 2-2.5 hours.
What Exactly Are the Kolsai Lakes?
Before you go, you need to know what you are looking for. People call this area the "Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan." It is a system of three separate lakes: Lower, Middle, and Upper.
95% of tourists only visit the Lower Kolsai Lake. Vehicles can reach the edge of the Lower Lake comfortably. To see the Middle and Upper lakes, you have to hike 8 kilometers uphill or rent a horse.
For most travelers, the Lower Lake is the highlight. It sits at 1,800 meters altitude. It is famous for its incredibly deep, dark blue water that reflects the surrounding spruce forest like a mirror.
How to Get from Charyn to Kolsai Lake: 4 Transport Options
So, how do you move between the canyon and the lake? I need to be very clear: There is no public bus connecting Charyn Canyon to Kolsai Lakes. Buses only run from Almaty to the specific villages. There is no shuttle connecting the two sights. Here are your 4 realistic options.
Option 1: The 2-Day Group Tour (Most Popular & Budget Friendly)
This is what most travelers choose. Makes sense. Someone else handles all the logistics while you just show up.
You join a group in Almaty. The guide and driver handle the entire loop: Charyn Canyon first, then overnight in Saty, then Kolsai Lakes, and often includes Kaindy Lake before heading back to the city.
You'll share a van or minibus with other people on the tour. For most visitors, this is the best bang for your buck. You'll probably meet other travelers doing the same circuit.
The downsides? Fixed schedule (2 days). And you need to pick carefully from dozens of local tour companies because finding real reviews and reliable information about them online can be tricky.
Option 2: Private Car with Driver (Best for Privacy & Families)
We know that group travel isn't for everyone. If you are a photographer chasing the "Golden Hour," a family with kids who need frequent breaks, or a traveler who simply dislikes waiting for others, this is your best solution.
This is also a way to attempt the "Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake One Day Tour." Trying to do both spots in one day is exhausting (10+ hours on the road), but having a private driver makes it possible. You control the clock.
Finding a good driver matters. Ask your Almaty hotel for recommendations. Search Instagram for #AlmatyDriver or #KolsaiTours. Message drivers directly. Check their vehicle in photos. Read comments from previous customers.
Request a Crossover or SUV (like a Toyota Highlander or Land Cruiser). Carry your Passport. There is a police checkpoint before the lakes. When booking a private driver, always ask if the price includes the driver's food, accommodation (for 2-day trips).
Option 3: Self-Driving (Rent a Car from Almaty)
For travelers who value total freedom and love a road trip, self-driving is a great option. However, driving in Kazakhstan requires specific preparation.
You can rent cars at Almaty International Airport (ALA) or in the city center. Major international chains (like Avis or Hertz) are available, but local rental companies often offer better rates. Book in advance, especially in summer.
The Route Explained:
- From the Charyn Canyon parking lot, you drive back out to the main highway (A-351).
- You turn left(South) towards the village of Temirlik.
- Descend into the valley where Saty Villageis located.
- From Saty, it is just another 15 kilometers (about 25 minutes) up a paved hill to reach the parking lot of the first Kolsai Lake (Lower Kolsai Lake).
There are two things you absolutely must have: Your Passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Option 4: Shared Taxi (Best for Solo DIY Travelers on a Budget)
This is the "Backpacker Method." It is cheaper than a private car, but it requires work. You are essentially organizing your own mini-tour. You cannot simply find a taxi at Charyn Canyon. You must organize this in Almaty before you leave.
You need to find 3 other travelers to split the cost. Check hostel notice boards or travel forums (like Caravanistan) to find partners who want to do the exact same route (Almaty -> Charyn -> Kolsai).
Go to Sayakhat Bus Station with your group. Find a driver and negotiate a flat price for the whole trip. This is great for saving money, but it can be stressful to coordinate schedules with strangers.
Can You Do a "Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake One Day Tour"?
This is the most common question I get: "Can I squeeze everything into one day?" The short answer is: Yes, but it is exhausting. You will spend about 9 to 10 hours sitting in a car for maybe 3 hours of actual sightseeing. It feels more like a race than a vacation.
I only recommend this if you have absolutely no other choice. If you want to actually enjoy the view, you need two days.
The Better Option: 2-Day Itinerary (Adding Kaindy Lake)
If you have time, the 2-day loop is the superior way to experience the "Golden Triangle." It gives you room to breathe and allows you to visit the third gem of the region: Kaindy Lake.
Day 1: Almaty to Charyn Canyon
Reach Charyn Canyon by late morning. Spend 2-3 hours there. Hike down into the Valley of Castles. Eat your packed lunch by the river. Drive to Saty village in the afternoon. Check into a guesthouse.
How to Get from Almaty to Charyn Canyon? (5 Options for 2026)
Day 2: Kolsai Lake & Kaindy Lake
Head to Kolsai Lake One (Lower Kolsai Lake), the first and largest lake. This is where most tourists stop. It's beautiful. Turquoise water surrounded by pine forests and mountains. You can walk around it in about an hour.
But here's the move: if you're reasonably fit, hike up to Kolsai Lake Two. Takes about two hours uphill through the forest. The trail is clear and well-maintained. Lake Two is smaller, quieter, and in my opinion more beautiful than the first lake.
After Kolsai, head to Kaindy Lake (30 min). This is the one with the sunken forest. Earthquake in 1911 created a natural dam. Valley flooded. Trees drowned but didn't rot because the water is so cold. Now their trunks stick up through the water like ghost fingers.
Spend an hour there. Then back to Almaty.
Where to Stay: Saty Village
You cannot sleep at the canyon, and there are limited hotels at the lakes. Everyone stays in Saty Village. It is located right between Kolsai and Kaindy. It is full of local guesthouses (Homestays) that offer warm beds and heavy, delicious Kazakh dinners.
FAQ: Common Questions About the "Golden Triangle"
How to Reach Kolsai Lake from Almaty?
You have four main options. The easiest is a group tour or a private driver (like we offer at Asia Odyssey Travel).
If you drive yourself, you need to rent a car and head East on the A351 highway. If you are on a tight budget, you can find a shared taxi at the Sayakhat Bus Station, but you must wait for the car to fill up.
2. What is the Most Beautiful Lake in Almaty?
This is a tough choice. Big Almaty Lake is the most famous because it is right near the city. However, Kaindy Lake is the most unique because of its sunken trees. Kolsai Lake is the best for relaxing because you can stay overnight in a cabin right by the water.
3. How far is the Trek to Kolsai Lake 2?
It is not a short walk. The hike from the Lower Lake (Kolsai 1) to the Middle Lake (Kolsai 2) is roughly 8 kilometers (5 miles) one way.
It takes an average person 3 to 4 hours to hike up and about 2.5 hours to come down. The trail is steep in some parts. If you are not fit, you can rent a horse at the first lake.
4. How Many Hours from Almaty to Kolsai Lake?
If you drive directly without stopping, it takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. However, most people stop at Charyn Canyon on the way. If you include the canyon stop and lunch, the whole journey will take you about 7 to 8 hours before you finally arrive at Saty Village.
5. What Should I Pack?
- Passport: Mandatory for the border zone police checks.
- Cash: ATMs are rare in Saty. You need cash for food and entrance fees.
- Warm Jacket: Even in July, the temperature at the lakes can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night.
- Power Bank: Electricity in guesthouses can be spotty.
- Sunscreen & Hat: The sun is very strong at high altitudes.
How to Visit Charyn and Kolsai with Asia Odyssey Travel
While the drive from Charyn Canyon to Kolsai Lakes is a classic 2-day loop, we recommend 6 days to truly experience the Almaty region. This allows you to combine the wild "Golden Triangle" with the city's culture and the alpine beauty of Medeo.
Here is a reference 6-day Classic Almaty & Golden Triangle Itinerary:
- Day 1: Almaty Arrival.
- Day 2: Almaty City Tour. Visit the Central State Museum, the Central Mosque, and the bustling Green Bazaar. Walk through Panfilov Park to see the wooden Ascension Cathedral, and end the day with a cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill for sunset views.
- Day 3: Almaty – Medeo Gorge – Almaty. Take the cable car up to Shymbulak Peak. Visit the Sunkar Falcon Farm to see the trained hawks, and stroll through the First President's Park.
- Day 4: Almaty – Saty Village. Drive East to Charyn Canyon National Park. Hike the "Valley of Castles" and enjoy the red rock landscapes. Drive to Saty Village for the night.
- Day 5: Saty Village – Almaty. Explore Kolsai Lakes National Park. Visit the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and the stunning Lower Kolsai Lake. Drive back to Almaty in the evening.
- Day 6: Almaty Departure.
Want someone else to handle the logistics? Asia Odyssey Travel takes care of the comfortable transport, accommodation in Saty, and English-speaking guides. You just show up and enjoy the view.
Check out our tours:
✅ Kazakhstan Group Tours - Best value for solo travelers and couples, with guaranteed small groups and fixed departures.
✅ Kazakhstan Tour Packages - Complete 4-10 day itineraries that combine the Golden Triangle with other highlights like Altyn Emel or Big Almaty Lake.
✅ Private Custom Tours - Your own vehicle and guide, fully flexible schedule, perfect for families or anyone who wants things their way.
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