About this tour
When Noah from our team did this two-day jaunt through southeastern Kazakhstan, we got a proper taste of the country's canyon and alpine lake country. You kick off at Charyn Canyon's clifftop viewpoint, then head to Kolsay Lake where there's time to mess about on horseback or just sit by the water. The overnight's at a guesthouse nearby with dinner cooked up and a fire to hang around. Day two is a horse ride up to Kaindy Lake, where a submerged forest sits ghostly in the water—the whole region feels remote and wild, even though it's only a few hours from civilisation.
Highlights
- Charyn Canyon's observation deck: sheer drops and rust-coloured rock formations
- Kolsay Lake's stillness at dusk, fire crackling at the guesthouse
- Saddle time to Kaindy Lake through spruce forest and open meadow
- Submerged tree trunks visible beneath Kaindy's surface, eerie and beautiful
- Small-group feel; no tour-bus crowds at either lake
- Guesthouse breakfast before the second day's horse trek
- English-speaking guides who actually know the landscape beyond the spiel
What to expect
Day one is gentle: the canyon walk is short and flat, and you've got the afternoon at Kolsay to do your thing—ride out, swim if you're keen, or just kick back with a view. Dinner at the guesthouse is communal; we ate simple, hearty food. The fire afterwards is a nice touch if the weather holds. You'll bunk down early because day two starts proper.
Day two is the harder graft. The ride to Kaindy takes a few hours on horseback through forest and high meadow; it's not technical, but you're in the saddle the whole time, and the altitude (around 2,000–2,500 metres) catches some people off guard. When you crest the ridge and see Kaindy, though—all that sunken timber poking through the water—it's worth the ache. You'll get time to walk the shore and take photos before heading back down.
Good to know
This tour hits two genuinely striking spots most Aussie travellers miss. Kolsay and Kaindy are beautiful and feel properly remote. The overnight guesthouse keeps it real—no five-star padding, but warm beds and decent food. Horses are manageable even for moderate riders. The guides speak proper English and aren't bored with the patter.
Two days on horseback will hurt if you're not used to it. The second day is longer and higher; altitude is a factor. Not suitable if you have back or spine issues, or if you're pregnant. Infants need to sit with an adult, which works for day one but is awkward for the horse rides. Weather up there changes fast—bring layers. Cold-weather camping gear or thick jumpers essential, especially April–October. Group size varies; you might be with others or solo (affects dynamics and cost).
Private transport, accommodation, breakfast, and horses to Kaindy are included. Airport tax isn't. You'll need moderate fitness, proper hiking boots, and a tolerance for saddle soreness. Peak season is spring and autumn; summer is busy, winter roads can be rough.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.