2-day Escape · April–October · YurtaDa Charyn
A two-day circuit east of Almaty connecting two of Kazakhstan's most dramatic natural sites — Kolsai's emerald lake and Charyn's Valley of Castles — with a night at YurtaDa Charyn.
Duration
2 days
Season
April–October
Group
2–8 guests
Distance
~580 km
Difficulty
Easy
Route
Almaty → Kolsai → Charyn → Almaty
1,818m
Lower Kolsai Lake
Emerald water held by the forested canyon walls of the Tian Shan.
300m
The Valley of Castles
Sandstone towers twelve million years in the making — Charyn's centrepiece.
8max
Guests in your circuit
A private 4×4 throughout, no shared groups, the schedule shaped to your pace.
Route Overview
Day 1: Lower Kolsai Lake (1,818 m) in the Tian Shan — emerald water, forested canyon walls, the Sogdian ash grove (a glacial relic found in only one other place on Earth). Then Charyn Canyon's Valley of Castles — 300 m sandstone formations twelve million years in the making — overnight at YurtaDa Charyn, private yurts with en-suite bathrooms and a canyon terrace. Day 2: golden-hour canyon walk, return to Almaty.
Itinerary
A day that runs the full vertical range — from a forested glacial lake to the open sandstone of Charyn, finishing on a canyon terrace at YurtaDa Charyn.
An early option in the canyon, breakfast on the terrace, and a relaxed road home by midday.
Key Highlights
Before you book
A comfortable circuit suited to most fitness levels — built around private transport, two parks, and one night at YurtaDa Charyn.
Easy. Short walks at each site (1–3 km). YurtaDa Charyn is comfortable and fully accessible for all fitness levels. The optional sunrise canyon walk is easy (1 hr flat).
One night at YurtaDa Charyn — private yurts with en-suite, canyon terrace, premium service. Meals: packed lunch Day 1 at Kolsai, dinner at YurtaDa, breakfast Day 2, farewell lunch.
Kolsai NP entry and Charyn Canyon entry fees included. Private 4×4 vehicle throughout — fully flexible schedule, no shared groups.
April–October. Shoulder seasons (May, September) bring the best light and the quietest canyon. We will advise the strongest dates for your group.
Pricing
All prices per person · Private departure · Full board included where stated
2 persons
$720
Private departure, maximum attention
4 persons
$470
Most popular group size
6+ persons
from $360
Best value per person
Included
Not included
Begin
Private dates, your group, your pace. We reply within 48 hours, in person — usually with three options shaped around your brief.