The Best Time to Visit Charyn Canyon and the Kolsay Lakes
Charyn Canyon and the Kolsay Lakes are two of the most spectacular sights near Almaty — and the good news is they can be combined into a single unforgettable day trip.
When to go
May to early July brings green valleys, full rivers and wildflowers. The Kolsay Lakes are at their most photogenic, and Charyn Canyon is warm but not yet scorching.
Late August to October is arguably the best window. The summer crowds thin out, the air is crisp, and in late September the forests around Kolsay turn gold.
Winter (November–March) is quiet and dramatic — Charyn Canyon under a dusting of snow is magical — but the mountain road to Kolsay can be tricky and some sections may be closed.
A typical day
- Early pickup from your Almaty hotel
- Drive to the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon for a walk among the red rock formations
- Continue to Lake Kaindy, famous for its submerged "sunken forest"
- Finish at the turquoise Kolsay Lakes in the alpine forest
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, a warm layer (mountain weather changes fast), sunscreen, water and snacks. The full day runs around 10–12 hours.
Ready to go? See our Charyn Canyon + Kolsay tour or message us on WhatsApp.