Grand Canyon & Mysterious Lakes | Weekend in Kazakhstan

Name: Grand Canyon & Mysterious Lakes | Weekend in Kazakhstan
Start: 2025-09-04T20:30:00+04:00
End: 2025-09-08T07:25:00+04:00
Location: Dubai International Airport

Schedule

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025 at 08:30 pm to Mon, 08 Sep, 2025 at 07:25 am

UTC+04:00

Location

Dubai International Airport | Dubai, DU

Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth largest country, is a rugged natural wonderland of steppes, mountains, woodlands, canyons and lakes. Within its borders lies a section of the Tien Shan range, offering up the gorgeous Alpine terrain of forests, valleys and snowy peaks found in the Kolsay Lakes National Park.
In this magical landscape shaped by time and tectonics, more than 100 years ago, a great earthquake shook these mountains, resulting in the formation of a new body of water: Lake Kaindy, with its eye catching, bright turquoise waters. What makes this lake really stand out are the partially submerged spruce trees which stand in its waters to this day. Ghostly, bare trunks rise out of the chilly waters, making for a striking panorama – and amazing pictures!
Nearby are the Kolsay Lakes, known as the "Pearls of Tien Shan", reached by a hike through dense, tranquil forest. Trails connect these stunning bodies of water which range from altitudes of 1800 to 2850 meters, making for a great excuse to stretch our legs.
We’ll descend from green heights to dusty depths as we trek into the gorge known as Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon. Known for its stunning similarity to its bigger brother in the USA, Charyn Canyon National Park’s red sandstone rock formations are a stark contrast to the country’s mountainous regions. The second largest canyon in the world, Charyn Canyon stretches about 154 km (96 mi) along the banks of the Charyn River. Over millennia, the elements have weathered and shaped the sedimentary rock into pillars, winding corridors and crevices just begging to be explored.
Grab your hiking boots, Let's go!
DAY 1 // Thursday
Meeting at DXB T3 at 19:30 for a direct flight to Almaty at 21:30.
DAY 2 // Friday
Arrival at 02:40 AM. After completing immigration procedures, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Start a day with a visit to Green Bazaar, Almaty’s bustling central market. Stroll through colorful stalls, sample fresh local fruits, nuts, kurt (fermented cheese), and buy some traditional sweets like chak-chak. Further on quick look at Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings and a true architectural gem. Later ride toward the mountains - head towards Medeu, the famous high-altitude ice skating rink surrounded by forested slopes. From there, board the cable car to Shymbulak ski resort. Take your time as the views shift from urban to alpine. Continue on the second cable car line to the Talgar Pass station (3,200 m) the highest point accessible by lift. Enjoy jaw dropping views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains and, if the weather is clear, take a short walk on the plateau to breathe in the thin, fresh mountain air. Grab a snack or hot drink at the panoramic cafe before heading back down.
We’ll end the day by unwinding in a local teahouse with a plate of manty (dumplings) or lagman noodles, and a pot of Kazakh tea.
Arrival, immigration clearance, overnight in hotel.
DAY 2 // Saturday
Early wake up call, grab packed breakfast and transfer by 4x4 to the Kolsay Lakes area. Short rest upon arrival.
Kolsay Lakes are considered one of the most beautiful natural spots in Kazakhstan, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.” The lakes are situated at altitudes of 1800m, 2250m, and 2700m. The lower and middle lakes are home to local trout, especially visible at sunset. The upper lake is 4 km farther and 600 meters higher than the second lake, with the Kyrgyzstan border just 6 km away. From the Sary-Bulak Pass (3278m), you can even spot Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. On calm days, the lakes reflect the sky and surrounding mountains with mirror-like clarity.
Today, we’ll do two treks: trek around Kolsay Lake and a hike at Kaindy Lake, soaking in the region’s crystal-clear natural beauty. After lunch, we continue to Kaindy village. Optional horse riding is available at the village.
Kaindy Lake, located at 1800 meters, is a mystical site surrounded by dense spruce forest and mountain peaks. Interestingly, "Kaiyndy" means “birch” in Kazakh, although the lake is bordered by pines, the name comes from a birch grove located further down the gorge. The lake was formed after a tectonic collapse triggered by a major earthquake in the early 20th century.
Overnight at local guesthouse.
Day 3 // Sunday
Today its time for Charyn Canyon, an awe-inspiring natural monument carved over 12 million years by erosion, creating stunning rock towers and sediment formations. Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the U.S., Charyn is part of a national park that protects its rare geological formations and diverse wildlife. We’ll explore the canyon on foot from multiple viewpoints.
Afterward, return to Almaty for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel upon arrival.
Day 4 // Monday
Transfer to the airport for departure at 03:40 AM. Back home shortly past 7am.
Level of difficulty: easy, available for beginners.
Activities: trekking, sightseeing, optional horse riding.
Cost: AED 3820 incl. flights. Cost valid until AUG 14th.
Accommodation. & meals: included - accommodation in local house and hotel - double sharing, local meals.
Specifically excluded: Any costs related to visas - if any, meals on transfers (in Almaty), optional horse riding, entry fees if any.
Visas: cost not included in trip budget:
At the time of writing 60 nationalities are visa free: EU, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Georgia, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Other Passports: Evisa or Consulate visa.
It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination at the time of travel.
See yah in Kazakhstan x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 - 4848238 / linktr.ee/trekkup