Almaty, Kazakhstan is the country's largest metropolis and is a bustling city filled with culture, history, and natural beauty. But beyond the city is a treasure trove of unforgettable day trips. Whether you're an adventurer or someone looking to unwind, there are new attractions for you to explore, just a drive away!
I visited Almaty, Kazakhstan from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan quite a few times. Due to the proximity of the two cities, it's convenient to visit these two countries during one trip. If you're looking to do the same, you can follow my guide here: How to Go From Bishkek to Almaty
Since we didn't have a car in Almaty, we decided to use a local tour agency to book a day trip that visited three attractions which I share below. There were 30 to 40 other tourists with us, mostly locals, and even though the trip went smoothly, we had a hiccup at the very end. Our bus hit a car while we were halting to a stop at the very end of the trip, luckily no one was hurt, but that extended our trip by another hour. If I could do it again, I would rent a car and drive ourselves, which would've allowed for more flexibility and opportunity to explore at our own pace.
If you are traveling alone and want to book a day trip without having the hassle of renting a car, here are some tours with an English-speaking guide.
So pack lightly, and let's dive right into the wonders that await outside of Almaty!
Stop 1: Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon
Charyn Canyon is one of the most spectacular natural wonders near Almaty, Kazakhstan. Located about 210 kilometers east of the city, the drive will take approximately 2 1/2 hours. It offers a breathtaking landscape that has been sculpted by the Charyn River over millions of years. The canyon stretches for approximately 154 kilometers and features a variety of rock formations, each with unique colors.
I recommend coming to the main viewpoint as there is plenty of space for parking and other tourists. We arrived quite at around 8:00 AM and it wasn't too packed. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its most vibrant.
Summer can be very hot. We visited in September and the weather was perfect, but I recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, water, and appropriate footwear.
Stop 2: Kolsai Lakes
Kolsai Lake is 75 kilometers from Charyn Canyon and approximately a 1.5-hour drive. The lake is famous for its crystal-clear water and is surrounded by mountains, and forests, creating a mesmerizing and tranquil environment. It reminded me of during my travels to Banff, Canada!
You won't be able to drive directly to the lake but will have to park in the main parking lot and walk approximately 20 minutes to the lake itself. It's not a tough walk but I do recommend you wear comfortable running or hiking shoes.
There are hotels close to the Kolsai Lakes, so if you'd like to spend a couple of nights that's always an option. When you reach the lake, I recommend you rent a canoe to explore the lake and immerse yourself in nature. Don't be like us and go too deep inside the lake. Turns out that it was much more difficult for us to come back to shore and we had to pay a bit extra to the canoe rental company because we were on it for longer than expected.
Stop 3: Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy is only 25 kilometers from Kolsai Lakes and a short 1-hour drive away. The lake was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1911 which triggered a limestone landslide, creating a natural dam. The submerged forest, with its tree trunks rising eerily out of the water, provides a unique and hauntingly beautiful sight.
From where we parked our cars, these Soviet-Union-style trucks had to drive us closer to the lake. I think these were prepared by our travel company, but if you are driving your car, you may be able to drive yourself. Our bus was too large to drive on the windy road.
The vibrant and turquoise blue waters are due to the mineral-rich waters. This makes it picturesque year-round and in the summer, the water is crystal clear while in the winter, the lake freezes over.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Almaty, and explore the other natural wonders around Almaty. I recommend you follow this route for a perfect day trip. These destinations boast the unique landscapes and true beauty of Kazakhstan and you're going to be wanting to see more. I hope you can create unforgettable memories. If you're looking to visit Almaty to Bishkek, check out my other post here: How to Go From Almaty to Bishkek.
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