We leave Almaty in the morning and travel east toward Charyn National Park, where one of Kazakhstan's most impressive canyon landscapes opens in the middle of the steppe. The road gradually leads us away from the city, passing through wide plains, small settlements, and distant mountain scenery.

Our first stop is the famous Valley of Castles, the most iconic section of Charyn Canyon. Here, warm red cliffs and tall rock towers rise above the canyon floor, shaped over time into narrow passages, steep walls, and natural stone shapes. We walk through the gorge at an easy pace, surrounded by dramatic rock scenery and changing views at every turn.

The trail leads down toward the Charyn River, where we pause for lunch in the shade near the riverbank. After time to rest and enjoy the peaceful contrast of water, trees, and canyon walls, we continue toward the mountains of the Kungey Alatau.

By late afternoon, we reach Kolsay Lake, the first and largest of the Kolsay Lakes. Situated at around 1,800 meters above sea level, the lake stretches quietly through a forested mountain valley, its dark blue waters reflecting the surrounding slopes. We take a gentle walk along the lakeshore, enjoying the calm atmosphere, fresh air, and soft evening light before continuing to Saty village. Dinner and overnight are at a local guesthouse in Saty, a mountain village near Kolsay Lakes National Park.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walk through the Valley of Castles, the most famous section of Charyn Canyon.
• Enjoy lunch near the Charyn River, surrounded by canyon scenery and riverside shade.
• Visit Kolsay Lake, a peaceful alpine lake set among forested slopes of the northern Tien Shan Mountains.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~315 km; Time ~5 hours; Walking: ~1 hour, ~2.5 km, no significant elevation gain; Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Kolsay/Saty.

After breakfast in Saty, we head into the mountains toward Kaindy Lake, following a rough road through Kaindy Gorge. The scenery quickly becomes more tranquil and enclosed, with forested slopes, fresh mountain air, and the feeling of entering a hidden corner of the northern Tien Shan.

Kaindy is one of Kazakhstan's most distinctive natural landmarks. Nestled within a dense spruce forest, the lake is renowned for the pale trunks of submerged trees rising from its blue-green waters. The forest was flooded following a powerful earthquake and landslide in 1911, leaving behind the striking sunken trees that make the lake so memorable today.

We take a gentle walk near the lake, allowing time to appreciate the reflections, mountain views, and the tranquil atmosphere of the gorge. The scene feels calm and unique — a quiet contrast to the red cliffs of Charyn Canyon and the open beauty of Kolsay Lake.

After visiting Kaindy Lake, we return for lunch and then begin our journey back to Almaty. The road gradually leaves the mountain valleys behind and opens up once again to the wide landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan, bringing us back to the city by evening.

Highlights of the Day:

• Discover Kaindy Lake, famous for its sunken spruce forest and clear mountain water.
• Walk through Kaindy Gorge, surrounded by forested slopes and alpine scenery.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~310 km / Time ~5 hours; Walking: ~2 hours, ~5 km, +100 m / -100 m.