Almaty → Kolsai Lakes transfer
Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy in two days from Almaty with a night in Saty — the version that lets you see the lakes in morning light instead of racing them in a 17-hour day. Price per car for both days.
- Distance650 km
- Drive time12 h
- Pricefrom $430
Inside Kazakhstan the trip is operated by a licensed Kazakh partner driver; we arrange and stand behind it.
Almaty → Kolsai Lakes: price per car
| Car | Per car for 2 days, driver's night included | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Starex / Delica | $430 ≈ 219,500 ₸ | $215 | $143 | $108 | $72 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Land Cruiser / Prado / UAZ | $530 ≈ 270,500 ₸ | $265 | $177 | $133 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter, up to 16 seats | $750 ≈ 382,500 ₸ | $375 | $250 | $188 | $125 |
English-speaking driver +$15–20 · return — same price. Prices updated 12 October 2026.
The road
Almaty → Charyn (3 h) → Saty (2 h). Day 2: Kaindy (last 11 km by park eco-shuttle or horse), Kolsai-1, back to Almaty (5 h).
Worth stopping
- Charyn Valley of Castles.
- Kaindy sunken forest.
- Kolsai-1 lake (walk to Kolsai-2 adds 3–4 hours).
Good to know
- One-day version (16 hours): minivan $330, 4x4 $390.
- Private cars may not drive beyond the Kaindy car park; budget about 1,000 tenge for the eco-shuttle.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, tolls
- Meet & greet with name sign at airports, 60 min free waiting
- Stops on the way where you ask (up to 1 h in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Pay the driver in cash or card — no prepayment for transfers
Almaty → Kolsai Lakes: questions
One day or two days for Kolsai?
Two. One day is possible but means leaving at 5:00 and returning after 21:00.
Is the road to Kaindy passable?
The last 11 km are closed to private cars; park shuttles or horses take you to the lake.
Can we continue to Kyrgyzstan instead of returning?
Yes, when the Kegen border is open — see Almaty → Charyn → Kolsai → Karakol.