Khorgos to Almaty via Charyn and Kolsai: 2 days by private car
Instead of a straight run from the China border to Almaty, spend two days on the way: Charyn Canyon on day 1, a night in the village of Saty, the Kolsai Lakes (and Kaindy in a 4x4) on day 2, and your Almaty hotel by evening. Your driver meets you at the exit of the Kazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint at Khorgos. $640 per car in a minivan for six, $720 in a Land Cruiser for four, driver’s lodging included.
- StartKazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint, Khorgos
- Finishyour hotel in Almaty
- Distance≈700 km over 2 days
- NightSaty village
- Priceminivan $640 · Land Cruiser $720
Khorgos to Almaty via Charyn and Kolsai: 2 days by private car: price per car
| Car | Per car 2 days | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Staria / Toyota Alphard or similar | $640 | $320 | $213 | $160 | $107 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado / 300 | $720 | $360 | $240 | $180 | — |
English-speaking driver included. Prices in US dollars, updated 20 October 2026.
The route, day by day
- Day 1: pickup at Nur Zholy (up to 3 hours of border waiting included), a stop at the Zharkent mosque, then south to Charyn Canyon (≈200 km) and the walk down the Valley of Castles to the river. On to Saty for the night (≈100 km).
- Day 2: Lower Kolsai, 14 km above Saty, and the walk along the shore or up towards the second lake. In a Land Cruiser, add Kaindy and its sunken forest. Back to Almaty (≈300 km), arriving in the evening.
Minivan or Land Cruiser?
A minivan takes up to six guests and reaches Charyn and Kolsai on asphalt; for Kaindy you switch to a local off-roader at the checkpoint, paid locally. A Land Cruiser takes up to four and drives the 12 km Kaindy track itself. From late December to March, choose the Land Cruiser: the Kaindy track is icy.
What we provide, and what you book
We provide transport: a private car with an English-speaking driver for two days, the driver’s lodging and meals included. Your guesthouse in Saty is not part of our price; we send a shortlist and you book directly. Park tickets are paid on the spot.
What’s included
- Private car with an English-speaking driver for 2 days
- Pickup at the Kazakh checkpoint, up to 3 h of waiting
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Driver’s lodging and meals in Saty
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
- 30% deposit by card, balance online or to the driver
Not included
- Your guesthouse in Saty
- Park tickets, Kaindy off-roader (minivan)
- Meals
VISAMastercard Fixed price, licensed and insured driver, secure card payment by Stripe.
Questions
How much is the 2-day trip from Khorgos to Almaty via Charyn and Kolsai?
$640 per car in a minivan for up to six guests, or $720 in a Land Cruiser for up to four. That covers two days with an English-speaking driver, fuel and the driver’s lodging and meals.
Where does the driver meet us?
At the exit of the Kazakh Nur Zholy checkpoint at Khorgos, with a name sign. Kazakh cars cannot enter China, so the meeting point is always on the Kazakh side.
Can we do it the other way round, from Almaty to Khorgos?
Yes, at the same price: Kolsai and Charyn first, then the drop-off at the checkpoint on day 2.
Is a guide or hotel included?
No. It is a private car with a driver. We do not sell guiding or hotel packages; you book your guesthouse directly from our shortlist.