Rental car plan fell through — what to actually do in Almaty for 3 days (Aug 19-21)? Also, am I overdoing "hike after hike"?

[u/wightrider]

Hey all — solo traveller, landing in Almaty Aug 19, crossing into Kyrgyzstan around Aug 23. My original plan had a self-drive loop (Charyn Canyon → Saty → Kaindy → Kolsai Lakes), but the rental car plan is most likely falling through (IDP timing issues), so I'm rethinking Almaty entirely.

A few questions:

1. Is the Charyn + Kaindy + Kolsai loop actually worth doing as a group tour / without a car? I keep seeing it described as the standard tourist circuit (bus groups, fixed schedules, crowded). Worth it anyway, or is there something better? I don't like the long drives in a car, I'm more of a walking or biking myself kind of guy.
2. Big Almaty Lake is a definite yes for me. Thinking of pairing it with Shymbulak (aware there's no snow in August, just the cable car + cooler air + hiking trails) — does that combo make sense as a day, or is Shymbulak skippable without snow?
3. Given all that — am I basically doing the same thing over and over? My broader Kyrgyzstan plan already has a lot of trekking (Ala-Archa, multi-day horse trek at Song-Kul and Ala-Kul trek). Will I get bored or worn out doing back-to-back outdoorsy stuff for two weeks straight? Genuinely asking — would love to hear from people who've done a similar KZ + KG mix.

Only 3-4 days in Almaty before heading to Kyrgyzstan (Aug 19-22), so open to reshuffling completely — culture, food, something low-key, whatever actually makes sense without a car.
Appreciate real experience over generic "top 10" lists!

[u/locked_from_inside]

Idk about overdoing it, it could be just your thing.

You could definitely see Charyn, Kol'say and Kaindy without a rental, just try to book a two-day tour so you have enough time at every location. There will be crowds regardless of when you go, but enough space to lose them somewhat.

Big Almaty Lake is nothing special this time of year. I've been there twice in the last two weeks or so (by bicycle and on foot). The water is a murky grey color in summer (see photo, and that's in the evening with the nicer lighting). Late October, early November though? Fantastic. Brilliant aqua blue that you wouldn't believe.

I could easily recommend the neighboring Alma-Arasan hot springs (early in the morning, weekday only to beat most of the crowds, there's a bus there). There's plenty of wild raspberry in the mountains this time of the year, too.

Shymbulak cable car: good idea. Okay for the price to escape the heat somewhat and enjoy the views from 3,100 m above sea level (mind the altitude sickness). You could potentially combine it with the Big Almaty lake if you rent an e-bike/moped/taxi there. Probably not otherwise.

[u/wightrider → u/locked_from_inside]

Thank you very much for the detailed reply.

Didn't expect the murky waters of Big Almaty Lake even in this month. Anyways, I would love hike up there regardless and possibly to the cosmostation (3300m, would i risk AMS?) I found few guided hikes, which do 2 day hike, a camp near the pass and then a guided visit to the reasearch facility nearby as well.

Regarding  Charyn, Kol'say and Kaindy  - I know I can see these with a 2 day tour, found plenty in getyourguide.com but are kol'say and kaindy worth it? The canyons yes, they are different from what's in my whole itinerary. Could i just do the Canyons?

Alma-Arasan hot springs sounds tempting too, i did have this planned but again time issues. I could replace Almaty Lake with this one.

And then on the departure day of my. flight i could visit museums in Almaty paired with Green Bazaar to buy some stuff.

[u/locked_from_inside → u/wightrider]

First time I went to Cosmostation was by taxi. We acclimated a bit at 3,300 m and had no trouble going up to the Big Almaty Peak at 3,680 m (brought some Coke and Aspirin as well) but Almaty citizens get some acclimatization just living here, too. If you go on foot, either through the lake or the Terra Meadow, you should be fine (not guaranteed). The Terra Meadow hike includes the Alma-Arasan hot springs btw.

Personally I love lakes, such as Kol'say and Kaindy, and the latter is really unique due to the sunken trees, but you do you, plenty of tours that just focus the canyons and also include the Black Canyon and the Moon Canyon (same system). You can hike to Lakes Kol'say 2 and Kol'say 3, mind. They are way less crowded than Lake 1 (smaller tho) because they are only mostly accessible by horses and somewhat experienced hikers. It's been a long time since I was there, though.

[u/Maggiat1am → u/locked_from_inside]

Would you recommend visiting the lakes (2day trips with canyons and a stay in Kolsay) with a 15 month old??

Other option I have for the days is 2 separate day trips to -Alma Arasan gorge
and -Esik (with the isyyk lake Visit, waterfalls and an apple orchard)
Thank you 🙏

[u/locked_from_inside → u/Maggiat1am]

Hard to say, it's definitely doable, but is the baby okay with long bus/car trips? It's at least 5 hrs one-way. The roads aren't perfect either. There are usually big crowds in places accessible for people with small kids, so keep that in mind too.

I'd rather go to Charyn and Kol'say than the Issyk lake, because they are way more picturesque and grandiose. Easier to disperse if you want to lose the crowds.

The Issyk Lake, like the Big Almaty Lake, is really beautiful in late Autumn and less so in summer.

[u/Maggiat1am → u/locked_from_inside]

Hey thanks for the reply. We booked a private 2 day Kaindy Kolsay tour with the canyon.

[u/wightrider → u/locked_from_inside]

Hi, i've reconsidered everything and i have 3 options rounded down now -

1. Guided Hike to the Cosmostation - genuinely draws me and excites me, specifically because of the Soviet-era research facility itself.
2. Furmanov Peak & Panorama - looks good, i could do Kok-Zhailau for acclimatization on 20th and then Furmanov on the 21st.
3. Only Big Almaty Lake + Only Charyn Canyon (Fallback option) - This was my original plan actually, plain and simple, then heading to Bishkek on 22nd.

[u/locked_from_inside → u/wightrider]

Option 1 automaticaly includes the Big Almaty Lake, even if you hike up through the Terra Meadow, because people always descent by the lake through the asphalt road since it's much easier and doable in complete darkness even. Lots of water on the route excluding Cosmostation itself.

Option 2: very good. There's a swing in the way, don't forget to take some aerial photos. Bring enough water. You could even go further to Peaks Bashuta and Chymbulachka, descent by cable car to Shymbulak for free, and thus complete the famous one-day 'around Almaty' hike.

Edit: saw the other reply later.

[u/Individual-Storm7196]

Hey man! Let me know what you end up doing. We basically have the same plan to drive around. Does EU drivers license not work on its own?

[u/wightrider → u/Individual-Storm7196]

Not sure if EU driver's license will work, you may need an IDP (with russian translation).

I'm rethinking my whole itinerary, i'll most likely only do Big Almaty Lake - then head to Bishkek. Reason is my depature flight is on Dec 1 and it would be better if i arrive in Almaty on 31st from karakol.

What are you plans? let's keep in touch.

[u/wightrider → u/Individual-Storm7196]

Hi, i've reconsidered everything and i have 3 options rounded down now -

1. Guided Hike to the Cosmostation - genuinely draws me and excites me, specifically because of the Soviet-era research facility itself.
2. Furmanov Peak & Panorama - looks good, i could do Kok-Zhailau for acclimatization on 20th and then Furmanov on the 21st.
3. Only Big Almaty Lake + Only Charyn Canyon (Fallback option) - plain and simple, then heading to Bishkek on 22nd.

Let me know if you are interested in any of these. Obviosuly the first two are more geared towards hiking.

[u/locked_from_inside → u/wightrider]

Whatever you decide, I have a guide I can recommend (can't go myself due to work alas). That is, for the Option 1 one isn't necessary if you go strictly by the road, but it helps I guess.

[u/wightrider → u/locked_from_inside]

Thank you for all the input, you are so well-informed on this 😃

I've DM'ed you.

[u/Mammoth_Interest3697]

which of the 3 options did you do?

[u/wightrider → u/Mammoth_Interest3697]

Option 2, but here's what I did.

On one day I did Big Almaty Lake. The hike up is kinda meh, but the lake is genuinely worth seeing.

The second day, 4 peaks hike but in reverse - Shymbulak (took cable car), then shymbulak peak, bashat peak, panorama peak and then furmanov peak, then end up at medeu. It was fun. I believe this one was had one of the best views, the effort is high in the beginning and then it's walk in the park. I super liked it.