Last Saturday (yes, the 8th of March—International Women’s Day), a few friends and I decided to escape the city buzz of Almaty and hit the open road. We piled into the car at around 10 AM, a bit late for such a long trip, but our excitement outweighed the worry of a hectic schedule. Our ambitious plan? Visit Bartogai Reservoir, Charyn Canyon, and Kolsay Lake in one day. Spoiler alert: it was exhausting, but absolutely worth it!

Setting Off: Signs of the Journey

The very first photo shows a bright yellow roadside sign in both Kazakh and Russian—something along the lines of “Attention: Video Surveillance!” That sign felt like the starting line of our adventure. You can even see the snowy mountains faintly in the background, hinting at the dramatic landscapes to come.

Shortly after, we passed expansive fields with the majestic Tien Shan mountains rising behind them. In this photo, the bare trees and the earthy tones of the land contrast with the crisp white of the peaks, reminding us just how diverse Kazakhstan’s scenery can be—even in early spring.

Bartogai Reservoir: Quiet Beauty

Our first real stop was Bartogai Reservoir. In the pictures, you can see a vast, open expanse of water bordered by rolling hills. Although it was still chilly, the water’s surface was serene—almost glass-like. We hopped out of the car to stretch and took a moment to breathe in the fresh air. No city noise, just the wind and the distant call of birds.

En Route: The Roadside Orchards

On our way from Bartogai to Charyn, we passed through white mountains and long road.

Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon

Next up was the dramatic Charyn Canyon. As we approached, the landscape shifted from calm reservoirs and orchards to rugged red rock formations. One photo shows the vast canyon floor—deep gorges and towering walls shaped by centuries of erosion. Another captures the winding trails along the canyon rim, where we stood in awe of nature’s artistry. In the picture above, you can spot a couple of us in the distance, dwarfed by the canyon’s scale. If you look closely, you’ll see how the striations in the rock create these patterns—a reminder of just how old this place really is.

Some snapshots show simple wooden structures or small buildings near the canyon’s tourist area, offering a quick place to rest. We grabbed a snack, sipped some water, and headed out again. The wind can be fierce here, so a warm jacket was essential—even though it was technically spring.

Kolsay Lake: An Alpine Jewel

By mid-to-late afternoon, we arrived at Kolsay Lake, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.” In these photos, you can see the lake’s surface partially frozen and the jagged mountain peaks framing it like a postcard. The ice had broken into geometric plates—almost like shattered glass—making for a surreal, breathtaking scene.

If you scroll through these, you’ll notice a small cabin-like structure near the lake, possibly a ranger’s station or a spot where tourists can warm up. We took a moment here to rest and marvel at the crisp mountain air. Dipping our hands into the frigid water was a quick wake-up call—definitely not a place for a casual swim this time of year!

The Exhausting Yet Exhilarating Drive Back

As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, we knew it was time to head back. The road twisted through valleys and climbed up steep hills, but we couldn’t help stealing glances at the vibrant orange-pink sky. Every turn offered a new panorama, from endless plains to jagged cliffs and silhouettes of distant peaks.

One last photo of us standing by the car, fatigue etched on our faces but big smiles all around. Sure, we were a little beat from the 1-day dash, but the satisfaction of cramming Bartogai, Charyn, and Kolsay into a single trip was priceless.

Final thoughts

Squeezing all three destinations into one day is no small feat—you’ll spend a good chunk of time on the road. But if you’re short on time and big on adventure, it’s totally doable. Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes never fail to amaze, and these photos are a testament to the raw, untamed beauty you can experience just a few hours outside Almaty.

So if you find yourself itching to escape the city, grab a friend (or two), fill up the gas tank, and set your sights on Bartogai Reservoir, Charyn Canyon, and Kolsay Lake. Even if it’s just for a day, the memories—and the photos—will stay with you long after you return.

Until next time—safe travels, and don’t forget to charge your camera!