Charyn/Kolsai / Aksu-Zhabagly / more time in Almaty

[stevesayskanpai]

Hi there,

We'll be travelling from Tashkent to Almaty by train, and will then have five full days in Kazakhstan (as well as most of the day we arrive). I'm torn between lazing away 3 days or so in Almaty plus an overnight to Charyn Canyon/Kolsai Lakes plus a day trip to Big Almaty lake, OR getting off the train from Tashkent early, at Tyulkubas, to travel to Zhabagly and visit Aksu-Zhabagly nature reserve.

How do Charyn/Kolsai compare to Aksu-Zhabagly, and which of these two options would you go for and why?

[steven]

Difficult question. If you are really into nature and want to see specific things like tulips, rare flowers and birds, I would go for Aksu-Zhabagly. Nice scenery and great to relax as well of course.

Charyn and Kolsai are busier with day trippers from Almaty and tourists. Landscape is also nice. Almaty is a cool place to hang out and discover nooks and crannies.

I like all of these places. I'd probably choose A-Z for the peace and quiet and the village life, but you just need to go into the mountains above Almaty for a few hours to find the same thing ((without the village life though).