Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is located 220 kilometres east of Almaty. Established in 2004, Charyn National Park is part of Kazakhstan’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’, which also includes Altyn Emel National Park and Kolsai Lakes National Park. Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder known for its beautiful scenery and unique rock formations that have been shaped by water and wind erosion to create colourful sculptures and breathtaking scenery. The canyon is 150 to 300 metres deep and is made up of red sedimentary sandstone. It is often compared to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it is smaller but no less spectacular.

Charyn Canyon is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. More than 1,500 species of plants grow in the canyon, 17 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The canyon is also home to 62 species of mammals, 103 species of nesting birds and 25 species of reptiles.

The canyon has become a popular tourist destination in Kazakhstan, attracting visitors from all over the world. It offers several activities and attractions, including hiking, camping and exploring the unique rock formations.

Charyn National Park is a formation on the banks of the Charyn River, which rises in the Tien Shan Mountains and stretches from the arid semi-desert to the eastern part of Almaty.

Valley of the Castles

Charyn Canyon is approximately 154 kilometres long and includes five main canyons such as Temirlik Canyon, Yellow Canyon, Red Canyon, Bestamak Canyon and, of course, the Valley of Castles. The extraordinary Valley of Castles in the heart of the Canyon is a must-see destination known for its stunning tower-like rock formations.

Temirlik is a tract and natural environmental object. The Temirlik Gorge, in the foothills of the mountain river Charyn, is part of the protected area of the Saransk National Park, established in 2004. The management of the Charyn State Unitary Enterprise is responsible for its protection. There used to be a huge lake on the territory of the site. The foothills of the Ketmen Ridge consist of red clay deposits with admixtures of gravel and rock remnants exposed by the Temirlik River, a right tributary of the Charyn River.

In May 2021, the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan announced that efforts would be made to develop tourism in the Charyn Gorge region, focusing on historical heritage as well as ecotourism.

Our expedition team offers you a Charyn Canyon tour, where you will have an opportunity to enjoy the best parts of the canyon and have a great hike. For short tours we also recommend a visit to the spooky part of the Charyn Canyon, known as the Black Canyon.

The Charyn Canyon is accessible in all four seasons and is truly one of the best parts of your Almaty tour. Please contact us to create your ideal expedition.