Also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan’, the Charyn Canyon is a geological wonder, formed over 12 million years ago. It is an impressive formation that stretches over 154 km and includes several other exciting sections for you to explore. Some of the must-visit sections include the Valley of Castles, Charyn Eco Park, Charyn River, Temirlik Canyon, Yellow Canyon, Red Canyon, and Bestamak Canyon. Apart from being an ideal spot for all adventurous travelers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts, it is also a common research site for scientists. For those interested in exploring this natural marvel, various Kazakhstan packages offer one-time visits to Charyn Canyon, making it easier to experience the beauty and diversity of this unique landscape.
Charyn Canyon is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are extremely rare and endangered. Some of the wildlife that you can spot include snakes, gerbils, lizards, foxes, hares, eagles and pheasants. You can also enjoy a few fun activities to make your trip more memorable such as hiking, river rafting, spotting wildlife and camping. Since there is a to do and explore at Charyn Canyon, a night’s camping is always recommended to the tourists for a hassle-free experience.
Highlights
• Marvel at the giant red rock formations of Charyn Canyon, also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan’.
• Hike to its popular sections like the Valley of Castles, Kolsai Lake and Kayindy Lake.
• Spot various kinds of animals and birds like foxes, ringtails, beavers, eagles, pheasants and an Asian desert warbler.
• Set up your camp and spend the night at the canyon, stargazing, enjoying BBQ dinner and lighting a bonfire.
• Enjoy river rafting on the pristine Charyn River to make your journey more adventurous and memorable.
How To Reach
1 By Car: The most convenient way to reach the Charyn Canyon is by car as there is no local transportation available on this route. Charyn Canyon is located at a distance of around 216 km from the city center of Almaty. You can reach the canyon in approximately 3 hours via the A351 route. You can either rent a private car or get a shared taxi to reach the Charyn Canyon.
2 By Bus: If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also opt for the tour buses. You can book these tour buses in advance which will drop you at the canyon in approximately 3-4 hours, covering 216 km. These tour buses also come with a guide and are operational only on the weekends.
Best Time To Visit
The Charyn Canyon is one of the most popular attractions in Kazakhstan which can be visited any time of the year.
1 Best Season: You can visit the canyon between the months of April-June and September-November to experience mild temperatures and pleasant weather conditions.
2 Best Day of the Week: If you wish to avoid the crowds and explore the canyon peacefully at your own pace then you can plan your visit on the weekdays.
3 Best Time of the Day: Plan your visit to the canyon during the early hours so that you can cover all the popular sections before dusk.
Other Essential Information
- Wear light clothes along with hiking boots or a sturdy pair of sneakers to comfortably explore the canyon.
- Carry some woollen clothes if you are planning to camp the night as the temperatures drop at night.
- Carry sufficient water bottles and snacks to keep yourself recharged throughout the day as there are no shops or water tanks available.
- Apply sunscreen properly and carry a hat to protect yourself from the scorching heat as the area is completely exposed to the sun.
- Plan your trip during the spring season to enjoy river rafting as the Charyn River has the ideal flow for rafting between April and June.
- Make sure to carry sufficient cash during your trip to avoid any inconvenience.
- Remember to keep your environment clean and dispose of garbage properly in the dustbins or keep a separate bag for disposal.
Hike through the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan
The only known and officially established hiking trail at the Charyn Canyon is the Valley of Castles. It is one of the most popular sections of the canyon which requires an approximately 2-hour hike, covering around 5 km. There are several other unofficial hiking trails at the canyon, however, the routes are not laid out for these. You can explore these trails as well as climb on top of a rock formation to witness panoramic views.
Enjoy river rafting
If you are visiting the Charyn Canyon between April to June then a must-try activity for you is river rafting. You can make your trip even more adventurous and exciting by exploring the pristine Charyn River by rafting across its streams. There are a few operators who provide easy to moderate and difficult level rafting experiences. They will also provide you with all the required equipment such as life jackets, helmets, static ropes and oars. It is a truly spine-chilling experience that will surely enhance the overall experience of your trip.
Spot Flora and Fauna
The Charyn Canyon is an ideal spot for all wildlife and plant enthusiasts as it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are more than 1500 species of plants, out of which 17 plants are listed in the Red Book of rare and endangered plant species. Some of the endemic plants include small-fruited whitlow grass, jurinea, pastinacоpsis glacialis and glamorous oxytrope. Additionally, the Charyn Canyon is home to over 103 species of birds, 62 species of mammals and 25 species of reptiles. Some of the birds that you can spot in the canyon are eagle, horned lark, sykes’s warbler, Central Asian lesser whitethroat and Asian desert warbler. Some other animals that you may get to see during your trip include lizards, frogs, gerbils, foxes, hares, snakes and beavers, bats and ringtails.
Camp at the canyon
Camping amidst giant rock formations at the Charyn Canyon is a truly phenomenal experience. Since there is a lot to see and do at the canyon, it becomes almost impossible to cover all of it. This is why it is best to set up your camp so that you can explore the rest of the sites the next day. One of the most ideal locations for camping is near the river where you can hear the chirping of the birds and the gushing sound of the river. You can also spend the night preparing your own BBQ dinner with your loved ones. Additionally, light up a bonfire and share some memorable stories as you relish in your self-cooked meal. For a more soothing experience, you can enjoy stargazing and soak in the peaceful and serene ambience.
.jpg)
.png.jpg)
