Kazakhstan is a country of natural beauty – it has towering sand dunes that sing, coloured mountains that melt your heart, high altitude lakes that take your breath away and out-worldly canyons that make for interesting adventures – like the 12- million- years old Charyn Canyon, one of the most popular attractions in the country.
What’s even better is that most of these fascinating places are not too far from the capital Almaty.
About Charyn Canyon
Interestingly, the Charyn Canyon is formed along the Charyn River within the Charyn National Park located near the Kazakhstan-China border and is fondly called the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan.
The canyon sits on a semi-arid plateau, retaining much of its raw and untouched nature and features some of the most remarkable and ancient geological formations in Central Asia. The canyon walls reach up to 300 meters at some point and the colours range from red to brown, yellow and black.
This area is considered a geologist’s dream, while also attracting wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Hiking the Charyn Canyon
There are two ways to do it – but if you have enough time, you certainly can do both!
Hike 1: Visitors Centre to the viewpoints
Leave the visitors centre, exit the main doors and look straight in front of you for a well-trodden path leading towards the canyon. There are information boards, toilets, shelter and benches along the route – you can’t miss it.
It is an easy, almost flat 3kms walk to the end to a board announcing CHARYN. From here, it is up to you to go in the direction you please – just be warned that some of these narrow paths can wind down steeply. Caution: Do not stray too close to the edge. There are loose rocks that might trip you up easily. Make sure you are wearing sturdy and appropriate footwear when undertaking this adventure.
Hike 2: Visitors Centre to the River Charyn through the canyon
Leave the visitors centre and turn right till you arrive at a huge wooden staircase leading down to the floor of the canyon. During peak season, you might find vans to take you to the end of the 3 km trail to the Charyn river.
However, it is a pleasant walk (mostly leading downhill) through the canyon with interesting rock formations. You will pass through the Valley of Castles and the Witches Gorge but as you get closer to the end, the path narrows considerably. Plenty of resting place along the way.
The canyon has been carved by the relentless interplay of wind, sun, and rushing water over millions of years. At the base of the canyon lie the ancient dark rocks, forged from volcanic lava eons ago.
There are several legends associated with this canyon, especially the Witches Gorge. It is believed that people would leap to their deaths off the cliffs, spurred on by the call of the witches who did not like human presence.
*** You can pitch your tent here – (bring your own tent and food stuff. This activity is charged extra). The camping area by the river has toilet facilities.
Useful Information
How to get to Charyn Canyon
You can drive yourself out to the canyon and the lakes, join a tour (plenty of day trips available from Almaty) or hire a car with a local driver (preferably with an SUV) who knows the territory.
Getting to the Charyn Canyon by public transport is probably not your best option. There is abus leaving Almaty (Sayakhat bus station) to Saty, although it is not a popular choice for travellers and there is no fixed time for its departure or arrival.
If you make it to Saty, you might be able to find a shared taxi that will drop you off at the intersection with the road to Charyn canyon, from where it is a 10 km walk.
The easiest way to visit Charyn canyon is to book a tour. Most tours offer a combination of lake visits with Charyn Canyon and Altyn Emel National Park, which I certainly recommend.
The trip is usually all-inclusive (travel, stay in Saty village, breakfast, lunch, dinner and all the entrance fee)
Best time to visit Charyn Canyon
There are two things to consider before visiting the Charyn Canyon – the season and the days of the week.
Summers are very hot, and winters are frigid. The best time to visit would be spring and autumn – mid-March to June and from September till October.
The days of the week are important too – for example the weekends are a busy time in the Canyon and sadly, most day tours (the cheapest way to see the Canyon) from Almaty runs only on the weekends. However, these are often only in the weekends. So, if you are not looking for a cheap tour and are fine with spending a little extra, weekdays are a good way to explore the canyon in peace.
What to bring with you
- Pack according to the season you are visiting. But something to bear in mind – never mind the season- is to bring comfortable walking shoes, water and snacks. A hat and sunscreen is highly recommended.
- Unless you’re planning a proper hike then you don’t need hard-core hiking boots.
- Always carry cash (local currency) with you. once you leave Almaty, it becomes increasingly hard to access and ATM.
Where to eat in the Charyn Canyon
There are no restaurants at the Charyn Canyon (or the Moon Canyon and the Black Canyon) If your destination is the Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes, the village of Saty is your best bet.
It is best to bring enough water and food for a picnic lunch from Almaty.
Entrance fee to Charyn Canyon
The entrance to the Valley of the Castles is 727 tenge and if you wanted to camp in the canyon that would cost 350 tenge extra.
Stay at the Charyn canyon
There are not a lot of staying options here, except for an eco-park by the river where you can camp. In peak season you might be able to stay in a yurt here. If you are part of a multi-day group tour, you are likely to be staying at Saty village which has a few options for stay – like guesthouses and hotel high above Lake Kolsay.
The Moon Canyon
The Moon Canyon (also known as Valley of the Moon), is another striking natural wonder located within the Charyn Canyon National Park. It is known for its unique and otherworldly landscape. The extraterrestrial rock formations are spectacular, with towering cliffs shaped by wind and water. It is located at the mouth of the Charyn River.
Not many tour operators offer this activity as part of the tour. to visit the Moon Canyon, it is best you have your own set of wheels. It is about 20 kms away from Charyn Canyon.
The Black Canyon
The Black Canyon is nestled within the rugged and raw landscape of Kazakhtan. This canyon features deep and dark rock cliffs and offers a 360-degree views. It is often treated as a “photo-stop” on the 3-Canyons tour, but it leaves you awestruck.
The sight of emerald, blue waters running through tall black cliffs on two sides forms a striking contrast. There are hiking trails if you want to explore it closely (although you’ll need freedom of movement and time, hence your own transport is advisable)
