Charyn Canyon

Location: The canyon is 195 kilometers away from Almaty. You need to drive along the Kuldzhinsky highway, then turn near the villages of Shelek and Kokpek, and follow the signs to the Charyn Canyon.

What’s interesting about it?

This canyon is 200 kilometers from Almaty. It is a unique monument of nature, formed from sedimentary rocks that are more than 12 million years old. The landscapes here are so impressive, especially at sunset when the sun paints the canyon in shades of scarlet, pink, and orange. The canyon reaches depths of 200 meters, and the sheer walls rise to 150–300 meters.

What to see?

The greatest impression makes the “Valley of the Castles” famous for its tower-like rock formations. The Valley of the Castles is more than 2 kilometers long and varies in width from 20 to 80 meters in different sections. Another local landmark is the “Ash Grove”. According to some data, relict plants here reach an age of 300-400 years. Also, an iconic place is the Turanga Grove.

The Charyn Canyon is home to more than 30 species of mammals, including animals listed in the Red Book. The flora includes more than 1,500 species.

When is the best time to visit?

The best times to visit are in the spring (late March and early May) and autumn (late August and early November). It can be too hot in the summer and too cold and windy in the winter.