During this trip you will see the most popular piece of the Charyn Canyon - the "Valley of Castles". A magical place where you can walk at the very bottom of the canyon. Our driver-guide will show you the most beautiful viewing spots so that you can look at the canyon from the top and take the best pictures, then walk to the Charyn River at the end of the canyon gorge, watching local flora and fauna.

During the walk you will be surrounded by the mountains in the form of castles, looking at them people prefer to fantasize, someone sees a dog, a leopard, a turtle, or a human face.

The Charyn Canyon is one of the seven wonders of Kazakhstan, so having been here you can proudly say that you have seen a real miracle!

Charyn Canyon is often called the "mini Grand Canyon" of Kazakhstan. Located about 220 km east of Almaty, this natural wonder features a maze of red rock formations and towering clay cliffs carved by the Charyn River over millions of years. The canyon stretches nearly 90 km and plunges up to 300 m deep. Unsurprisingly, Charyn Canyon ranks among Kazakhstan's most impressive natural attractions.

Its most famous section is the Valley of Castles - a 2-3 km hiking trail at the canyon's bottom. Over millennia, erosion has sculpted the rock into whimsical towers resembling castle ramparts. As you walk along the valley floor, you're surrounded by sheer walls glowing orange and red in the sunlight. Some formations even resemble familiar figures - visitors have spotted shapes like turtles, camels, or even human faces in the cliffs.
How to Get to Charyn Canyon

For those wondering how to get to Charyn Canyon, the easiest option is to join a guided tour from Almaty. The canyon lies about a three-hour drive (roughly 220 km) east of the city through open steppe and small villages. Self-driving or hiring a taxi is also possible - if you ask for a "тур на каньон," most local drivers will know where to take you. However, joining an organized tour is far more convenient and informative. Our year-round tour provides a sturdy 4x4 vehicle and an experienced driver-guide, so you can relax and enjoy the journey without any hassle.
For the full experience, a guided Charyn Canyon day trip is ideal. The excursion lasts about 10 hours in total, with a morning departure and evening return to Almaty. You travel in a comfortable SUV and even stop at a local village market to pick up snacks en route. At the canyon, your guide leads you to the best panoramic viewpoints and then down into the Valley of Castles - a hike of a few kilometers ending at the refreshing Charyn River.

On the way back, you'll also visit the scenic Bartogay reservoir - a tranquil turquoise lake framed by mountains - as a bonus side trip. This tour operates in all seasons, so you can witness Charyn's beauty whether it's blooming in spring, blazing under the summer sun, or dusted with snow in winter. Many local travelers call this trip a "тур на каньон" or even speak of "поезда на каньон." Whatever you call it, our all-season tour lets you experience Charyn Canyon at its best.
Practical Tips
-Wear comfortable hiking or walking shoes - the canyon's trail is rocky and about 2-3 km long.
-Pack sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) especially in summer, as the sun and heat in the open canyon can be intense.
-Carry enough water (at least 1.5 liters per person) and some snacks - there is a stop at a village market on the way if you need to buy extra.
-Dress in layers. Morning can be cool, midday very hot, and in winter you'll need a warm jacket, gloves, and hat.
-Bring a camera or fully charged phone - the red canyon landscapes are extremely photogenic.
-Keep some cash handy for any small expenses, such as snacks or an optional jeep ride back up from the canyon floor.