[2025 Almaty Attraction] Travel Guide for Charyn Canyon (Updated May)

[6 Days and 5 Nights Deep Tour in Kazakhstan] Unlock the Secrets of Central Asia! A Visual Feast from Snow Mountains to Deserts Hey everyone! I just got back from Kazakhstan, and this visa-free treasure of a country has truly amazed me! 🏔️ From the Alps-like snow mountains to the Mars-like red deserts, and prices so low they're touching (a cup of coffee is only 8 RMB!), today I'm offering you this freshly baked guide with both hands, to take you around this mysterious Central Asian country~ ✈️ [Transportation Guide] ▪️ Airplane: Direct flights from Beijing/Urumqi to Almaty (3.5 hrs) ▪️ Domestic Transportation: Recommended Yandex taxi (cheaper than taxis) ▪️ Intercity Transportation: High-speed rail/airplane are both convenient (Astana-Almaty high-speed rail 5 hrs) ▪️ Must-have APP: Yandex Maps + Translate 🏔️ [DAY1: First Impression of Almaty] 🕘 9:00 Ascension Cathedral The second tallest wooden church in the world! The candy-colored exterior is super dreamy, and the murals inside are breathtaking~ The morning light is best for taking pictures 🕛 12:00 Green Bazaar Super local market! Must-eat in the food area on the second floor: ▪️ Shashlik (charcoal grilled lamb skewers) ▪️ Baursak (Kazakh fried dough) 🕒 15:00 Kok-Tobe Hill Take the cable car up the mountain to overlook the whole city! The rainbow chair and Beatles sculpture on the top of the mountain are popular spots for taking photos, and it's so beautiful at sunset that you'll cry 🍖 Dinner Recommendations: ▪️ Navat (traditional Kazakh restaurant, the horse sausage platter is amazing) ▪️ Auyl (tent restaurant to experience nomadic culture) 🏜️ [DAY2: Shymbulak Ski Resort] 🕗 8:00 Medeu Ice Rink The highest ice rink in the world! You can play even in summer, and the snow mountain in the background is super stunning 🕐 13:00 Shymbulak Ski Resort The most luxurious ski resort in Central Asia! In summer, you can take the cable car to see the snow mountain, and you must try the plov in the restaurant on the top of the mountain 🌃 19:00 Arbat Pedestrian Street Almaty's "Champs Elysées"! There are street performances at night, remember to bargain when buying souvenirs (recommended Kazakh felt hats) 🔥 [DAY3: Kapchagay Canyon] 🕘 9:00 Charyn Canyon Mini version of the Grand Canyon! The red canyon is super photogenic, remember to wear non-slip shoes to walk the Moon Valley trail 🕑 14:00 Kolsai Lakes The "Pearl of the Tian Shan Mountains" lives up to its name! The three alpine lakes are like sapphires, and the lakeside is full of wildflowers in July-August 🍵 Dinner Recommendations: ▪️ Gakku (horse meat specialty restaurant) ▪️ Coffeedelia (popular industrial style coffee shop) 🚞 [DAY4: Modern Journey of Astana] 🕗 8:00 Khan Shatyr The largest tent building in the world! Inside is a shopping center, and the top floor has an indoor roller coaster and artificial beach 🕛 12:00 Hazrat Sultan Mosque The most beautiful mosque in Central Asia! The blue and gold dome shines in the sun, girls should wear robes to enter 🕠 17:00 Bayterek Tower The 91-meter-high "Christmas tree" building, you can see the panoramic view of the city when you climb to the top, and the light show at night is super stunning 🍴 Dinner Recommendations: ▪️ Astana Grill (high-end steakhouse) ▪️ Line Brew (craft beer + German sausage) 🏕️ [DAY5: Burabay National Park] 🕘 9:00 Lake Burabay "Kazakh Switzerland"! You can ride horses around the lake, and the wooden houses by the lake are super fairytale-like for taking pictures 🕑 14:00 Mount Okzhetpes It's super exciting to take the cable car to the top! The "Lonely Piano" on the top of the mountain is a popular spot for taking photos on Instagram 🌌 [DAY6: Altyn-Emel National Park] 🕗 8:00 Red Mountains It's like landing on Mars! It's beautiful to wear a white or black dress for taking pictures, it is recommended to rent an off-road vehicle for in-depth exploration 🕛 12:00 Singing Dune Mysterious sand dunes that can "sing"! You can hear a roar when you slide down from a high place, it's super magical 🔥 [Must-Play List TOP5] 1️⃣ Charyn Canyon (red canyon blockbuster) 2️⃣ Kolsai Lakes (sapphires of the Tianshan Mountains) 3️⃣ Khan Shatyr (futuristic architectural miracle) 4️⃣ Lake Burabay (Little Switzerland of Central Asia) 5️⃣ Red Mountains (Martian surface experience) 💡 [Precautions] ▪️ Visa-free for 30 days, but pay attention to the passport validity period ⌚️ ▪️ The temperature difference between day and night is large in September, so bring a coat 🧥 ▪️ It is recommended to exchange currency in the city (the exchange rate at the airport is poor) 💰 ▪️ Prepare some small change (tipping culture) 💰 ▪️ Respect local religious customs ⛪️ Sitting by Kolsai Lake watching the reflection of the snow mountain, I suddenly understood why the Kazakhs say this is "God's back garden". Here, there is both the boldness of the nomadic people and the avant-garde sense of the future. You can encounter unexpected things every time you turn a corner!

#naturalwonders Located at the East side of Almaty, makes this destination is a must visit during your trip in Almaty as this is one of the most impressive natural site in Kazakhstan. In this wonderful of nature site, you can see magical canyon and explore around. Hassle free on how to get there because you can easily book a local tour agency which will manage all of your needs during day trip to Charyn Canyon. Everything will be settled and you can just relax and enjoy the beauty of this canyon. It is 4 hours drive worth visit than you expected. Have a walk and follow the direction which will lead you to its naturally beautiful river that has crystal clear water which will paid off your journey. Best time to visit during autumn season as you will witness at its most beauty with those autumn foliage surrounded. 📍Charyn Canyon, Almaty, Kazakhstan #almaty #nature #kazakhstan #canyon #100waysoftravel

Charyn Canyon is called the Grand Canyon of Asia and is the second largest canyon in the world. It is a 120 million year old canyon with fantastic rock formations. There are two paths. One path is short but offers a highlight view, and the other path requires a long trek but offers a rougher view of the nature. From my perspective, I wanted to trek and camp, but I hitchhiked, so I ended up taking the first path. #GreatNature #HotPlace #CentralAsia #Kazakhstan #CharynCanyon

🗺️🗺️ 【Travel Itinerary】 Day 1: Chimbulak-Big Almaty Lake Day 2: Kok Tobe-Botanical garden-Kok Tobe-Baum grove Day 3: Museum of Musical Instruments-Family Park-Park Won-hee Day 4: Central Museum of Kazakhstan-Independence Monument-Panfilov Park-Zhenkov Cathedral-Charyn Canyon 📍📍【Recommended Attractions】 1. Chimbulak 2. Big Almaty Lake 3. Kok Tobe 4. Botanical garden 5. Kok Tobe 6. Baum grove 7. Museum of Musical Instruments 8. Family Park 9. Park Won-hee 10. Central Museum of Kazakhstan 11. Independence Monument 12. Panfilov Park 13. Zhenkov Cathedral 14. Charyn Canyon 🥘🥘【Recommended 【Attractions】 🏠🏠【Recommended Hotels】 📷📷 【Photo Spots】 📣📣【Photo Spots】

Charyn Canyon is located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty, Kazakhstan, and features a valley terrain similar to the Grand Canyon in the United States. The scenery of the canyon is majestic, and certain areas are accessible on foot. It is often referred to as a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. It takes about 40 minutes on foot to reach the Charyn River one way, and you can also use a paid shuttle service to get there. The name "Charyn" originates from a Uyghur word referring to a type of ash tree, which led to the naming of the local area. This unique natural formation was designated as a national park in 2004. "Sharyn" is the Kazakh pronunciation, but it is commonly referred to as "Charyn."

#favouriteitinerary 1-Day Itinerary for Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,” is a breathtaking natural wonder located about 3.5–4 hours from Almaty. With its towering red rock formations, stunning landscapes, and hiking trails, it’s a perfect day trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Itinerary for a Day Trip to Charyn Canyon 7:00 AM – Depart from Almaty • Start early to make the most of the day. • Transport options: • Rental car (best for flexibility, ~4-hour drive). • Guided tour (many agencies offer day trips). • Public minibus (less convenient, but possible). 11:00 AM – Arrive at Charyn Canyon • Pay the entrance fee (~1,500 KZT per person). • Stop at the panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking views. 11:30 AM – Hike the Valley of Castles Trail 🏜️ • Distance: ~3 km one way (~1 hour down, 1.5 hours back). • Difficulty: Easy to moderate. • Walk through the towering rock formations shaped by wind and time. • Take amazing photos of the “Castle-like” rock formations. 1:00 PM – Picnic Lunch by the Charyn River 🌊 • There’s a small eco-park at the end of the trail with shaded huts. • Bring your own food & water, as there are limited options on-site. 2:30 PM – Explore More or Relax • If you have time, visit: • The Black Canyon – A short drive away, with dark volcanic rock formations. • The Lunar Canyon – A unique, otherworldly landscape nearby. 3:30 PM – Start the Return Trip • Optional Stop: On the way back, visit Kolsai Lakes or Kaindy Lake if on a private tour. 7:30 PM – Arrive Back in Almaty • End the day with dinner at a local Kazakh restaurant (try Navat or Rumi). Things to Bring ✔ Comfortable hiking shoes ✔ Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat (no shade on the trail) ✔ Plenty of water & snacks ✔ Camera for stunning landscapes ✔ Warm clothes (if visiting in early spring or autumn)

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 **Charyn Canyon** Known as "Little Colorado", the red canyon landscape here is super stunning! You can explore the canyon on foot and experience the wonders of nature. There is a farm restaurant nearby, and I recommend trying the "Kuldak" (lamb stew), which is rich and heart-warming!

#mountainhike Moon Canyon, also known as Charyn Canyon, is like a smaller, quieter Grand Canyon, but with its own unique charm. The rock formations here are incredible—layers of red and orange stone carved by time and wind. I hiked down into the canyon and felt completely surrounded by nature. The silence and vastness make it such a peaceful experience. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but feel humbled by the beauty of the world. 📍Moon Canyon, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan #kazakhstan #almaty #canyon #nature

🏞✨ Drive about 2 hours east from Almaty, in the direction of Xinjiang, and you'll find a landscape that looks just like Xinjiang. The scenery on the other side of the Tianshan Mountains is similar to that of China, resembling Xinjiang's Ghost City. Like Ghost City, Charyn Canyon is full of strange rocks formed by years of erosion from wind, frost, rain, and snow. 🏞✨ You can explore Charyn Canyon from the top along the boardwalk or venture deep into the canyon. We recommend walking a short distance on the top, then going down the stairs to the bottom of the canyon to experience the breathtaking scenery. The canyon is a masterpiece carved by the Charyn River. Although the river has long since receded, the strong winds from the Tianshan Mountains continue to shape the canyon. 🏞✨ The strange rocks and reddish sandstone give the canyon a Martian feel. The wind erosion gives the canyon a futuristic, sci-fi feel. In this desolate desert, the wind seems to be the ruler, constantly carving the desert and creating the ever-changing Yadan landform. 🏞✨ In summer, the scorching sun shines on the Charyn Canyon, and the strong monsoon makes it feel less hot. During the day, the canyon is almost silent except for the sound of the wind. This is a rare and peaceful land. Charyn Canyon silently showcases the majestic carvings of nature, like an ancient city in slumber, adding a mysterious mark to the earth. 🏞✨ As you approach the canyon, its grandeur is breathtaking, and its steepness and uniqueness are rare in the world. From the wooden boardwalk above, the canyon looks like a scar on the earth's surface. But when you go deep into it, you'll be captivated by its wrinkled walls, which stand like sculptures. These wrinkled rocks take on different shapes in the sunlight. 🛕✨ Walking through the desert canyon, the wind howls around you, and all you can see are strange rocks. The winding canyon seems endless, and we are like a small boat in the vast desert. These rocks seem like ancient cities abandoned by humans, full of mystery. Tips 📍✨ Charyn Canyon 📍✨ About a 3-hour drive from downtown Almaty 📍✨ We recommend driving yourself if you have enough time. If you find renting a car troublesome or don't have a translated driver's license, we recommend booking a day tour 1–2 days in advance.

Kazakhstan is a fascinating Central Asian country known for its rich tourism features and unique culture. Here are some of the tourism features and cultural highlights of Kazakhstan: Tourism Features: 1. Almaty: As the largest city and former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is a vibrant city center surrounded by magnificent mountains. Known for its beautiful parks, cultural landmarks, and lively atmosphere, it is a great starting point for exploring the country. 2. Astana (Nur-Sultan): Astana is known for its futuristic architecture and impressive skyline. The city is a showcase of Kazakhstan's modern design and innovation, known as the "Prairie Dubai". 3. Charyn Canyon: Often compared to the Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon has stunning rock formations and colorful landscapes, making it an amazing natural wonder. 4. Medeu Skating Rink: Located in the picturesque Medeu Valley, it is the highest skating rink in the world and a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy winter sports. 5. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and an important pilgrimage site. Cultural Features: 1. Nomadic Culture: The nomadic culture of Kazakhstan is at the core of its cultural traditions, reflected in ethnic silverware and costumes, which are distinctive and recognizable, and can be called a true work of art. 2. Equestrian Competitions: Cultural heritage includes various equestrian competitions where riders can show off their skills. After all, the ability to stay in the saddle is a must for a true Kazakh. 3. Traditional Cuisine: Kazakhstan borders Xinjiang and is also a nomadic nation. Beef and mutton, milk, and pasta are naturally the main foods of the Kazakh people. In winter, smoked and cured dried meat that can be preserved for a long time also becomes a regular on the table. 4. Festivals and Celebrations: The Kazakh people are hospitable and often shake hands in social situations. When meeting elders and guests, they press their right hand to their chest and bow. Their traditional sports include sheep snatching, horse riding, and wrestling, and they have a wide range of interests. 5. Music and Dance: The Kazakh people are passionate about music, dance, and handicrafts. They have a long tradition of music, such as ancient horse-head fiddle performances and traditional dance performances. Kazakhstan is a country with a long history and rich culture. Whether it is natural scenery or cultural experience, it can leave a deep impression on tourists.

#traveldiaries Visiting Charyn Canyon was an unforgettable experience. Nestled in Kazakhstan, this natural wonder took my breath away with its dramatic red rock formations and steep cliffs. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon’s little brother,” Charyn Canyon has a unique charm of its own. As I walked along the canyon floor, I marveled at the intricate patterns carved by the wind and water over millions of years. The views from the top were stunning, stretching across the vast Kazakh steppe. The serenity of the place, combined with its rugged beauty, made it feel like I was in another world. Exploring its hidden trails and feeling the timelessness of the landscape was truly awe-inspiring.

It's about a 2-hour drive from Almaty, and you'll start to see the vast grasslands. After another hour or so, you'll arrive at Charyn Canyon. From the freezing mountains of Almaty to the scorching Charyn Canyon, it's like two different worlds. There are two routes up and down the mountain, where you can either overlook the canyon or walk through the bottom of the canyon. The sky is so blue it's shocking, and the canyon is vast and open. P.S. The valley walkway has a tour bus, and the "flying dust" it kicks up really ruins the walking experience. 📍Charyn Canyon National Park, Almaty September 15, 2024

As a seasoned traveler, I've been fortunate to explore some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. But my recent journey to the Almaty region of Kazakhstan left me in awe, surrounded by a tapestry of natural beauty that far exceeded my expectations. 😍 From the serene turquoise waters of Kolsai Lake to the dramatic cliffs of Charyn Canyon, this corner of Central Asia is a true outdoor lover's paradise. Join me as I take you on a visual tour of my unforgettable adventure in Almaty. 🧭 ***Kolsai Lakes*** The Kolsai Lakes are a stunning trio of alpine lakes nestled high in the Tian Shan mountains. The vibrant turquoise 💙 color of the water is simply mesmerizing, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. I spent hours hiking the trails, drinking in the peaceful silence and serene beauty of this magical place. 🥾 ***Kaindy Lake*** One of the most unique natural wonders I witnessed was Kaindy Lake. This subalpine lake was formed by a landslide in 1911, now home to a surreal landscape of submerged spruce trees jutting out of the emerald green 💚 waters. It's an otherworldly sight that felt like stepping into a fairy tale. 🧚♀️ ***Charyn Canyon*** No trip to Almaty would be complete without a visit to the stunning Charyn Canyon. Carved over millions of years by the Charyn River, this geological wonder stretches for over 150 km and features towering red 🔴 rock formations that simply take your breath away. I spent an entire day hiking along the canyon rim, marveling at the ever-changing landscape. 🧗♂️ ***Almaty Lake*** In the shadow of the mighty Tian Shan mountains lies the serene Almaty Lake. Fed by glacial meltwater, the lake's crystal clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks in a breathtaking display. I enjoyed a peaceful picnic on the shores, watching the clouds drift by overhead. ☁️ My journey through the Almaty region was a true feast for the senses - from the dramatic vistas to the calming natural landscapes. This corner of Kazakhstan has cemented its place as one of my all-time favorite travel destinations. I can't wait to return and uncover more of its hidden wonders. 🌍 #almaty #kazakhstan #nomad

#grouptravel Charyn Canyon, the 2nd biggest canyon in the world, is a natural wonder that exceeded my expectations. Known for its unique rock formations and breathtaking views, this incredible landscape left me awestruck. Hiking through the canyon's vast expanse, I marveled at the towering cliffs, ancient rock formations, and picturesque valleys. The canyon's unique landscape, shaped by millions of years of erosion, is a testament to nature's incredible artistry. Whether you're a hiker, photographer, or simply a lover of nature's beauty, Charyn Canyon is an unforgettable experience that will leave you humbled and inspired.

#Overseas travel ♥️Doroga Na Charynskiy Kan'on, The Charyn Canyon in southeastern Kazakhstan is a place with unique terrain that has been around for millions of years. This land is nicknamed the 'Grand Canyon of Central Asia', and the scenery is truly magnificent. On the way back, I took a small bus, and I could sit outside and enjoy the scenery. It rained, so maybe that's why the natural colors were more vivid!? It was even more attractive ^^ Central Asia is a place I've never thought about, but it seems so attractive. If you go to Kazakhstan, you should definitely visit!! #Kazakhstan #KazakhstanTravel #Charyncanyon #CharynCanyon

Charyn Canyon, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is a breathtaking natural wonder spanning approximately 80 kilometers. Carved by the Charyn River over millions of years, its dramatic landscapes showcase towering red rock formations, reminiscent of the American Southwest. The canyon's unique geological features include deep gorges, towering cliffs, and narrow passages, offering an awe-inspiring sight for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The Valley of Castles, a prominent section within the canyon, is particularly captivating with its labyrinthine formations. Charyn Canyon presents a remarkable blend of beauty and geological history, attracting visitors seeking a memorable and picturesque adventure in this remote and pristine Kazakh landscape. #tripstars

charyn canyon in Kazakhstan