Kazakhstan is a breathtaking and largely undiscovered gem in Central Asia, offering expansive, untouched landscapes. Travellers who are willing to venture to this incredible country will be rewarded. You can check out our "FULL Travel Guide" here.
CHARYN CANYON NATIONAL PARK
WHERE IS CHARYN CANYON?
Charon Canyon, a hidden gem in Kazakhstan's southern region, is a stunning and remote destination located near the town of Ili, about 200 kilometers (around 125 miles) east of Almaty. The canyon is part of the larger Ili River Valley and is known for its dramatic, otherworldly landscape, featuring towering cliffs, deep ravines, and vivid red and orange rock formations that resemble the surface of Mars. Its name is derived from the ancient Greek myth of Charon, the ferryman of the underworld, which adds an air of mystique to this already surreal location. The canyon is relatively untouched by mass tourism, offering a tranquil escape for those who venture off the beaten path. Accessible by a rugged, unpaved road, it is best visited during the warmer months from May to October, when the weather is more favorable for exploration.
WHEN SHOULD I VISIT CHARYN CANYON?
The best time to visit Charon Canyon is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to October, when the weather is warm and dry, making for the most comfortable hiking and exploration conditions. Summer, in particular, offers the clearest skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for appreciating the canyon's striking colours and unique landscapes. If you're looking to avoid the crowds and experience the canyon in its most peaceful state, it's best to visit on weekdays. We experienced this amazing place with barely any tourists, we often felt like we had the whole canyon completely to ourselves.
WHY VISIT CHARYN CANYON?
Charyn Canyon is the perfect stop on the way to Saty village, which serves as the gateway to the stunning Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes. If you're heading towards Saty, taking a detour to explore Charyn Canyon is an ideal way to break up the journey and experience some of Kazakhstan's most breathtaking natural beauty. The canyon lies roughly halfway between Almaty and Saty, making it a convenient and unforgettable stop.
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​With a bit more time, you can venture off the beaten path even more and spend the night within the National Park. Staying overnight in Charyn Canyon allows you to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. The main place to stay is at The Eco Park. They have several accommodation options available, including cabins and yurts. These options offer a chance to enjoy the serene canyon environment, watch the sunset, and stargaze under a clear, dark sky. We opted for a visit on route to Saty and spent several hours here. Although there are accommodation options available, we felt as though stopping off on route gave us ample opportunity to explore. ​
HOW DO I GET TO CHARYN CANYON?
Charon Canyon is located about 150 km southeast of Almaty, and the journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on road conditions and your mode of transport. Most people tend to visit Charyn Canyon on a day trip from Almaty, or on route to/from Saty village. Getting to Charyn Canyon from Almaty is relatively straightforward and can be done by car, bus, or on a guided tour. The entrance fee is 750 Tenge per person (approximately £2 GBP per person). Below are the main ways to reach the National Park.
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1. Rent a Car
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Time required: 3/4 hours each way
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Renting a car is one of the most flexible ways to visit Charyn Canyon. It gives you the freedom to go at your own pace, stop for photos, and explore the area at your leisure.
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Rental options: You can rent a car through various international and local agencies in Almaty. Prices typically start around £30-£50 GBP (depending on the season and vehicle type).
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We would recommend using Vladeks, they have a good level of English and offer many different types of vehicles.
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The road is mostly paved, but there are some sections that are not well maintained and at times are gravel roads, so a 4x4 vehicle is definitely recommended
2. Take a Guided Tour
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Time required: A full day
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Cost: Group tours can start from approximately £30-60 and private tours are available from £80 upwards.
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Advantages: A guided tour of Charyn Canyon is a great option if you want to explore the area with minimal hassle and gain deeper insights into its natural and cultural significance. Many tour companies in Almaty offer day trips to the canyon, typically including transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and sometimes meals or snacks.
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Disadvantages: While the tours are a convenient option, driving yourself gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace. Due to time constraints of a day trip it means you won’t be able to explore the canyon in depth. You'll likely only get a brief overview of the area, with limited time to hike or venture off the main paths. The tours will usually follows a set itinerary, so if you’re someone who enjoys wandering and discovering hidden spots, you might feel rushed.
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​We would personally recommend renting a car for the journey and taking a few days to explore some of the other amazing things to do in Kazakhstan. From our experience, on your way to Charyn Canyon, you'll find yourself wanting to stop frequently to capture the stunning scenery and perhaps even some wild horses. The combination of dramatic landscapes and wildlife makes the drive to Charyn Canyon a scenic adventure in itself, so be sure to take your time and enjoy the numerous opportunities to snap pictures and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
HIKE VALLEY OF THE CASTLES
One of the most iconic areas of Charyn Canyon is the Valley of Castles, named for its striking rock formations that resemble ancient fortresses. Hiking through this valley is a must-do activity, as it gives you a closer look at the canyon’s unique geological features. The well-marked trail takes you through narrow passageways and past towering cliffs, offering fantastic photo opportunities along the way. The hike isn’t too strenuous, making it suitable for most visitors, but make sure to bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes
RIVER RAFTING
For those looking for a thrill, wild water rafting on the Charyn River is an exciting way to explore the canyon from a different angle. The river offers mild rapids, making it suitable for beginners, though there are also more challenging sections for experienced rafters. While we did not experience this on our visit, we can imagine that it’s an exciting way to view the canyon from a unique perspective and add an adventurous twist to your visit.
ENJOY A PICNIC BY THE CANYON
For a more relaxed experience, bring a picnic and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere along the Charyn River, which runs at the base of the canyon. There are several spots above the canyon or within the canyon where you can sit and take in the surrounding beauty. It's a great way to unwind after a hike or just soak in the canyon's serenity. There is one restaurant located at the carpark of the canyon. We did not eat here ourselves but they offer lunch and snack options as well as drinks.
CAMPING
For a small fee of 100-300 Tenge and to truly experience the magic of Charyn Canyon, consider spending the night camping. There are several camping areas around the canyon where you can pitch a tent and spend the evening under the stars. Charyn Canyon is known for its clear, dark skies, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is filled with stars, and you might even catch sight of the Milky Way. If camping isn’t your style, you can also opt for a yurt or a cabin stay.
HORSEBACK RIDING
For a unique way to explore the canyon and its surroundings, consider taking a horseback ride through the steppe and along the canyon’s edge. Several tour companies offer horseback riding excursions that take you through the surrounding countryside and provide a different perspective of the canyon. Riding a horse allows you to cover more ground while enjoying the beauty of the landscape at a leisurely pace.
VISIT THE OTHER CANYONS
Most visitors are familiar with the Charyn Canyon, however, the National Park is home to three other stunning canyons that are equally worth exploring. These include Black Canyon, Uzunbulak Canyon (Moon Canyon), and Bestamak Canyon (Red Canyon), each offering its own unique landscapes and beauty.
PHOTOGRAPHY
If you’re into photography, the road to Charyn Canyon and the National Park itself will feel like paradise. The canyon’s ever-changing colours, from golden reds to deep oranges and purples, create dramatic landscapes at different times of the day. The lighting is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when the canyon walls are bathed in soft, golden light. Be sure to take your time and snap pictures from various viewpoints around the canyon for different perspectives.
WHAT TO TAKE TO CHARYN CANYON
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Cash: There are no ATM's within the Charyn Canyon National Park
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Water and snacks: There is one restaurant/shop at the main carpark of the National Park where you can get a snack and have a drink. We would definitely recommend bringing enough water and snacks with you though. The canyon is a perfect place to enjoy some lunch after a morning hike.
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Sun Cream and/or a hat: It gets extremely hot within the canyon depending of the time of year you may be visiting. There are shaded areas on top of the canyon, however, when you enter the canyon you may struggle to find shade.
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Sturdy shoes: Hiking boots or trainers with good grip are recommended, there a sections of the trails that are quite slippery so flip flops or sandals are not recommended.
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Camera: The views are incredibly photogenic, so bring a camera to capture the beauty of the surroundings.
THE ECO PARK
There really is only one place to stay when visiting the canyon. Staying overnight in Charyn Canyon allows you to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. The Eco Park offers several accommodation options, cozy cabins for comfort, or traditional yurts for a unique cultural touch. These options offer a chance to enjoy the serene canyon environment, watch the sunset, and stargaze under a clear, dark sky.
CAMPING
As mentioned above, for a small fee of 100-300 Tenge and to truly experience the magic of Charyn Canyon, consider spending the night camping. There are several camping areas around the canyon where you can pitch a tent and spend the evening under the stars. Charyn Canyon is known for its clear, dark skies, making it an excellent spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is filled with stars, and you might even catch sight of the Milky Way.
Charyn Canyon offers a little bit of everything for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike—from dramatic hikes and rafting to relaxing by the river and stargazing. Whether you’re just passing through on the way to visit Kolsay or Kaindy Lakes, or spending a few days exploring its hidden treasures, the canyon will leave you with lasting memories of Kazakhstan’s wild, untamed beauty.
