Charyn Canyon Day Trip from Almaty
6–9 hours
Private Jeep Tour
Private Jeep Tour
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We will contact you to arrange dates and conditions
Charyn Canyon: tour Details
🍴 Food on-site – bring a snack or picnic (guide will provide lunch extra payment).
🕒 Approx. – 9 hours. Distance 400 km both way / 1,5 h walking (level- easy).
🌞 Weather is seasonal, and a temperature range from +45°С to -15°С. We suggest wearing layers.
💲 Tour Price – Standard tour (vehicle/guide) – From 90 000 tenge
✔ Any tour can be changed according to your wishes.
08:00
08:00
Departure from Almaty.
Guide/driver will pick you up from your hotel. On the way, you will know about the city and the country in general. An extra stopover is included.
Guide/driver will pick you up from your hotel. On the way, you will know about the city and the country in general. An extra stopover is included.
11.30
11.30
Arriving in Charyn Canyon
The guide will show you the best spots in the canyon. You will look at panorama views and walk down in the canyon. Don’t forget to take some snacks, lunch will be next to the river.
The guide will show you the best spots in the canyon. You will look at panorama views and walk down in the canyon. Don’t forget to take some snacks, lunch will be next to the river.
18.00
18.00
Drive back to Almaty and return to Almaty
After excursion road back will take 2.5 hours to your hotel.
After excursion road back will take 2.5 hours to your hotel.
The cost of a private jeep tour to Charyn Canyon
Jeep tour
From 100,000 KZT
To confirm the exact price and make a booking, please get in touch.
To confirm the exact price and make a booking, please get in touch.
Group tour
The final cost depends on the number of people and your preferences. For groups of 6+ people (companies, team buildings), we’ll arrange suitable transport.
Charyn Canyon
- is one of the most spectacular natural sites in Kazakhstan, often called the “Little Grand Canyon” by travelers.
We offer day trips and multi-day tours to Charyn Canyon from Almaty, with comfortable transportation, a professional English-speaking guide, and a flexible itinerary tailored to your pace.
Charyn Canyon — The Little Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan
All adventures around Almaty begin with Charyn Canyon — one of the most impressive natural wonders of Kazakhstan, often called the “Little Grand Canyon” by travelers.
Located about 195 km east of Almaty, the canyon is easily accessible by a good paved road. The drive takes around 2.5–3 hours each way.
About the Canyon
Charyn Canyon is estimated to be over 12 million years old. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by the ancient Ili Lake, which later transformed into the Charyn River, a tributary of the Ili River.
The layered sedimentary rocks of the canyon preserve traces of geological history through the ages. Stretching for about 154 km, the canyon has been shaped by erosion and strong winds into fantastically sculpted rock formations.
To protect this unique natural heritage, Charyn National Park was established in 2004. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable experience here — with a parking area, shaded gazebos, and even eco-taxis that allow you to admire the views without a long walk.
Walking Through the Valley of Castles
The most popular part of the canyon is the Valley of Castles — a 3-km trail along the canyon floor, surrounded by giant cliffs and rock towers that resemble ancient fortresses.
The walk is easy and ends at the Charyn River, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
The height of the rock walls reaches 150–300 meters, creating a truly majestic atmosphere. Standing below, it’s hard to believe that time and nature alone could shape such masterpieces.
If you prefer not to walk down into the valley, there is also a trail along the upper rim of the canyon, offering stunning panoramic views.
A typical visit lasts 2–5 hours, making it a perfect one-day tour from Almaty.
Best Time to Visit
In summer, temperatures in the canyon can reach up to +50°C, so it’s best to visit in spring, autumn, or winter, or early in the morning and near sunset.
The golden hours of sunset paint the rocks in warm pink and orange tones — perfect for photography lovers.
Nearby Attractions
Don’t miss the Ash Grove, home to the rare Sogdian ash tree, a green oasis in the middle of rocky landscapes that covers almost 5 hectares. Here, you can also visit Kunayev’s house, a local historical site.
Another popular stop nearby is the Bartogay Reservoir, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains — it can be easily included in your Charyn Canyon tour.
All adventures around Almaty begin with Charyn Canyon — one of the most impressive natural wonders of Kazakhstan, often called the “Little Grand Canyon” by travelers.
Located about 195 km east of Almaty, the canyon is easily accessible by a good paved road. The drive takes around 2.5–3 hours each way.
About the Canyon
Charyn Canyon is estimated to be over 12 million years old. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by the ancient Ili Lake, which later transformed into the Charyn River, a tributary of the Ili River.
The layered sedimentary rocks of the canyon preserve traces of geological history through the ages. Stretching for about 154 km, the canyon has been shaped by erosion and strong winds into fantastically sculpted rock formations.
To protect this unique natural heritage, Charyn National Park was established in 2004. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable experience here — with a parking area, shaded gazebos, and even eco-taxis that allow you to admire the views without a long walk.
Walking Through the Valley of Castles
The most popular part of the canyon is the Valley of Castles — a 3-km trail along the canyon floor, surrounded by giant cliffs and rock towers that resemble ancient fortresses.
The walk is easy and ends at the Charyn River, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
The height of the rock walls reaches 150–300 meters, creating a truly majestic atmosphere. Standing below, it’s hard to believe that time and nature alone could shape such masterpieces.
If you prefer not to walk down into the valley, there is also a trail along the upper rim of the canyon, offering stunning panoramic views.
A typical visit lasts 2–5 hours, making it a perfect one-day tour from Almaty.
Best Time to Visit
In summer, temperatures in the canyon can reach up to +50°C, so it’s best to visit in spring, autumn, or winter, or early in the morning and near sunset.
The golden hours of sunset paint the rocks in warm pink and orange tones — perfect for photography lovers.
Nearby Attractions
Don’t miss the Ash Grove, home to the rare Sogdian ash tree, a green oasis in the middle of rocky landscapes that covers almost 5 hectares. Here, you can also visit Kunayev’s house, a local historical site.
Another popular stop nearby is the Bartogay Reservoir, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains — it can be easily included in your Charyn Canyon tour.
Many travelers also combine Charyn with Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes or other nearby canyons on a multi-location jeep tour from Almaty.
Book a Jeep Tour to Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon as part of other tours
Tell us what else you’d like to see
What to take with you on a trip to Charyn Canyon?
Comfortable shoes
It’s best to wear closed, flat shoes for walking — they’ll keep your feet comfortable and protected while exploring nature.
Comfortable clothing
The weather in the canyon can be windy, hot, or chilly depending on the season.
It’s best to dress in layers and bring a shirt or light windbreaker for comfort.
It’s best to dress in layers and bring a shirt or light windbreaker for comfort.
Good mood
A great trip starts with a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude!
Hat and sunglasses
In summer, bring a cap or sun hat to protect yourself from the sun.
In cooler seasons, a warm hat will help shield you from the wind.
In cooler seasons, a warm hat will help shield you from the wind.
Drinks and snacks
If you’ve chosen self-catering, don’t forget to bring something to eat.
Pack some snacks or a picnic — you can always ask your guide for recommendations.
Pack some snacks or a picnic — you can always ask your guide for recommendations.
Sunscreen
If you get sunburned easily, make sure to protect your skin from the sun and wind.
The Charyn Canyon tour is a one-day trip, usually lasting 7 to 10 hours, depending on the group’s pace and photo stops.
Yes. The Valley of Castles trail is about 3 km long and easy to walk. The tour is private and flexible, so you can go at your own pace.
You can leave your contact details in any form on our website, and our manager will get in touch with you to confirm all the details.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly via any of the phone numbers or messengers listed on the site.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly via any of the phone numbers or messengers listed on the site.
This tour is a one-day weekend trip, but if you’d like to spend more time there, we can organize an overnight tour at Charyn Canyon with accommodation in tents or traditional yurts.
You can also visit Charyn Canyon as part of our multi-day tours, such as the Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tour or the Almaty Region Highlights Tour, both available on our website.
You can also visit Charyn Canyon as part of our multi-day tours, such as the Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes Tour or the Almaty Region Highlights Tour, both available on our website.
No, no special skills or training are needed to visit Charyn Canyon.
You can enjoy the views either from the top viewpoints or from the bottom while walking through the Valley of Castles.
There is also an eco-taxi service available inside the canyon for those who prefer not to walk.
If you have any health limitations, please let us know when booking — we’ll adjust the tour program to make it comfortable for you.
You can enjoy the views either from the top viewpoints or from the bottom while walking through the Valley of Castles.
There is also an eco-taxi service available inside the canyon for those who prefer not to walk.
If you have any health limitations, please let us know when booking — we’ll adjust the tour program to make it comfortable for you.
Yes, an eco-taxi operates inside the canyon (small extra fee).
You can ride down or up if you prefer not to walk.
You can ride down or up if you prefer not to walk.
Yes, you can easily combine your trip to Charyn Canyon with tours to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes — we offer both one-day express options and multi-day trips with overnight stays.
You can also check out our exclusive 4 Canyons Day Tour, which includes several spectacular canyons in one day.
You can also check out our exclusive 4 Canyons Day Tour, which includes several spectacular canyons in one day.
The price includes private transport, English-speaking guide-driver, national park tickets, and bottled water.
Meals and personal expenses are not included unless arranged in advance.
Meals and personal expenses are not included unless arranged in advance.