Valley of Castles
Red rock walls.
Marat Rysbekov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Exxocette — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Maria Matvienko Astana — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Екатерина Борисова — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adam Harangozó — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Marat Rysbekov — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mnbvcxz90 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Srailov — CC BY-SA 4.0
A red rock canyon on the Charyn river, about 200 km east of Almaty near the Chinese border, some 154 km long and 150 to 300 m deep in places. Many compare it to the Grand Canyon, though it is much smaller. Its best-known part is the Valley of Castles, a passage between walls and towers of red sandstone carved by wind and water over millions of years into shapes like castles and statues. You can walk about 3 km through it down to the riverbank. Quieter sections include the Yellow Canyon, the Red Canyon and the Temirlik Canyon. The canyon is part of Charyn National Park, established on 23 February 2004. Park entry is 730 to 1,500 tenge per person, usually paid in cash, and small eco-shuttles carry visitors between the car park and the river for a fee, per visitor guides. The sun is fierce in summer, so spring and autumn are best with water and a hat; it is often combined with the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes.
Red rock walls.
At the trail's end.
Over the canyon.
Charyn National Park, about 200 km east of Almaty
About 200 km east; it is a day trip often combined with the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, with entry at 730-1,500 tenge, per visitor guides.