Charyn Canyon (Charyn Canyon)

Kazakhstan

The Charyn Gorge is a famous canyon on the Sharyn River in Kazakhstan, 200 km east of Almaty, close to the Chinese border. Over time, the canyon took on colorful shapes of various sizes. Charyn Gorge is a unique celestial body with strange relief structures in the form of chapels, towers, animals, formed under the influence of sedimentary rock weathering. For those who love wildlife, or want to challenge themselves with outdoor activities, the Charyn canyon is definitely on the list to visit and explore if you have the opportunity to come to Almaty city.

Charyn Gorge is located within the grounds of Charyn National Park, about 200 km east of Almaty, about 3 hours drive. The beauty of the canyon is comparable to the world famous Grand Canyon of the US, in the state of Arizona. The geological activity and intense erosion of the canyon are influenced by the flow of the Charyn River below and geological factors, contributing to a dramatic and beautiful landscape.

The gorge consists of a system of great structures that run along the banks of the Charyn River about 80 kilometers long. The river has a total length of 393km, originating in the Tian Shan Mountains (meaning: "Heavenly Mountains", stretching across the arid semi-desert to the east of Almaty, reaching a depth of 150 to 300 meters. The canyon is about 150km long, and in places is up to 300 meters deep.

The canyon was formed about 3 million years ago when the soil around the canyon began to rise. A very large lake existed in the area around the top of the canyon and at that time there was nothing there. Over the next million years, the canyon was formed by the impact of the Charyn River. About 2 million years ago, a large earthquake disturbed the river's flow, which was stopped by a geological slip on land. The geological formation of the canyon is mainly made of red sandstone deposits. Under the action of wind, the vapor deposition of volcanoes, water and wind erosion creates colorful natural sculpture masterpieces. A most unique area that you must definitely visit to check-in, is a 2km wide area called "Valley of Castles" or "witch canyon" or "ghost canyon", due to The pillars and stones contribute to the creation of great and majestic masterpieces that seem to be created by modern science and technology.

Charyn Gorge stretches over 154 km along the Charyn River (one of the deepest rivers of the Northern Tien Shan mountains). The colorful rock layers are the product of different stages of sediment formation, including volcanic lava rock at the bottom and red debris on the top. Charyn Gorge consists of 5 different canyons: Valley of the Castles (the most popular part of Charyn Gorge), Temirlik Gorge, Golden Gorge, Red Canyon and Bestamak Gorge.

This is an ideal place for those who love nature and adventure activities: whitewater rafting, river rafting, hiking canyons….

Book tour Car rental Flight Visa Book Guide Gifts & Products

Nearby attractions

Ba Men Temple

The temple that has never been known has been told by fishermen about its sacredness with the legend of a Goddess who protects and protects fishermen at sea. Therefore, every year at the beginning of the year, fishermen visit the temple to burn incense to pray for a peaceful year, full of fish and fish, smooth sailing.

Loi Am Pagoda

The temple with charming scenery is located deep in the mountains and forests, which attracts a lot of tourists to visit spring to admire the scenery and worship Buddha at the beginning of the year.

Temple of Monsignor Tran Quoc Nghien

The Temple of Monsignor Tran Quoc Nghien is a place to remember the national hero who made a great contribution in the war against the Mongol invasion of our country.

Cai Lan Temple

Cai Lan Temple is a very sacred temple, an indispensable spring destination in the first days of the year of Ha Long people.