charyn canyon

charyn canyon印象

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  lauramtorino

  The canyon is really nice and you can walk through it for a couple of kilometers enjoying different views of the rock formations. It is a pity cars can go through it too and, although they are few, the quiet and magic of the place is disturbed. At the end you arrive at a creek, very nice too but again you have a bar with very loud music which is quite superfluous. By the way there weren't even customers, just noise.

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  cactolith

  We went to Charyn Canyon with a private tour that stopped along the way to eat at a local restaurant and stop for pictures near some burial mounds similar to those in which Golden Man was found. I was a bit intimidated by the descriptions of Charyn Canyon as "The Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan" having actually been to the GC several times. I'm also a geologist so the rocks had a special attraction for me. That said, Charyn Canyon is a nice place and a fun easy hike for someone in moderate shape. It's nowhere near the difficulty of the GC. There is a steep entry point to a doubletrack dirt road which you can walk along down to the river and go for a swim. Several picnickers were in the parking area at the bottom when we went in August. It was overcast and a bit rainy which actually made it nice by tamping down the heat and dust. We decided prepay to get the 4WD Lada return shuttle which was entirely unnecessary but we chose based on dire warnings about difficulty from our guide. The driver was quite a character which made the experience worth the cost!We were with two boys ages 10 and 9 who did the hike with no trouble. At one point a woman in 4in heels went walking by with a tour group. She wasn't moving quickly but I'm pointing out you can do the hike in 4in heels.Overall it's a great way to get out of the city and see the countryside of Kazakhstan. If you have been to the actual Grand Canyon and hope for a repeat this will be a let down. Facilities other than two pit toilets do not exist so come prepared with all supplies such as water, food and toilet items.

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  ExplorerXYZ

  Its true. If you have been to both you won't know exactly sure what country you are. But when you get to the bottom you may see some Gers and an oasis next to the river. Day trips from Almaty leave daily in the morning. a 4 hour bus ride to the canyon and a few hours to return. The canyon itself has lots of hiking and some facilities to stay the night. There is a small restaurant inside near the river and many people bring their own food and go for a swim. The place is very relaxing although in the hot summer sun an be overwhelming heat. Bring enough sunscreen and water. At the campsite in the canyon there are cold drinks available. Our guide showed us some caves and took us for a hike. Private cars are also available from Almaty at extreme prices. The canyon has many orange and red colours that change with the sun as the days moves closer to the end and the blue sky make great contast photos. There are some spots as you descend into the canyon that are a bit steep and you should wear traction footwear and don't wear black to attract the sun in the heat.A really lovely day in Kazakhstan.

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  Mandy_ws_Chan

  I have just returned from Kazakhstan last week and I recommend the visit to Charyn Canyon. It is beyond words to describe the beauty of this place! Our guide drove us there in a 4wd and the road was a little bumpy. We arrived at the top of the canyon with stunning views and took plenty of pictures though I got rubbery legs looking down at the canyon. Walking down to the canyon was a little challenging as the slope was steep with no bars or any safety barriers. There were no other visitors and it was very quiet and peaceful to walk towards the river. Our guide was already waiting for us beside the river (so we didn't have to walk back up again) when it started to rain! I would say Charyn Canyon is a must-see if you are traveling to Almaty.

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  KendonandFaith

  We ended our trip to the Altyn Emel National Park at Charyn Canyon. It was gorgeous and we washed up in the chilly river after not showering for two days. It was refreshing after being covered in sand and dirt! The view was spectacular and we had a great stay in our tents. People around us were really friendly too, sharing their food and drink with us.

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  manderjones

  Our coach veered off onto the unpaved road of the southern Kazakhstan steppe. For miles around the hot, barren vistas invoked burning thoughts in my mind that somewhere some 100 kilometres east lay the border of China. There was nothing around as far as the eye could see besides two porta loos! It's difficult to imagine that one of the highest mountain systems in the world lay moments south. The isolation and stillness were almost in tune to those on the mountain ridges of neighbouring Tian Shan mountains.Being part of the only coach tour that day with practically no other visitors there; I felt privileged. The rocks form castle like images in your mind and the rushing greeny-blue river and manageable slopes to scale leading up to the canyon edge - make for great self-exploration.'It's like something out of a game of lemmings', I thought as I saw the majority of the group follow our loquacious guide in an almost perfect line behind him.

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  sugabba

  Kazakhstan can never be fully appreciated without visiting its hidden wonders. Charyn is just one of those. Since trips to this place are seasonal and needs to be pre-arranged with an agency especially for tourists, it can not be done on impulse or in random. The perfect place to go is on autumn so it won't be too hot and remember to bring enough water and food as there are no shops and restaurants in the area. It is worth going to as canyons as big as Charyn are only far and few in between.

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  morfish

  If you have a 4x4 vehicle, pay the extra 2,000KZT (about $11) admission fee that permits you to drive down into the canyon. Otherwise, you have to park at the top and hike down.The drive through the bottom of the canyon is quite special, especially driving through the narrow gap between boulders (see photo). At the end of the canyon is a river and a small beach area. There's also a tourist ger-camp that has a bar and restaurant.Rather than stay in the ger-camp, we pitched a tent near to the river and camped there overnight. It's a very nice camping spot.We left the canyon in the morning and drove the the border to cross into Mongolia.

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  Sun_TT1990

  The charyn canyon is located approx 200km east of Almaty City.There are tours from Almaty city to Charyn canyon. There is a tour agency office in Zhetysu Hotel in Almaty that offers tours to Charyn Canyon.Alternatively it is possible to rent a car from Europcar in Almaty and drive to Charyn Canyon. There is a Europcar office in Almaty airport. The road from Almaty to the canyon is rather interesting as it will take you through several towns and villages. It is also possible to try Uyghur food at a Uyghur town along the way. Along the road, there is the view of the beautiful Tein Shan Mountains to the right.The final stretch of the road to the Charyn Canyon is unpaved. However it is still possible to do the short stretch of road with a salon car as long as you are careful.Upon reaching the Canyon, you need a pay a fee to enter the area. Park your car on the top of the canyon and admire the beautiful view of the Canyon from the top. After that, it is possible to trek down the canyon and have a picnic via the river at the bottom of the canyon.Given the proximity to Almaty(day trip) and the great view, a trip to Charyn Canyon is a must for anyone visiting Almaty.

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  paulj822

  The journey from Almaty to the Charyn Canyon takes about three hours but is a pleasant drive. The journey itself demonstrates just how vast the country is.The open roads have long straight sections with the obligatory backdrop of the mountains.The Charyn Canyon is certainly a place of natural beauty from the top you can take in the whole landscape which slowly seems to change colour as the sun moves across the sky. Getting down into the canyon changes your perception of the place once again as you get in amongst the rocks. At the bottom is the river which is another opportunity for you to get the camera out.This place is definitely worth a visit, you should go prepared with plenty of water and walking boots unless you choose to walk down the dirt road which is the longer but gentler option.When i went April 2014 they were building some huts at the bottom of the canyon so i suspect there will be some facilities soon.