Charyn canyon UNESCO, Jeep tour

Outfitter KZ team is pleased to offer a one-day SUV tour with trekking elements in the canyon of the Charyn river. 

Our tour is the most intensive trip to canyons. You may compare itineraries of local guides, 99% of tourists visit only the Valley of the Castles. We visit six locations inside canyons during the trip.

White saxaul is in the valley of the castles, Vladislav Purtov

GENERAL INFORMATION

The canyon of The Charyn river is located in Raiymbek district of Almaty oblast 200 km distance from Almaty. The canyon is more than 100 km. There is a different variety of relict trees in it, such as the Sogdian ash tree, a survivor of the Ice Age and Turanga. 

On July 25, 2018, by the decision of the International Coordinating Council of MAB UNESCO, the Charyn National Park was included in the international network of biosphere reserves.

The Valley of the Castles, sunset time, Deonisiy Mit'

The route is designed for year-round visits (free of dirt, long duration of the warm season). The most comfortable months for tourists are April / May and September / October. At the same time, the snow canyons also have their own unique appeal.

TIMING

Departure from Almaty is at 07:00.

We collect participants from a single point, which is convenient for customers.

Why is it so early? It allows maximum coverage of both canyons and viewing platforms. The regular bus tour includes a visit to A Valley of Castles only, whereas our Jeep tour has at least four more places that capture your imagination in the canyons.

Also, the heat kicks in after 11 am in the canyons, so you need to go through the Valley of Castles at least while it is still cool.

We return to Almaty by 19:00.

All participants get off at a single convenient point in the city (hostel, hotel, etc.).

Toraigyr mountains, the beginning of canyons, Azamat Mukhametzhanov

PROGRAM

The road to the canyons lies along the picturesque road along agricultural fields, and pastures for animals. The guide-driver tells the story of the creation of Almaty region and there are some short stops for photographing the foothills.

Our guests from the Netherlands, Vladislav Purtov

Panoramic sites # 1,2 - Valley of Castles (Qyzylsay) at Charyn canyon and panoramic site

We leave the cars in the parking lot at the descent into the canyon valley of castles. Having taken the drinking water, we walk down into the gorge. It is a leisurely trek with some stops (50 minutes) to the EcoPark village (2 km one way). The guide tells you about the differences between Charyn canyons. A short stop (15 minutes) at the Charyn river is in the shade of trees, you can photograph there and then we return to the cars (1 hour since it is uphill). Ten-minute break beside the cars and then leaving towards the left bank of the Charyn river.

On the left bank of the Charyn river, Azamat Mukhametzhanov

Panoramic site # 3 - Lunar (Zhabyr, Uzunbulak) Canyon View

After 30 minutes of the ride, there is a stop at the panoramic view of the Lunar Canyon. A photoshoot for 15 minutes and leaving in the direction of the panoramic area # 4.

Lunar canyon view, Yuliya Kim

Panoramic site # 4 - view on the Charyn river (Stone Shelf)

A stone shelf is a unique place in the Sharyn Gorge. The majestic view suddenly opens to visitors, capturing the spirit. Visitors should observe precautions when visiting a stone shelf, the height of the wall reaches 250 meters. The landscape of the stone shelf resembles the landscapes of mountain belts, which are located at an altitude of 3 500 meters, but in fact, tourists are at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. 

Unforgettable, stunning views of the river and the mountain gorge Charyn. A lunch break. 

The Stone Shelf, Azamat Mukhametzhanov

Panoramic sites # 5, 6 - view on the Valley of Castles (Napoleon) and the Austrian spot

The next place to visit in Sharyn canyon is called "Napoleon". In fact, we go around the Sharyn River and return to the first location, where you can see the valley of the castles from the right bank of the Sharyn River. 

Scale landscape and castles of the red canyon in the form of Greek amphitheaters will remain forever in the memory of tourists.

Napoleon, Alan Shafigulin

After 30 minutes ride there is a stop at the site. There is a view of the Valley of Castles. Photoshoot for 15 minutes, going to the last location of the route - the Austrian spot. Way back to Almaty.

Cost: 

65 USD per person in a group of 6 , a total of 390 USD.
75 USD per person in a group of 5 , a total of 375 USD.
80 USD per person in a group of 4, a total of 320 USD.
95 USD per person in a group of 3, a total of 285 USD.
135 USD per person in a group of 2, a total of 270 USD.
260 USD for an individual tour.

Wenn Sie eine deutschsprachige Reiseleitung benötigen, teilen Sie uns das einfach mit, wir haben in unserem Team deutschsprachige Gästeführer!

The price includes:
- transportation by comfortable SUV, 
- services of English/Russian speaking guide, 
- eco-fees of "Charyn"  national park,
- drinking water of 1.5 liters per guest per day.

Cost of children's participation in the trip:
- Infants under 2 years old travel free of charge,
- children from 2 to 11 years old - 50% of the trip cost,
- children from 12 years old and up - 100% of the trip cost.
The provision of a child seat is possible, please discuss this in advance of the trip.
Transportation of human friends (dogs and cats) is possible, the fee is 10 USD/day.

Price excludes:
- rent of personal clothes, shoes
- telephone calls, personal expenses
- meal

Route Difficulty is standard and suitable for people with average physical training.

Precautions: a mandatory sun hat, sunglasses, and anti-bug repellents (spring period).

Average travel time: 8 hours by road two-way.

The total route length is 520 km by car and 6 km by trekking.

Annika van Beek, Dutch Travel Journalist visited Almaty region in the fall of 2019. We were pleased to help organize a trip with a visit to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay, and Kaindy Lakes.

An article on visiting canyons and mountain lakes can be found here (in Dutch).

Order the tour by clicking "Book A Tour", 
or by calling Outfitter KZ team's telephone number: +7 701 457 6666. 
WhatsApp and Telegram are available also at +7 701 457 6666.
or by email: outfitter.kz@gmail.com. 

 
A few words about Outfitter KZ team

Lonely Planet marked us as TOP outdoor provider in Almaty city. Our team became a member of Kazakhstan Tourist Association in December 2018.

TripAdvisor awarded "Traveler's Choice" nomination to the Outfitter KZ team twice in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 as a local business with consistently positive traveler reviews.

We use photographs of the famous Kazakhstan photographer Deonisy Mit' in the promotion of our tours.

The detailed review by Nathan Cooper about the trip to Charyn with us.

Charyn canyon, Sharyn canyon, Zhabyr canyon, Lunar canyon, Rayimbek district, Charyn river, tour to Charyn, Choundzha, Sogety, Zhalanash, Ulken Buguty, Bala Buguty, Kokpek, Toraigyr, Baiseit, Shelek, Chilik, Ile Alatau, Ile river.