Getting there
- Flights to Karakol (IKG) 110 km from the start
- Flights to Almaty (ALA) 165 km from the start
Treks / Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon: Valley of Castles
Kazakhstan · Nearest city: Almaty
TypeDay hike
Days1
Distance≈ 6 km
Climbingvaries
Highest pointlow-level
A walk through red rock towers in a canyon often compared to a small Grand Canyon, a long day trip from Almaty.
Fitness
Easy
Best seasonApril to October
Watch out: Very hot in summer with almost no shade. Carry plenty of water.
Why people choose it
It's Kazakhstan's answer to the Grand Canyon: red rock towers in a canyon carved by the Charyn river.
What makes it different
- Red rock 'Valley of Castles'
- Easy walk down to the river
- Long day trip from Almaty
Before you go
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.
Phone and data
Roaming in Kazakhstan is expensive on most phone plans. A data eSIM bought before you fly gets you online as soon as you land.
Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.
Insurance that covers this trek
Most travel insurance includes hiking at this height. Check that hiking is listed and that medical evacuation is covered.
Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.
True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.
Camping and where to sleep
Camping is allowed in many areas of the national parks at designated spots, sometimes with a small fee. Border zones need a permit.
Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.
Route map
Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.
Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city
Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.
Stops: Charyn Canyon
Simple overview map
Step by step
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Months before
Plan and book
- No bookings are needed for most people. Choose a day with a good forecast.
- Best time to go: April to October.
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6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
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Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from Almaty.
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On the trail
Walk it
- Start early and set a turnaround time. Be back down before the weather turns or daylight fades.
- Carry water, food, a warm layer and a rain jacket even on a sunny day.
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The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.
How the season changes things
Best time: April to October
June to early July
Early summer
Snow still on high passes, fast rivers from snowmelt and green pastures filling with herders.
Bring
- Gaiters and warm layers
- River-crossing shoes
- Cash for yurt camps
Mid-July to August
Peak season
The best weather window, but high passes can still get snow and storms.
Bring
- Warm sleeping bag for cold nights
- Sun protection for strong UV
- Water filter
September
Late season
Clear skies and autumn colours, with freezing nights and herders leaving the high pastures.
Bring
- Down jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Check that yurt camps are still open
Be ready for
Heat
Start at dawn, rest in the shade at midday, and carry more water than you think. Electrolytes help.
What you'll see
5 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.
Gear for the Charyn Canyon: Valley of Castles
Photo credits: Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan by Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan by Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Raiymbek District, Kazakhstan - panoramio by Anton Yefimov, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan by Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Valley of castles - panoramio by dmccarhty, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.
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