Charyn Canyon:
How to Visit from AlmatyЧарынский каньон: как добраться из Алматы
Everything you need to plan your day
By Nomad Outfitters · Updated 28 October 2026
ReservoirIssyk-KulTien Shan mountainsKyrgyzstanKazakhstan50 kmN
About 200 km east of Almaty
On our tours the drive takes about three hours each way, out through farmland, so a day trip leaves around 07:00 and is back in the city by 20:00. Charyn is also the first stop on longer trips east, to the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes and Saty village.
All year
The canyon is open all year. April to June and September to October bring mild days and soft light. In summer, start early and carry water. Winter days are crisp and clear, with far fewer people at the viewpoints.
Most comfortable months
Easy to moderate
The main walk is the trail through the Valley of Castles, about 2 km each way, on a wide gravel path with a gentle climb on the way back. The other viewpoints are a few minutes from the car, and children from about six usually love it.
865 tenge per person, per day
Charyn National Park charges a daily fee, plus 2,595 tenge for a passenger car. The fees are set as a share of the monthly calculation index, so they change each January. All our tours to Charyn include the park fees.
The best viewpoints are off-road
You can drive to the Valley of Castles yourself. The Stone Shelf and the Napoleon viewpoint are reached on off-road tracks, which is why our Charyn tour uses an SUV and covers six viewpoints in one day.
Sources: distance from Kazakh Tourism; park fees from Tengrinews, 9 January 2026.
Charyn CanyonЧарынский каньон
Six viewpoints in one day, including off-road spots most day trips skip.
- 07:00 to 20:00hotel to hotel
- Privateyour own guide and car
- 6 viewpointswith off-road spots
- Lunch at a local cafe
- Drinking water and park fees
- Free cancellation
What you will see
Charyn is a long river canyon with several distinct parts. These are the ones our tours stop at.
Valley of Castles
The best-known part of the canyon: red sandstone walls shaped like towers and castles, with a gravel trail down the middle.
Stone Shelf
A viewpoint over the Black Canyon, reached on an off-road track.
Black Canyon
Part of the main Charyn River canyon, seen from above at the Stone Shelf.
Napoleon viewpoint
A wide view over the canyon, also reached on an off-road track.
Austrian viewpoint
The last stop on our tour, before the drive back to Almaty.
Charyn River
The river that carved the canyon, seen from the rim.
Charyn Canyon questions
How far is Charyn Canyon from Almaty?
About 200 km. The drive takes about three hours each way.
Can I see Charyn Canyon in one day?
Yes. Our Charyn tour runs from 07:00 to 20:00 and covers six viewpoints. If you want more in one day, the Express tour adds the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes.
Is Charyn Canyon open in winter?
Yes. The road to Charyn is open all year, and we run the tour in every season.
How much is the entry fee?
In 2026 the park charges 865 tenge per person per day, plus 2,595 tenge for a passenger car. Park fees are included in our tours.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Children from about six usually love it, and every viewpoint can be enjoyed without the longer walk. We provide child seats.
Tours that visit Charyn Canyon
1 day1 деньCharyn CanyonЧарынский каньон
Six viewpoints and hidden trails across the canyon.Шесть смотровых точек и скрытые тропы каньона.
from $90 per personот $90 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
1 day1 деньKolsai, Kaindy and Charyn in One DayКольсай, Каинды и Чарын за один день
Two lakes, a drowned forest and canyons in one day.Два озера, затопленный лес и каньоны за один день.
from $130 per personот $130 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
2 days2 дняPopularПопулярныйCharyn, Kolsai and KaindyЧарын, Кольсай и Каинды
A canyon, a lake and a drowned forest in two days.Каньон, озеро и затопленный лес за два дня.
from $200 per personот $200 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняPopularПопулярныйCharyn and Kolsai Lakes HikeЧарын и поход к Кольсайским озёрам
Canyons and alpine lakes, with more time on foot.Каньоны и горные озёра, больше времени на тропе.
from $375 per personот $375 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняGolden Ring of ZhetysuЗолотое кольцо Жетысу
The same national parks, in three days.Те же нацпарки за три дня.
from $450 per personот $450 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
5 days5 днейPopularПопулярныйGolden Ring of ZhetysuЗолотое кольцо Жетысу
Our most complete route across Zhetysu.Наш самый полный маршрут по Жетысу.
from $660 per personот $660 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре
3 days3 дняGreat Almaty LoopБольшое кольцо Алматы
Seven highlights around Almaty in three days.Семь главных мест вокруг Алматы за три дня.
from $400 per personот $400 за человекаView tourПодробнее о туре