Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon
Overview
Available languages
11 hours
Mobile ticket
Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, although it is smaller in size, it is not inferior in beauty. It is about 12 million years old and is a veritable encyclopedia of geology. The colorful rocks and bizarre shapes of the rocks were formed due to millions of years of erosion and the movement of waters.
Charyn Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Kazakhstan, located about 200 km east of Almaty. This natural monument stretches along the Charyn River for 154 kilometers, striking with its unique beauty and geological diversity.
The main attraction of the canyon is the “Valley of Castles", a section about 2 km long, where the rocks resemble bizarre architectural structures. These shapes, created by wind, water and time, amaze the imagination and create the feeling of walking through an ancient stone city.
Charyn Canyon is a place where nature tells its story, written by wind, water and time.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Another 3 hours travellers will spent in the car
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
be offered a different date or a full refund This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
What To Expect
Charyn State National Nature Park
07:00 pick-up 08:30 WC stop 10:00-12:20 Walking inside the canyon, taking pictures, reaching the Charyn river 12:20-13:00 Lunch boxes
Canyon Aktogay
13:30-14:00 Black canyon stop (view point)
What‘s Included
National parks entrance fees
Bottled water
English speaking guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch box
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Charyn Canyon Day Tour small group
Pickup included
Private tour to Charyn canyons
Private tour to Charyn canyons Pickup included
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Time mismanagement ruined our experience
Shailendra S,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00It was a mixed bag. The guide was sweet, but not very systematic or organised. In Charyn river we ended up wasting 2 hours, resulting in rest of the tour being a bit hurried. Before booking the tour, I had specifically confirmed that Charyn canyon both upper and lower trials are included. However the guide was expecting us to depart after we finished lower trial. On asking, I was allowed 30 mins for upper trial - which means I could only walk for 15 mins and then had to head back. Could see just 1 or 2 nearby points. While walking back, found the rest of the tour group was also walking out the upper trail ! Would have been better if the whole group was given at least 60 minutes to explore upper trial on their own. Then for Moon and Black canyon we just got 15 mins each, I would expect min 30 mins as this is a Canyons-only tour. And the final straw was the lunch, which was delayed to 3:30 (tour had started at 7 a.m) which is quite late. Instead of boxed lunch we got a buffet lunch in the cafe, which was welcome but should have been notified in advance. After the lunch we headed back to Almaty. Also the vehicle seats were reasonably comfortable but AC was sporadic - it was off many a times during the hot afternoon making it very uncomfortable inside. Our family of 3 and another british couple had opted for a taxi for the return from Charyn river to Canyon parking, however we had to wait almost an hour (guide had said 20 minutes) and when the vehicle came, boarding was chaotic - another group rushed and occupied the upper open seats, we had to sit inside the cabin without any good view. If I had known this, I would not have booked the taxi at all ! Overall, this tour needs to be improved - allot max 1 hour at Charyn river, and 30 minutes minimum at Moon and Black canyons, and allot 1 hour for upper rim exploration. Ditch the 'boxed lunch' and allow guests to have their own lunch in the numerous cafes in Charyn canyon visitor center (including Indian food) which will allow to have lunch at around 1 - 2 p.m. Better organise the taxi ride back to the parking, or ditch it if you cannot manage it
Reliable agency!
I7715ILagnieszkam,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knowing how sometimes things go in KZ I was amazed by punctuality, information update, and service! Our tour guide went far and beyond to give us full cultural experience, adjusted information to group needs. Even though I am not fun of guided tours this one was awesome!
Great experience!
gastond305,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing !!! 100% recommend, the tour was great and Saida the guide was amazing !! Don't miss out guys
10/10 experience
Pioneer25756522800,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the most valuable day tours I’ve ever joined. The company provided pick up service and nice lunch meal, which were convenient to a solo traveler. The canyon is absolutely beautiful in winter, and our tour guide, John was professional in delivering great information of the area as well as the local culture of Kazakhstan.🇰🇿
Day trip to Charyn Canyon
Stephen Y,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was truly a great experience to have to travel the distance to see the Charyn Csnyon, despite weather conditions were not perfect. Our guide Kassym provided us with a lot of information and interesting facts about the Canyon as he walked down with us from start to finish. I can only say that job well done!
Great experience with travel companion Assem
Astrid S,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were a group of 8 people. Assem explained everything in detail and always helped us. During the hike into Charyn Canyon, she talked to each person once. She was very devoted, friendly and infinitely helpful. Def Charyn was the highlight of the tour. But Moon and Black Canyon are also worth seeing. It was spectacular for us because a thunderstorm was approaching and really discharged at Black Canyon. With rain and a glorious sky! Great tour I can only recommend to anyone! Great.
A fantastic day
andreascU8408DY,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kazakhstan very nice is a fantastic tour operator. They answer mails quickly and professionally. The tour was well organized. The lunch at a local family's house was a bonus.
VERY PLEASANT EXPERIENCE
Stefano C,Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kassym was an excellent tour guide and travel buddy. Very friendly and professional, and went out of his way to show us the beautiful Charyn canyons. The car was very comfortable and clean and the lunch on the way back at the little restaurant was fabulous. Can totally recommend him as a tour guide.
Enjoyable tour
Castro040719,Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had really fun and nice tour we enjoyed in Charyn Canyon and guide Aya she showed us hidden places and take beautiful pictures We loved this tour
Two beautiful days with Kassym - Private tour
Andrea L,Aug 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a private-two days experience visiting lakes and canyon. We had fun, enjoying every moment and every spot our guide showed us. We visited the two lakes (Kolsai and Kaindy) on the first day and the Charyn canyon on the second one, staying in a typical Yurta for the night. Everything was perfectly arranged, from the shifts to the tours themselves. It wouldn’t had been the same without Kassym
From US$45.00
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