Location: Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan
Distance: 6 miles (out and back)
Peak Elevation: 3,721′
Elevation Gain: 1,059′
Trip Length: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Charyn Canyon is known as the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan. While truly a geological wonder, the comparison only applies from a distance. Charyn Canyon is its own thing. Peering down into the canyon, you definitely see stratifications and layers from past eons, but there isn’t as much color. Inside the canyon, there are captivating rock formations. There are two paths you can take – an upper trail above the rim and a lower trail on the canyon floor.

Canyon Floor Trail | Above the Rim Trail

Canyon Floor Trail

To reach the canyon floor, descend the tall steep staircase to the Valley of the Castles. Once you’re on the canyon floor, the wide trail steadily drops for 1.7 miles until you reach the Charyn River.

This canyon developed differently than the Grand Canyon. Instead of a mighty river that shaped the canyon, weathering and erosion have sculpted Charyn’s canyon walls. Valley of the Castles is a fitting name for this trail. On either side, it does look like there are giant castles and fortresses facing off on their hilltops.

The edge of the plateau slowly crumbles into walls, windows, and finally towers. This is a hoodoo city. What is a hoodoo again? Erosion has created intricately carved rock spires and fantastic shapes. You can see chess pieces emerging from the canyon walls. My favorite rock formation looks like an alien lost control of its UFO and crash landed into the side of the cliff.

Depending on the time of day, the canyon walls change from amber and saffron to salmon and cantaloupe.

There is a clearing with a campground just before the Charyn River. The Charyn River is pea soup green and murky and it has a gentle flow. At the river’s edge, there are many green trees and ample shade. It feels good to step out of the sunshine.

Beyond the gazebo rose garden, there is a sign that threatens “Stop! Dangerous for life!” Behind the sign is a footpath 30 feet above the river. It almost sounds like a challenge.

When you start your climb back to the top, you’ll see a post with a window and a bell. There are a few wooden huts along the way in case you need a rest stop or some shade. Once you have climbed the metal staircase, you will be back in the parking lot.

Above the Rim Trail

If you have time, you should also walk above the canyon. The upper trail allows you to peer off the edge of the canyon rim. From the top, Charyn Canyon appears as a jagged crack in the earth.

In half a mile, there is a trail that connects the upper and lower trails. You could use this to make a little loop if you want to try both trails without walking to the river.

After about 1.2 miles, the trail ends at a viewpoint just below the cliff’s edge.