Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan: description and photo

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

As you know, one of the most famous attractions in the United States is the Grand Canyon. However, in terms of such natural formations, Kazakhstan also has something to boast of. So, the Charyn Canyon is located in this country. Photos of this attraction can be found in almost every guidebook in Kazakhstan. Of course, its size is inferior to the American Grand Canyon, but, nevertheless, it is a truly majestic natural object, a visit to which will forever be remembered. So, today we propose to get to know this most interesting natural monument.

Description

Charyn Canyon got its name in honor of the Charyn River, which flows along its bottom. It is located almost two hundred kilometers from the capital of Kazakhstan - Almaty, near the border with China. This natural monument is part of the Charyn National Park, established in 2004.

As for the Charyn River, it is one of the largest in the entire Almaty region. So, its length exceeds 400 kilometers. Charyn originates on the territory of the Ketmen mountain range. ATWithin the upper course, the river is called Shalkudylsu, on average - Kegen, and only after the Moinak hydroelectric power station does it flow directly to Charyn.

During the thirty million years of its existence, this water artery gradually cut through the gorge in the mountains, which today is known as the Charyn Canyon. Its length is neither more nor less - 154 kilometers. This place has a diverse relief, striking in its splendor, consisting of slopes, steep slopes, hills, as well as various columns and arches formed by ancient sedimentary rocks. The height of these objects reaches 150-300 meters, and bizarre shapes leave no one indifferent.

Charyn Canyon: Valley of Castles and Ash Grove

Perhaps the most interesting place to visit in the Charyn National Park is the so-called Valley of Castles. Its length is about two kilometers. The width of the canyon in this part reaches 20-80 meters. The rocks here are characterized by bizarre shapes, some of them resemble huge castles (hence the name - the Valley of Castles). In general, many tourists call the local landscape alien. Since it is simply impossible to see this anywhere else on our Earth.

Charyn Canyon has another interesting place to visit. It's called Ash Grove. Relic ash - Sogdian - grows on its territory. These trees managed to survive the Ice Age. It is interesting that another similar grove exists only in the NorthernAmerica.

Charyn Canyon: climate

On the territory of the Charyn National Park the climate is sharply continental. The average annual temperature here is +5 degrees Celsius. January is considered the coldest month (on average -6 degrees), and the warmest is July (the air warms up to +27 degrees). There is not so much snow in winter: the height of the snow cover is on average 10-20 centimeters. In total, about 150 mm of precipitation falls here annually.

Flora and fauna

Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan has a variety of landscapes. In this regard, it boasts a large number of representatives of the animal and plant world. So, in total, more than one and a half thousand species of plants grow here, seventeen of which are included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and are under state protection. There are also 62 species of animals, 103 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles on the territory of the Charyn National Park.

The valley of the turbulent Charyn River is covered with thickets of barberry, chingil, sucker, tamarisk. Here you can see the usual willows and poplars. Of the representatives of the animal world, hares, foxes, corsacs, weasels, mountain goats, ermines and jerboas are most often found. As for the birds, they are the most here. There are also those that are listed in the Red Book: golden eagle, eagle owl, bearded vulture, kumai, vulture, short-toed eagle, imperial eagle, dwarf eagle, shahin and saker falcon. The most common reptiles in the Charynthe national park are agamas, bald-eyes, gray geckos, muzzles, water snakes, as well as colorful and patterned snakes.

Excursions to Charyn National Park

So, we offer you to find out several options for how to get to the Charyn Canyon. Excursions to this unique natural site are perhaps the easiest way. As a rule, such tours are organized for the whole day, because only the road to Charyn takes about four hours. Therefore, tourist buses depart from Almaty early in the morning. Such excursions, as a rule, involve a descent along the footpath to the Valley of Castles. Then you walk several kilometers along the bottom of the canyon to the very Charyn River, admiring the bizarre forms of ancient rocks. Then we get to the river bank. There is a place for a picnic here. You can also have lunch in a restaurant or a yurt. There is also entertainment in the form of a rope crossing over the Charyn. Those who wish can also swim in the river, but remember that the water here is very cold and the current is strong, so you need to be very careful. Throughout the tour, the guide talks about the history of the formation of the canyon, its interesting places, flora and fauna, etc. The buses leave around four in the afternoon. Thus, you will return to Almaty at 8-9 pm. Such an excursion costs on average from 10 to 20 euros per person (the price includes only travel and guide services).

Drive a car

Many motorists prefer to come toCharyn Canyon (photos are presented in the article) in your car. However, it should be borne in mind that if you have a “passenger car” at your disposal, then you will have to go down to the bottom of the gorge on foot. If you want to go to the bottom of the canyon by car (and, importantly, then go up), then you can only do this if you are driving a four-wheel drive jeep.