Charyn Canyon

Over millions of years the Charyn River has cut a deep canyon through sedimentary rock. Wind and water have shaped the red, orange and brown cliffs into castles, towers and statues — hence the name of its best-known section, the Valley of Castles.

Since 2004 the canyon has been part of Charyn National Park, which also protects a rare grove of Sogdian ash surviving from the Ice Age.

Charyn is one of the most popular day trips from Almaty, with camping and ecotourism along the river.