Lan Wandered

“Visiting Charyn and Black Canyon in Kazakhstan is a one-of-a-kind experience featuring unique and stunning landscape of valleys and rivers.”

Seeing the Charyn and Black Canyon in Kazakhstan, reminds me of my experience in Al Ula and Edge of the World in Saudi Arabia. The feeling was mutual as I wandered in this place. I am amazed at how distinct and incredible these desert valleys are. On top of that, the presence of snow in the valleys and mountains during winter adds a different vibe making it more appealing. Truly, Kazakhstan has everything to offer when it comes to astounding nature, from Mountains, lakes, rivers and deserts and valleys.

So, if you want to experience a unique vibe with thrills and adventure, I suggest including these Canyons in your itinerary when visiting Almaty, Kazakhstan.

About Charyn & Black Canyon

Charyn Canyon is a National Park located in the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan. It spans around 125,050 hectares. The park is an important archaeological site in Kazakhstan and aims to protect the unique geological formations of the canyon, the ecological balance of the river, and desert systems. The weather differs in every season, with warm, dry summers and cold winters. Thirty minutes from Charyn Canyon is the beautiful and stunning Black Canyon. The Black Canyon features a stunning landscape of rivers, valleys and mountains.

How to get to Charyn Canyon & Black Canyon?

Charyn Canyon is about 211 kilometers away and 3 hours’ drive from Almaty. Subsequently, for this activity, I highly suggest of joining a group tour when visiting this place, since it is difficult to reach. The tour usually starts in Almaty around 5:30 am.

Meanwhile, Black Canyon is 30 minutes’ drive from Charyn Canyon.

Tours with transfer: For convenience, join a day trip from Almaty available at any travel agency offering this experience to reduce your cost. You can check Trip Advisor (viator.com), Get your guide website. I believed the cost is around 60 to 80 USD package, depending on the date and tour agency.

If you are curious, during my trip in Almaty, I booked in viator.com catered by Kazakhstan tour agency. I usually, read reviews first before booking, hence, I found their customer comments positive. After I experience this, I can also attest that their tour was amazing, with a tour guide which is very thoughtful to the needs of the tourist in the group. Local food was also great which is included in the tour. The package tour includes charyn canyon, black canyon, kandy & kolsai lake.

Below are the amazing Pictures when I visit these Canyons.

Stunning Landscape of Charyn Canyon National Park

Black Canyon

Breathtaking view of Black Canyon

When is the best time to visit Charyn Canyon & Black canyon?

Depending on your chosen dates, I believed, Charyn & Black Canyon is extraordinary either spring, summer, autumn or winter. However, it is most visited during summer from June to August. But take note, that it is also the time when many tourist flocks in this area. So, if you like meeting new people, this is a great time to experience the beautiful lake of Kazakhstan.

In my case, I visited this Canyons during winter at the second week of December with about -1 Degree Celsius temperature. The desert valley looks amazing and unique in this season as some part covered with snow.

Another amazing season to visit is springtime and autumn season. At this time, few tourists are visiting this Canyon, so you would have a great time exploring this place. The river is also beautiful at this time as the color is greenish blue and water is clear.

Below are the months season in Almaty for reference:

• Spring: End of March to End of May
• Summer: June to August
• Autumn: September to early November
• Winter: December to February

How many days required to visit Charyn & Black Canyon?

A day trip from Almaty is plenty enough to explore and experience the hiking in Charyn Canyon and visit Black Canyon. Usually, the tour starts at 5:30 am in Almaty and return back at 9pm. Don’t worry, they pick you up and will drop you in your hotel accommodation.

But if you like to experience exploring this place without rush, I suggest booking a 2-day tour to charyn, black canyon, kandy & kolsai lake available in viator or get your guide website.

Sample Itinerary when joining a day trip from Almaty.

5:30 am- Start Traveling from Almaty

8:30 am-Reach Charyn Canyon (Wander for about 30 to 45 minutes)

9:00 am- Travel to Black Canyon

9:30 am-Reach Black Canyon (Wander for about 15 to 20 minutes)

10:00 am- Travel to Kandy Lake

12:00 am-Reach Kandy Lake

2:00 pm-Take late Lunch

3:00 pm-Travel to Kolsai Lake

4:00 pm-Reach Kolsai Lake (Wander for about 30 to 45 minutes)

5:00 pm- Drive back to Almaty

9:00 pm-Reach Almaty

Where to stay?

If you are planning to join this tour, staying in Almaty city is recommended as the tour will return you back in Almaty in the evening.

Travel Tips when planning to visit Charyn & Black Canyon

Below are some tips you should consider when visiting to this unique desert valley.

• Please wear with many layers suitable for winter as the temperature here reach below 0 Degree Celsius. A good winter shoes is also recommended.
• Don’t forget to wear thermal cloth, I did 4 layers by the way for my winter outfit to protect me from extreme cold weather.
• Wake up early in the morning as the tour starts at 5:30 am
• Remember that weekends are the busiest day in the resort, so if you are coming as a tourist, better to avoid this day and schedule your tour in weekdays instead.
• Remember to bring small bill/coins to be used for paying in Comfort Room/Washroom just in case required.
• If you are traveling solo, bring your own selfie stick stand to capture solo video and photos. I was alone in this tour, so, I know how difficult it was to capture good photos and videos including myself.
• Be updated of the weather forecast before traveling to this place.
• Be a responsible traveler and keep Shymbulak Mountain Resort clean.
• Take only memories, leave only footprints. 

Budget when travelling to these Canyon

Overall, I spent around 80 USD for this tour package including kandy & kolsai lake.

What to bring.

• Money in Cash (Kazakhstan Tenge) or credit card (note that in Almaty, Kazakhstan online payment is common, only in small store or in rural area you are required to use cash.
• Comfortable shoes depends on the season you will visit
• Please wear winter shoes if you are traveling in the month of December to February
• For foreigners always bring your passport and kept it in safe bag.
• Sunscreen for skin protection
• Bottle of water, always stay hydrated during your travel.
• Sun glass
• Light Snacks
• Cap for head & face sun protection
• Jacket applicable for summer or winter depends on season
• Power bank for your phone

So, have you been to Charyn & Black Canyon in Kazakhstan? Please share your thoughts, I would like to know your experience.

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