Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan: description and photo

As you know, one of the most famous sights in the United States is the Grand Canyon. However, in terms of such natural formations, there is much to boast of and Kazakhstan. So, in this country Charyn canyon is located. In almost every guidebook on Kazakhstan you can find photos of this attraction. Of course, its size is inferior to the American Grand Canyon, but, nevertheless, it is a truly majestic natural object, the visit of which will forever remain in your memory. So, we suggest to get acquainted with this interesting natural monument today.

Description

Charyn Canyon got its name in honor of Charyn River, flowing 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 a 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 takes his origin in the territory of the high mountain range Ketmen. In the upper reaches the river is called Shalkudylsu, on average - Kegen, and only after the Moinak hydroelectric power station Charyn flows directly.

For thirty million years of its existence, this waterway has gradually cut through the mountains the gorge, which today is known as the Charyn Canyon. Its length is not less than 154 km. This place has a diverse, striking with its magnificence relief, consisting of slopes, plumb bows, hills, as well as various columns and arches formed by ancient sedimentary rocks. The height of these objects reaches 150-300 meters, and the bizarre forms leave no one indifferent.

Charyn Canyon: The Valley of Castles and the Ashen Grove

Perhaps the most interesting place to visit on the territory of 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 the bizarre shapes, some of them resemble huge castles (hence the name "Valley of Castles"). In general, many tourists here call the local landscape alien. Since it is simply impossible to see such elsewhere on our Earth.

Charyn Canyon has one more interesting place to visit. It is called Ashen Grove. In its territory grows relict ash - Sogdian. These trees managed to survive the Ice Age. Interestingly, another such grove exists only in North America.

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 (an average of -6 degrees), and the warmest is July (the air warms up to +27 degrees). Snow in the winter time is not so much: the height of the snow cover is on average 10-20 centimeters. In total, about 150 mm of precipitation falls here over the year.

Flora and fauna

Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan is characterized by a variety of landscapes. In this regard, it can boast a large number of representatives of the animal and plant life. So, in total, more than 1,500 species of plants grow here, seventeen of which are included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and are protected by the state. Also on the territory of the Charyn National Park there are 62 species of animals, 103 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles.

The valley of the stormy Charyn River is covered with thickets of barberry, chingil, loha and tamarisk. Here you can see the familiar willows and poplars. Among the representatives of the animal world, hares, foxes, corsacs, caresses, mountain goats, ermines and jerboas are most often found. As for the birds, they are the most. Here are found those that are listed in the Red Book: a golden eagle, an owl, a bearded man, a kumai, a vulture, a snake-eater, a burial ground, a dwarf eagle, a shahin and a saker. The most frequent reptiles in the Charyn National Park are agamas, holograms, gray geckos, shield muzzles, water snakes, as well as colorful and patterned skates.

Excursions to Charyn National Park

So, we suggest to learn some variants of how to get to Charyn Canyon. Excursions to this unique natural object are, perhaps, the simplest 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 leave Almaty early in the morning. Similar excursions, as a rule, involve descent along the footpath to the Valley of Castles. Then you walk a few kilometers along the bottom of the canyon to the Charyn River, admiring the bizarre forms of ancient rocks. Then we get to the river bank. There is a place to take a picnic. You can also dine at the restaurant or yurt. There is also entertainment in the form of ferrying on cables through Charyn. Those who wish also can 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 excursion the guide tells about the history of the canyon formation, its interesting places, flora and fauna, etc. Back buses depart about four o'clock in the afternoon. Thus, in Almaty you will return at 8-9 o'clock in the evening. 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 to Charyn Canyon (photos are presented in the article) on their car. However, it should be borne in mind that if you have a "light car" at your disposal, then you will have to walk down to the bottom of the gorge. If you want to go to the bottom of the canyon by car (and, importantly, then go upstairs), then you can do it only if you are behind the wheel of an all-wheel drive jeep.