2025 Enbekshikazakh District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)

🏜Just 3 hours from Almaty, Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural wonders — often called the “Kazakh Grand Canyon.” 🚶Walk through the famous Valley of Castles, where towering orange cliffs look like they were carved by giants. The 3 km trail takes you down to the Charyn River — perfect for photos, picnics, or just soaking up the silence. There's also a "shuttle" that can get you around the Canyon, so prepare some cash 💸 🚗 Getting there: The best would be booking a tour from Almaty or renting a car. But eventually, the gropu tour would be cheaper. 🍴 Where to Eat: There’s a small on-site restaurant near the parking area — great for a hot meal or tea after your hike. 🛏 Stay Overnight: Book a cozy yurt or cabin at the Eco Park right in the canyon. Falling asleep under a blanket of stars and waking up to the red cliffs glowing at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. #charyncanyon #kazakhstan #kazakhstantravel

Located in the outskirts of Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon is a must-visit destination. As part of a national park, this time we booked a one-day tour that also includes visits to two stunning lakes! Although its size and scale are much smaller compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, the geological features and landforms of Charyn Canyon are strikingly similar. Seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring 🤩. After getting off the vehicle, you'll need to walk a considerable distance, allowing you to appreciate the wonders of nature from various angles. If time permits, the guide may also take you down to explore the canyon up close and marvel at its mysterious beauty 🥰.

Day1⃣: City roaming + stunning sunset 📍Ascension Cathedral 👉 World-class wooden architecture! The candy-colored church is super fantastic, thousands of white pigeons are circling and super healing ~ The park where the church is located is lush and green, and it's a big picture! 🚶5 minutes walk directly to Green Bazaar (largest local market) 🍉 There are piles of melons and fruits, the color of beef and mutton is tempting! The clean and tidy market smoke and fire is a must-go for photography enthusiasts 🍴Navat is recommended for lunch 🔥 One-stop check-in for Kazakhstan's national cuisine! The decoration is super ethnic, hand-grabbed rice/horse sausage must try 🌆 Stroll around the pedestrian street in the afternoon, and take a drive to Mount Cocteau in the evening! 🚠Cable up the mountain, overlooking the sunset over the city, romantic worth bursting! · Day 2⃣: Two Lakes and One Canyon Day Tour (Join Me Tour) 💡 WhatsApp in advance to make an appointment, offline payment is super convenient! 1⃣️ Charon Canyon⛰️ The landscape of "Black Canyon" is shocking, it looks like the surface of Mars! 2⃣️ Lake Caindi (strongly recommended! 🏕️) The secret realm of earthquake formation! Withered trees stand in the water of the blue lake, the ghost is breathtakingly beautiful 3⃣️ Lake Colsay 🎑 "Little Ili of Kazakhstan"! The snow-capped mountains reflect the lake, you can go hiking/boating, and the light and shadow are first-class in the evening! 🌙 Back to town at about 22, tired and happy to wear! · Day 3⃣: Snow Mountain Cable Car Light Hike 🏔 Aratau National Park 1⃣️ 30 minutes from the city! The four-season snow-capped mountains are the companions, the cable car directly reaches the observation deck, and the sea of ​​​​clouds is within reach 2⃣️ Easy hiking route, novices can shoot the same blockbuster as "Lord of the Rings"! · 📌 Tips ✔ Visa: Visa-free for 14 days, no problem with a white book ✔ Transportation: Yandex ride is super cheap, English communication mainly relies on gestures 😉 ✔ Currency: 1¥≈70 Kengo, remember to exchange more coins 💬 "The landscape of Kazakhstan is like God overturning the palette!" Sisters rush!

6-day tour of Kazakhstan, hot spring trip! Hot springs, relaxation, and exploration, all in one guide! Come explore with me! -------- 🎉Itinerary: Explore the exotic charm of Kazakhstan🌍 D1: Urumqi→Yining/Horgos 🚂Take a train to Yining or Horgos, open the door to Central Asia, and experience the exotic charm of Kazakhstan. D2: Almaty Independence Monument - Panfilov 28 Warriors Memorial Park - Ascension Cathedral 🛤️Visit the Almaty Independence Monument to remember history; stroll through Panfilov 28 Warriors Memorial Park to feel the bravery; visit Ascension Cathedral to appreciate religious culture. D3: Shymbulak - Central State Museum of Kazakhstan 🏞️Visit the natural scenery of Shymbulak and enjoy the gifts of nature; then go to the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan to explore the traces of history. D4: Charyn Canyon National Park 🌲Spend the whole day at Charyn Canyon National Park and feel the magnificence and mystery of nature. D5: Zharkent - Go through entry procedures - Horgos - Yining 🛂Go from Zharkent to go through entry procedures, then return to Horgos, and then go to Yining to end the exploration of Kazakhstan. D6: Horgos - Urumqi 🚘Return to Urumqi from Horgos, cherish the travel memories, and look forward to the next meeting!🌟 💖Summary: This is a trip to Kazakhstan full of history, culture, and natural scenery, allowing you to deeply experience the exotic charm of Central Asia! -------- Travel essentials: Kazakhstan packing list🧳 📞 A phone card is a must, unlimited data is better, and you can surf the Internet without worry. 🔌 Bring a German standard plug adapter, no worries about charging, and your devices will always be fully charged. 🪪 Carry your passport with you, enter visa-free, and easily start your trip to Kazakhstan. 👚🧣 Kazakhstan is cold in December, so thick clothes and scarves are a must, keeping you warm and stylish. 🔋 Prepare chargers and power banks, so you can take photos and check in without running out of power, and record all the beautiful moments. -------- Kazakhstan, a Central Asian secret place that will make your heart beat, is waiting for your exploration and discovery. May your journey be full of surprises and joy!🎉

Welcome to Kazakhstan! In just 3 days, you can explore this mysterious country. This super practical guide is a must-have for your trip! / Must-Visit Attractions: - Charyn Canyon National Park ⭐⭐⭐ Address: Uygur, Enbekshikazakh and Raiymbek district of Almaty region, 7 km west of the village Shonzhy and 200 km east of Almaty Opening hours: Open all day Recommended visit time: Flexible With its rugged rocks and stunning scenery, this is a great place to explore natural wonders. - Kolsai Lake ⭐⭐⭐ Address: Almaty region, Raiymbek district, Saty str. Ultarakova 38 Opening hours: Open all day Recommended visit time: 2–3 hours This crystal-clear alpine lake is like a pearl set among the snow-capped mountains, offering breathtaking beauty. - Kaindy Lake ⭐⭐ Address: Almaty region, Raiymbek district, Saty str. Ultarakova 38 Opening hours: Flexible Recommended visit time: 1 day Nestled among the mountains, this clear lake is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. / Travel Essentials: Kazakhstan Travel Checklist 🧳 📞 A SIM card is a must-have. Tele2 is a good choice for both internet and calls. 🔌 Bring a plug adapter so you don't have to worry about power during your trip. You'll be ready for any type of socket. 🪪 Although a visa is not required, you should still carry your passport and ID card with you for safety. 🧣 Kazakhstan can be a bit cold in December, so don't forget your thick coat, scarf, and gloves! With these preparations, your trip to Kazakhstan will be easy and enjoyable! ✨ / On your trip to Kazakhstan, you can explore Central Asian culture and enjoy a unique journey. Start your magical journey now!

Charyn Canyon & Kolsai lake in same day Tour.😎 Kazakhstan is amazing

📌Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Located roughly 220 kilometres east of the capital city Almaty, Charyn Canyon is nestled in the eponymous Charyn Canyon National Park at around 3 hour’s drive from the city centre of Almaty. 𝐆𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 🚌 Follow a tour 🚘 Drive 🧭 Navigation : Yandex Maps 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐞 🏜Valley of Castles : 2,200₸ (~RM22) [1 car, 2 pax] 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 🏜Valley of Castles : 1- 3 hours - walk one way, save time by paying 500₸ (~RM5) per pax for the shuttle van back 🧗🏻♀️Black Canyon : 10 - 15 minutes 🗾 Charyn River Lookout : 10 - 15 minutes 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐨 🏜Valley of Castles 🧗🏻♀️ Black Canyon 🗾 Charyn River Lookout 🌜Moon Canyon - attempted - dirt road, 4WD required 🥾 Bestamak Canyon - did not visit, unsure of road conditions 🛻 Temirlik Canyon - did not visit, unsure of road conditions 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⭐️ It is super windy at the canyon, your hair will go crazy - you prolly will feel like you might get blown away. ☀️ Being a dessert, none of the trails are shaded. But the views on a clear day shows the snowy mountains in the far back while a cloudy day is just blankets clouds............which isn't too bad as you can still get decent pictures with all the canyons (just without a blue sky).

🏜️ Charyn Canyon – Kazakhstan 📍 Location Located about 200 km east of Almaty, near the border with China, Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular natural wonders. ⸻ ✨ Overview Often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” Charyn Canyon stretches over 154 km along the Charyn River. Its most famous section, the Valley of Castles, features dramatic red sandstone cliffs shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. The surreal rock formations resemble ancient fortresses, especially striking at sunrise or sunset when the canyon glows in shades of gold, orange, and red. Beyond its beauty, the canyon is home to rare flora and fauna, including ancient ash trees dating back to the Ice Age. Hiking trails, viewpoints, and riverside picnic spots make it a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. ⸻ 🚩 Highlights • Valley of Castles: Iconic red sandstone formations. • Scenic Hikes: Trails down into the canyon for close-up views. • Charyn River: Relax by the water or enjoy rafting experiences. • Panoramic Viewpoints: Stunning photo opportunities from the rim. ⸻ 🚇 Transportation • By Car/Bus: Around 3–4 hours from Almaty. • Many tours combine Charyn Canyon with Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes for a full-day or multi-day adventure. ⸻ 🎟️ Visitor Info • Entrance Fee: 800 KZT ($2 USD). • Best Time: Spring and autumn for mild weather; summer can be very hot. ⸻ 🌟 Verdict Charyn Canyon is a must-visit for nature and adventure lovers—a breathtaking landscape that rivals the Grand Canyon in beauty, yet feels far more serene and untouched.

📅 Travel Itinerary Day 1: Incheon -> Almaty Late-night Arrival Day 2: Almaty City Tour Day 3: Almaty Outskirts Tour Day 4: Kolsay & Kaindy Lake Day 5: Charyn Canyon Days 6-8: Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty Day 8: Evening Almaty -> Incheon Day 9: Early Morning Arrival in Incheon 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty Address: Tausamaly 50A, Almaty 🍴 Restaurant Recommendations Imone Address: 5WW3+FWV, Almaty Kimchi/Doenjang Jjigae (soybean paste stew) is a popular spot. Kimbap is not recommended. 📌 Useful Tips

How to crush 2 days exploring Kazakhstan’s hidden natural wonders around Almaty 🌄✨ Day 1 - Charyn Canyon National Park + Lake Kaindy 🚗 Start early from Almaty by car or hop on a group tour bus! First stop: Charyn Canyon National Park (Uygur, Enbekshikazakh and Raiymbek district, just 7km from Shonzhy village, open all day). This place is wild – think Grand Canyon vibes, minus the crowds. Trek down into the Valley of Castles for insane photo ops. Bring good shoes and cash for the entrance. After the canyon, head next to Lake Kaindy (Almaty region, Raiymbek, Saty str. Ultarakova 38, open all day), famous for its submerged trees poking out of the crystal blue water. It’s surreal! Pack some snacks – options are limited in the area. Day 2 - Altyn Emel National Park 🏜️ Reset and roll out to Kerbulak District for Altyn Emel National Park (Науаи көшесі 208/2, Алматы, open all day). This is where you’ll find the Singing Dunes and wild horse herds racing across endless steppe. Grab a local guide if you want to cover more ground and hear the dunes “sing”. Travel hacks & tips: – The whole loop is doable by car or bus tour — self-driving means more freedom, but buses are fuss-free for first-timers. – Cell signal can be spotty, so pre-download maps & translations. – Entry fees: carry some cash, not all parks take cards. – Weather: pack for sun and wind, especially out in the canyon and dunes! Food: Stock up in Almaty, but small villages along the way may offer basic eats (try local samsa for cheap on the go). #KazakhstanNature #AlmatyExplore #CharynCanyon #LakeKaindy #Tripdotcom

#postandearn #attractive Stretching over 90 kilometers along the Charyn River, the breathtaking Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most remarkable natural wonders. Often called the “Grand Canyon’s little brother”, it stuns visitors with its towering red sandstone cliffs carved by wind and water over millions of years. The most famous part, the Valley of Castles, features surreal rock formations that resemble ancient fortresses glowing in shades of gold and crimson. Visitors can hike, camp under starry skies, or simply soak in the panoramic views from the canyon rim. In spring, the canyon bursts to life with wildflowers, while autumn paints it with fiery hues, making every visit unique. Adventure seekers can also explore rafting along the river or guided eco-tours through this dramatic landscape. Majestic, mysterious, and endlessly photogenic, Charyn Canyon is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Kazakhstan’s wild heart. 🌍✨ #postandearn #CharynCanyon #KazakhstanTravel #NatureWonders #AdventureAwaits #HiddenGem

🌄 Charyn Canyon: Adventure into Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon” Awaits! 🏞️✨ A dramatic world of red cliffs and winding valleys, Charyn Canyon National Park is Enbekshikazakh District’s ultimate nature escape. Picture yourself trekking through towering gorge formations, where a sparkling river, as clear as jade, slices through the canyon floor—it’s absolutely worth the sweat! 🧭 Recommended Route & Must-Dos: Start your hike from the official entrance near Shonzhy village (7 km away); descend into the "Valley of Castles" for the most spectacular formations. Trek alongside the Charyn River for refreshing scenery—you’ll really feel that柳暗花明 (“light at the end of the tunnel”) moment after pushing through under the burning sun! Be sure to taste the cooling river breeze and snap a rest under scattered shady trees. 📸 Insta-worthy Photo Spots: - The panoramic viewpoint before descending: sunrise or late afternoon for glowing cliffs. - At the base, where emerald water zigzags through rust-red rocks. - The “Castles” formations—get low-angle shots for dramatic effect! 💡 Visiting Tips: - Dress in lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes; bring at least 2L water per person—the summer sun is no joke. - Good trekking shoes are a must; the canyon path is rocky and uneven. - Year-round access, but spring and autumn offer the best hiking temperatures. - Aim for early morning or twilight visits to dodge midday heat. - Pack a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. ⚠️ Key Precautions: - No shops inside—stock up on snacks and water before entering. - Watch your footing and avoid cliff edges—rocks can be loose. #CharynCanyon #KazakhstanNature #Enbekshikazakh #HikingAdventure #TravelTips#historicallandmarks

#holidayitinerary Charyn Canyon National Park in Almaty Region is one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking natural treasures. Often compared to the Grand Canyon, it offers dramatic landscapes with towering cliffs, colorful rock formations, and winding valleys carved by the Charyn River. Walking through the famous Valley of Castles is an unforgettable experience, as the rock towers look almost like ancient fortresses shaped by nature. The park is perfect for hiking, photography, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. Each turn in the canyon reveals new scenery, from rugged cliffs to serene riverbanks. Visitors often stay for the sunset, when the rocks glow with shades of red and orange. Charyn Canyon National Park is a must visit for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and stunning views.

A mini trek at Sharyn Canyon, Kazakhstan. Easy flat trail, and we were rewarded with beautiful blue skies and red red rocks! Easy enough to wear slippers, but slippers less preferred should one choose to climb up rocks for panoramic photos and views. Truly, one of our favourite places in Kazakhstan. Would need to go back to explore more of what the place has to offer!

Where you can experience the vast nature This is the Assi Plateau in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan 💛💛💛 After running and running off-road, you arrive at the Assi Plateau, which is truly heaven! Since it is a natural japchae, you have to bring all the necessary items such as food and snacks, which is a hassle, but when can you have a picnic in a place like this! #Overseas travel #Travel plan #Central Asia #Kazakhstan #Kazakhstan travel #Almaty #Almaty travel #Assi Plateau

Bear Waterfall Magic: A short, scenic hike led to a thunderous waterfall. Pro tip: Wear waterproof shoes.. the misty spray and rocky path are worth it, but dry feet make it better! Issyk Lake’s Mirror: That first glimpse of turquoise water reflecting snow-capped peaks? Unreal. Walk clockwise around the shore for the best photo angles. Local Flavors: Lunch at a family-run spot introduced me to beshbarmak (hand-rolled noodles with tender meat).. comfort food at its finest. Handy Tips Layer up: Mountain weather shifts fast.. a light jacket saved me when clouds rolled in. Cash is king: Some restaurants and small vendors don’t always take cards. Go early: Beat the crowds at the waterfall for uninterrupted nature sounds (and photos). P.S. If you’re in Almaty, do this. Just pack curiosity (and maybe an extra snack).

Located about 200km from Almaty, Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan's must-visit natural attractions. This canyon, made of red sandstone, is often referred to as the 'Valley of Castles' and is so majestic and beautiful that it evokes comparisons to the Grand Canyon in the United States. The day trip itinerary typically involves a 3-4 hour drive from Almaty city, with most tours departing around 7 AM and returning late in the afternoon. Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the canyon before descending along a trail to explore the canyon on foot. The round-trip trail spans approximately 3km, is relatively flat, and ends at a riverside rest area where you can enjoy a packed lunch or relax. Since the area is sunny, hats and sunscreen are essential. Trekking shoes or sneakers are recommended, and it's a good idea to bring water and light snacks. As there is no public transportation available, renting a car or booking a local tour is necessary. If time permits, consider extending your trip to include nearby attractions such as the 'Black Canyon,' 'Kaindy Lake,' or 'Kolsai Lakes' for a 1-night, 2-day tour. For those looking to spend a day immersed in nature, Charyn Canyon is the perfect destination.

📅 แผนการเดินทาง #คาซัคสถาน #almaty #astana วันที่ 1: 9.00 am. เริ่ม Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral) เดินไป Museum of Musical Instruments ซึ่งจะผ่าน Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Monument Of Panfilov, Military History และ Museum of the Ministry of defense of Kazakhstan อยู่ใกล้ๆ กัน เดินไปต่อที่ Green Bazaar ตลาดของสดละลานตา เดินไปต่อที่ Almaty Central Mosque มัสยิดโดมสีทองอร่าม เดินไป Arbat G. Almaty นั่ง subwayไปชมวิวที่ Kok Tobe Hill จากนั้นไป Al-Farabi Kazakh National University วันที่ 2: ทัวร์ one day trip สำรวจ Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy, Kolsai และ Charyn canyon National Park วันที่ 3: เริ่มสตารท์ The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan เดินไปตามทาง Park of the Foundation of the First President ถัดไปนิดเดียวเป็น Sculpture Park ไป Republic Sq. เดินต่อไปยัง Independence Monument, Golden Warrior Monument และ Tagzym Memorial วันที่ 4: Big Almaty Lake ดื่มกาแฟร้าน TARY กลับเข้ามาในเมืองไป First President park วันที่ 5: บินมา Astana เริ่มจุดแรก Atyrau bridge แล้วเดินเลียบแม่น้ำไป Mechet' Chubary วันที่ 6: เริ่มเดินจุดแรกที่ Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center เดินไปตามแนวเส้นตรง ผ่าน Lovers park ไป Bayterek Tower เดินต่อไปเลียบแม่น้ำ ตัดเข้าสวน Presidential Park ไปยัง Palace of Peace and Reconciliation เดินไป Monument Kazakh Eli ต่อด้วย Hazrat Sultan Mosque ไป The Grand Mosque of Astana และเดินเล่นยามค่ำคืน 🍴 ร้านอาหารแนะนำ - จบที่ร้านฟาสต์ฟู้ดเป็นส่วนใหญ่ เพราะมีจอทัชสกรีนให้จิ้มๆ มีภาษาอังกฤษด้วย กดสั่งเอา ง่ายดี! ที่กินซ้ำจะเป็นร้านพิชช่าชื่อ Do Do pizza และร้าน Doner มีหลายสาขา - ส่วนใครสายน้ำหวาน ชา กาแฟ หรือพวกเบเกอรี่ แซนวิช ครัวซอง ไม่ต้องห่วงร้านคาเฟ่เยอะเหลือเกิน ทุกตรอกถนน ในปั๊มและพวกสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวธรรมชาติก็ยังมี **โดยส่วนตัวชอบร้านกาแฟ ชื่อ Coffee boom เห็นมีหลายสาขา รสชาต ราคาโอเคสำหรับเรา 📌 เคล็ดลับ - Yandex Go: แอปเรียกรถสุดปั่น ก่อนอื่นต้องโหลดแอป Yandex Go มาก่อนเลยค่ะ นางคล้ายๆ Grab บ้านเรา เรียก Taxi สั่งอาหาร ให้ส่งของ ผสมฟีลลิ่งเหมือนลูกครึ่ง Google Maps ที่สามารถบอกเส้นทางการขนส่ง อาทิ รถเมล์, Subway หรือการเดินเท้า เราสามารถเลือกดูราคาค่ารถ Taxi จากหลายตัวเลือกหากพอใจอันไหนก็เลือกเอา เราใช้แบบจ่ายเงินสดนะคะ อาจมีไม่ได้ทอนบ้างในหลายๆ ครั้ง แต่ที่พีคคือ...สมมุติว่าเราปักหมุดไปพิพิธภัณฑ์ใช่ไหมค่ะ พี่คนขับแกจะไม่สนเลยค่ะว่าประตูทางเข้าอยู่ตรงไหน แกจะขับตาม Google Maps เป๊ะๆ บางทีพาเข้าไปสถานที่ส่วนบุคคล คือถูกทางแหละ แต่ทางมัน! แต่ไม่ต้องห่วงจ่ายตามราคาที่ปรากฎในแอปนั้นแระ - รถไฟใต้ดิน (subway) การใช้หยอดเหรียญเข้าไป อ้อ! มันไม่คืนเหรียญนะ ไปถึงสถานีปลายทางเหมือนมีเซนเซอร์ที่ประตูจะเปิดเอง แต่เห็นโปรโมทในสถานีมี Face scan ด้วย ส่วนรถบัสยังไม่ได้ลอง - สนามบินไม่ต้องกลัวอดจะที่ Almaty หรือ Astana ข้างในมีร้านแน่นอน ส่วนราคาของข้างนอกกับข้างในโดยส่วนตัวคิดว่าราคาไม่แตกต่างกันมาก

Arrived at the meeting point at 5 AM and boarded the bus. Since the attractions were hundreds of kilometers outside the city, a day tour was the only option. I booked with JoinMe, while another group went with KKTour. At 9 AM, we reached the first stop: Charyn Canyon. We had 1.5 hours to explore. Walking to the midpoint—a large rock about 2 kilometers away—took around 40 minutes, leaving little time before heading back. The real highlights, like the Sharyn River, were in the latter half. Later, I learned from the guide that cars could pick up/drop off only at the start and end points, with no stops in between. Thankfully, my drone captured the breathtaking views, so I didn’t miss much. Overall, it couldn’t compare to China’s Tianshan Grand Canyon or Yulin’s "Chinese Antelope Canyon." (Photos 1-3) At 11:10 AM, we arrived at the second stop: Black Canyon. This was just a quick roadside attraction with only 15 minutes to take photos. Overlooking the canyon from the horizon, the rushing river below contrasted with Charyn—here, the rocks were black, hence the name. There was a spot where you could slip past the railing to stand on a large rock for photos. (Photo 4) By 1 PM, we reached the vicinity of Kolsai Lakes. Due to traffic, we had to walk 20 minutes to get there. The area has three lakes (upper, middle, and lower), though I’m unsure which one we visited (elevation: 1,800 meters). As for the scenery? Let’s just say lakes of this caliber are a dime a dozen in China. We had 1.5 hours to explore, with the option to take a boat ride at a reasonable price. (Photo 5) At 3 PM, everyone returned to the bus. It started raining, and after 30 minutes, we arrived at Saty Village for lunch at a simple restaurant. The options were limited, overpriced, and—most importantly—terrible! (Photo 6) At 4 PM, we switched to UAZ vehicles for the fourth stop: Kaindy Lake. How bad was the road? Rain had turned the potholes into pools of muddy water. Then came the wild part: The road ahead was completely flooded, with flowing water at least dozens of centimeters deep—like a river. Just as I wondered how the car would cross, the driver floored it and plowed right through! Is this Kazakhstan’s version of the Yangwang U8? Despite the shabby interior, the UAZ was decked out with a bar-style sound system blasting DJ hits at full volume, hyping up all the foreigners onboard. (Photo 7) The bumpy ride lasted half an hour before reaching the parking area (which doubled as a horse stable). Adventurous folks could hike, but most opted to pay for horseback riding—far more affordable than Indonesia’s Mount Bromo. Unlike the leather saddles I’d used on grasslands before, these were just cloth pads that turned into waterlogged sponges after the rain, soaking my underwear. After 20+ minutes on horseback, we still had to hike a few hundred meters to witness the tour’s crown jewel: the world’s one-of-a-kind underwater forest! Formed by a 1911 earthquake that created a landslide dam, the submerged birch trees now stand half-drowned, with only their tops visible above the water—paired with the lake’s mirror-like reflections, the sight was utterly magical. (Photos 8-9) At 7 PM, we boarded the bus back to Almaty, a grueling 5-hour journey.

Stepping into the rainy Harun Canyon is like stepping into a misty ink painting. The fine rain threads are like silver threads, weaving a hazy veil that gently covers the crimson rock walls. The rocks seem to awaken, their colors becoming more intense and deep. Rainwater flows along the texture, like tears left by time. The valley trail is muddy, but it doesn't dampen the traveler's enthusiasm. Walking with an umbrella, the figure appears and disappears in the rain. Rainwater converges into a stream, flowing gently, playing a natural symphony. The cliffs on both sides of the canyon are towering, appearing even more majestic and mysterious in the rain and mist. The vegetation is washed by the rain, adding a touch of green. Occasionally, birds fly over, their cries echoing through the valley. Rain adds a different charm to Harun Canyon, making this place more dynamic and peaceful, making people linger and forget their way back.

Charyn Canyon National Park｜Everything has a crack, that's where the light gets in. Charyn Canyon National Park is known as the Little Grand Canyon and is the third largest canyon in the world. It is a 210 km drive from Almaty city center to the entrance of Charyn Canyon. · Charyn Canyon was formed by geological changes, and each rock bears the marks of time, sedimented with history and civilization, and also shows the power of nature. · Charyn Canyon is part of Charyn Canyon National Park, which stretches 154 km along the Charyn River, one of the deepest rivers in the Northern Tianshan Mountains. For more than 12 million years, wind, water, and sand have carved the red sandstone of Charyn, successfully chiseling a canyon in the majestic mountains, forming wonderful shapes and shades from deep orange to light brown. · The colorful rock layers are the product of sediments from different stages, from the volcanic lava at the bottom to the red debris at the top, all deposited by the rivers that once flowed through. · ✨The highlight is that because Charyn Canyon is very long, there is no river from the entrance of the scenic area, but you can drive for half an hour outside the scenic area to see the area with a river. · In addition, the area with a river is the most beautiful part of Charyn Canyon, and the aerial photography here is very beautiful, but you must pay attention to safety, the road is bumpy, and you must pay attention to your feet when walking. · 🏔️Driving from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, the road along the way is also very beautiful, you can stop and take pictures on the side of the road, you can see snow-capped mountains and cows. · Tips: 1️⃣The whole way is downhill, saving time and effort, and you can easily get all the views from all angles. The staff will write the number on the ticket, and you can queue up to get on the bus according to the number. Be sure to listen to the number, the staff's English is not good. · 2️⃣There is a TARY cafe at the entrance of the scenic area, where you can rest, eat, use the restroom, and the sweatshirts in the gift shop are also very nice. The canyon is brick and earth-colored, you can wear bright clothes, or like me, denim style, it looks good. There is also a black canyon not far from Charyn Canyon, you can stop by and take a look. · 3️⃣Kazakhstan is visa-free for 30 days for Chinese citizens, and it only takes two hours to fly directly from Urumqi to Almaty, and you can take a slow-paced tour of two lakes and one canyon in two days by car.

It's not that barren land can't grow roses Standing here, you are the most beautiful flower I'm grateful for the 8-hour drive and all the stunning views it brought me The Earth has scars too ⛰️The Earth's scar is the Charyn Canyon in Almaty 💦The lake is Lake Kaindy 🚗It takes 3 hours to drive from downtown Almaty to Lake Kaindy It takes 2 hours to drive from Lake Kaindy to Charyn Canyon You'll spend almost 8 hours on the road, and it gets dark at 4 pm in Kazakhstan in winter Make sure to set off early Although the journey is long, the scenery is truly stunning

#Overseas Travel My visit to Charen Canyon National Park was a fascinating and wonderful exploration in the wild nature. Located in Kazakhstan, this park is considered one of the most beautiful natural destinations in the region. When I arrived at Charen Canyon National Park, I was impressed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape. The canyon is famous for its unique walls and natural formations. The canyon stretches for over 80 kilometers, and some walls reach 300 meters high, making it one of the largest canyons in the world. I enjoyed walking around the park and exploring the nature trails surrounding the canyon. The beautiful scenery, mountains, and valleys were a picture of fictional beauty. There are also many wonderful landscapes such as the bridge, wedding bridge, and Olba cave, which are great tourist destinations to explore. I took many great photos of the beautiful landscape and rock walls. The various colors and terrains gave the place a magical and mystical atmosphere. I enjoyed listening to the silence and tranquility surrounding the canyon, and felt completely immersed in nature.