Grand Canyons of Kazakhstan: Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon
Description
Discover the dramatic canyon landscapes of Kazakhstan in one action-packed day from Almaty. Your journey takes you through three stunning canyons, each with its own distinct character. Charyn Canyon — towering red rock formations stretching 154 km, often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia. Walk the lower trail through the legendary Valley of Castles, then climb to the upper rim for a panoramic view of the entire canyon. Continue to the mysterious Black Canyon, where dark volcanic walls create a striking contrast, and finish at the surreal Moon Canyon — pale, crumbling formations that look like a lunar landscape. A hot homemade lunch is included mid-tour at a local café. Private Tour: Same route, your group only — flexible pace and personalized attention. English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup from 7 AM. All national park entrance fees included. Maximum 10 people per group.
Tour Options
Itinerary
07:00 pick-up 08:30 WC stop 10:00-12:20 Walking inside the canyon, taking pictures, reaching the Charyn river 12:20-13:00 Lunch boxes
13:30-14:00 Black canyon stop (view point)
14:30-15:00 Walking in Moon canyon
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You can choose nearest hotel from list. We will send you all information of pick up and transport the day before the tour. We wil waiting for you in front of your hotel or in lobby during pick up time.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Another 3 hours travellers will spent in the car
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- be offered a different date or a full refund This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
Reviews(11)
Tour was excellent - packed with three canyons in one day and very comfortable in relation to the time. Sony is the best guide, she managed everything perfectly, safe and in great pace.
It was a mixed bag. The guide was sweet, but not very systematic or organised. In Charyn river we ended up wasting 2 hours, resulting in rest of the tour being a bit hurried. Before booking the tour, I had specifically confirmed that Charyn canyon both upper and lower trials are included. However the guide was expecting us to depart after we finished lower trial. On asking, I was allowed 30 mins for upper trial - which means I could only walk for 15 mins and then had to head back. Could see just 1 or 2 nearby points. While walking back, found the rest of the tour group was also walking out the upper trail ! Would have been better if the whole group was given at least 60 minutes to explore upper trial on their own. Then for Moon and Black canyon we just got 15 mins each, I would expect min 30 mins as this is a Canyons-only tour. And the final straw was the lunch, which was delayed to 3:30 (tour had started at 7 a.m) which is quite late. Instead of boxed lunch we got a buffet lunch in the cafe, which was welcome but should have been notified in advance. After the lunch we headed back to Almaty. Also the vehicle seats were reasonably comfortable but AC was sporadic - it was off many a times during the hot afternoon making it very uncomfortable inside. Our family of 3 and another british couple had opted for a taxi for the return from Charyn river to Canyon parking, however we had to wait almost an hour (guide had said 20 minutes) and when the vehicle came, boarding was chaotic - another group rushed and occupied the upper open seats, we had to sit inside the cabin without any good view. If I had known this, I would not have booked the taxi at all ! Overall, this tour needs to be improved - allot max 1 hour at Charyn river, and 30 minutes minimum at Moon and Black canyons, and allot 1 hour for upper rim exploration. Ditch the 'boxed lunch' and allow guests to have their own lunch in the numerous cafes in Charyn canyon visitor center (including Indian food) which will allow to have lunch at around 1 - 2 p.m. Better organise the taxi ride back to the parking, or ditch it if you cannot manage it
Knowing how sometimes things go in KZ I was amazed by punctuality, information update, and service! Our tour guide went far and beyond to give us full cultural experience, adjusted information to group needs. Even though I am not fun of guided tours this one was awesome!
Amazing !!! 100% recommend, the tour was great and Saida the guide was amazing !! Don't miss out guys
One of the most valuable day tours I’ve ever joined. The company provided pick up service and nice lunch meal, which were convenient to a solo traveler. The canyon is absolutely beautiful in winter, and our tour guide, John was professional in delivering great information of the area as well as the local culture of Kazakhstan.🇰🇿
It was truly a great experience to have to travel the distance to see the Charyn Csnyon, despite weather conditions were not perfect. Our guide Kassym provided us with a lot of information and interesting facts about the Canyon as he walked down with us from start to finish. I can only say that job well done!
We were a group of 8 people. Assem explained everything in detail and always helped us. During the hike into Charyn Canyon, she talked to each person once. She was very devoted, friendly and infinitely helpful. Def Charyn was the highlight of the tour. But Moon and Black Canyon are also worth seeing. It was spectacular for us because a thunderstorm was approaching and really discharged at Black Canyon. With rain and a glorious sky! Great tour I can only recommend to anyone! Great.
Kazakhstan very nice is a fantastic tour operator. They answer mails quickly and professionally. The tour was well organized. The lunch at a local family's house was a bonus.
Kassym was an excellent tour guide and travel buddy. Very friendly and professional, and went out of his way to show us the beautiful Charyn canyons. The car was very comfortable and clean and the lunch on the way back at the little restaurant was fabulous. Can totally recommend him as a tour guide.
We had really fun and nice tour we enjoyed in Charyn Canyon and guide Aya she showed us hidden places and take beautiful pictures We loved this tour
