| Duration: | 4 Day(s) - 3 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking / Hiking |
This off-road tour will enable you to explore the most beautiful canyons of the southeastern part of Zhetysu: Kyzylzhar, Temirlik, Bestamak, and the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon.
Route: Almaty Region (Kazakhstan)
Season: January – December
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty – Boguty Mountains – Kyzylzhar Canyon
Departure from Almaty at 06:00. Arrival at Kyzylzhar Canyon (Red Canyon) in the Boguty Mountains. Camp setup, lunch, and a walk in the canyon.
The striking red Boguty Mountains consist of two massifs—Ulken Boguty and Bala Boguty. These mountains are part of the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau range and stretch between the Charyn and Chilik rivers.
A unique feature of this area is that instead of ascending into the mountains, you descend into them. Only after going down into the desert landscape do the mountains reveal themselves.
After rainfall, when the clay becomes насыщенно red, the landscape resembles the surface of Mars. The terrain has been shaped by wind and water erosion, forming dramatic canyon structures. In the past, volcanic activity occurred here, evidenced by deposits of fossilized volcanic ash.
Among the rocks, you can see solidified lava flows, seemingly frozen in time since the age of dinosaurs. Basalt formations—products of volcanic activity—are also present. The scenery here is truly extraordinary.
Return to camp and dinner.
Total car mileage: approximately 200 km
Walking distance: approximately 5 km
Overnight in a tent camp (900 m above sea level)
Day 2: Kyzylzhar Canyon – Valley of Castles – Nameless Canyon
Breakfast at 08:00, followed by camp dismantling. Transfer to the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon. Upon arrival, lunch and a walk through the canyon.
Charyn Canyon is a unique natural complex, not only in Kazakhstan but worldwide. Formed during the Paleogene period, it resembles the Grand Canyon in North America, though smaller in scale. The canyon walls rise 150–300 meters high.
The highly rugged terrain is impressive, with numerous ravines and gullies forming a dense and chaotic network. Wind and water have shaped the famous Valley of Castles, where you are surrounded by необычные rock towers made of sedimentary formations.
The valley stretches over 2 km in length and ranges from 20 to 80 meters in width.
Over millions of years, nature has crafted this remarkable landscape. You can spend hours walking among the rock formations, amazed by their shapes and scale.
Camp setup on the bank of the Charyn River, dinner, and rest.
Total car mileage: approximately 200 km
Walking distance: approximately 6 km
Overnight in a tent camp (1,050 m above sea level)
Day 3: Nameless Canyon – Bestamak Canyon – Temirlik Canyon
Breakfast at 08:00. Camp dismantling and transfer to Bestamak Canyon, followed by a visit to the ash-tree grove along the Temirlik River. Sightseeing and a picnic in nature.
Bestamak Canyon, often called the “Moon Valley” by locals, is formed of yellow clay and is known for its smooth, rounded shapes, lacking sharp angles. This gives it a striking resemblance to the lunar surface.
Although rainfall is rare, melting snow in spring softens the clay, shaping the landscape. The valley floor becomes flat and pale, while the slopes form soft, flowing contours.
Walking through the canyon feels like stepping onto another planet. Sparse Haloxylon vegetation reminds you that you are still on Earth.
After a walk and picnic lunch, transfer to Temirlik Canyon.
Temirlik Canyon takes its name from the Temirlik River flowing along its base, originating in the Ketmen Ridge. The canyon hosts diverse plant life, including Semenov maple, barberry, tamarisk, and the rare Sogdian ash tree—a relict species.
In 1964, the ash groves were declared natural monuments. This species is found only in limited regions, including Kazakhstan and North America. The canyon is also home to rare bird species such as the black stork, as well as nightingales, turtledoves, and swallows.
Camp setup by the Temirlik River, dinner around the campfire, and rest.
Total car mileage: approximately 90 km
Walking distance: approximately 5 km
Overnight in a tent camp (950 m above sea level)
Day 4: Temirlik Canyon – Almaty
Breakfast at 09:00. Camp dismantling and transfer to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Valley of Castles. Then departure to Almaty.
Lunch at a café along the way. Arrival in Almaty at approximately 20:00.
Total car mileage: approximately 330 km
Additional Information
Tour Price: Please contact us for the price per person (based on 2 people traveling together).
Group discounts are available. Children are charged at the adult rate.
Tour Rates Include:
Accommodation in a tent camp (3 nights)
Hotel pickup/drop-off and private transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned off-road vehicle
Professional English-speaking guide services
Environmental fees
Drinking water
Meals as per itinerary (lunch and dinner on Day 1, full board on Days 2–3, breakfast and lunch on Day 4)
Tour Rates Exclude:
Additional services not specified in the program
Booking Terms:
Full payment is required to confirm the reservation. Accepted payment methods: cash (local currency), wire transfer, and bank card.
Cancellation Policy:
50% non-refundable if canceled less than 3 days before departure
100% non-refundable if canceled 24 hours or less before departure or in case of no-show
Group Size:
Minimum 1 person, maximum 16 people
Children Policy:
Minimum age: 4 years
Required Clothing and Equipment:
Waterproof Gore-Tex jacket and pants, warm fleece or Polartec jacket, windproof jacket; multiple sets of underwear, socks, and warm socks; T-shirts, shorts; hiking boots and camp shoes; sunglasses and sunscreen; head torch; thermos (1–1.5 L) or water container; personal hygiene items; personal first aid kit; mite and mosquito repellent.
Note: A valid passport is required on the day of travel.
