The Charyn Canyon (also known as the Sharyn Canyon) stretches for 154 km along the Charyn River within the Charyn National Park, about 200 km east of Almaty, near the border with China. Philologists interpret the word “Sharyn” in various ways. In Turkic languages, “Shar” (heat, yar) means precipice.

This magnificent natural monument is composed of sedimentary rocks approximately 12 million years old. The canyon’s steep slopes reach heights of 150-300 meters. The Charyn Canyon on Google Maps. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

The most interesting place for tourists is the so-called Valley of Castles, which is about 2 km long and 20-80 m wide.

The canyon’s diverse landscape determines the diversity of its flora and fauna. More than 1,500 plant species, 62 mammal species, 103 nesting bird species, and 25 reptile species can be found here.

Tags: Almaty oblast

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