3-Day Charyn Canyon Hiking Tour from Almaty with Hot Springs

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike along the panoramic "roof" of Charyn Canyon and descend to the Charyn River
• 02 Explore Charyn, Temirlik, and Castle Valley in Charyn National Park
• 03 Walk through the "Kazakh jungle" along the Temirlik River to a small waterfall
• 04 Relax in the healing waters of the Chundzha hot springs
• 05 Add an easy rafting adventure on the Chilik River with experienced instructors

Embark on a scenic 3-day adventure from Almaty through the dramatic landscapes of Charyn National Park. Hike along the panoramic "roof" of Charyn Canyon, explore the serene Temirlik Canyon and its lush riverside wilderness, and unwind in the healing waters of the Chundzha hot springs. The journey also includes a walk through the striking Castle Valley, with the option to add an easy rafting experience on the Chilik River before returning to Almaty.

Surrounded by the picturesque reddish walls of the canyon and with no one else in sight, it's just nature and us.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Almaty, Charyn National Park

Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

From Almaty to Charyn Canyon and Temirlik

• The drive from Almaty to the canyon area takes about three hours.
• After lunch, we'll embark on a unique hike along the "roof" of the canyons, taking in breathtaking views from the highest panoramic point before descending to the banks of the Charyn River. The hike lasts no more than three hours.
• After that, we'll head to Temirlik Canyon, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night in a serene relic ash grove.

2

Day 02

Temirlik River Trek and Chundzha Hot Springs

• The morning starts with breakfast at the campsite, where the fresh air and tranquility set the tone for an adventurous day ahead.
• After breakfast, we'll embark on an exciting journey through the real Kazakh jungle along the Temirlik River.
• Once we reach a small waterfall, you'll have the chance to cool off and take a dip in its refreshing waters - weather permitting. Surrounded by the picturesque reddish walls of the canyon and with no one else in sight, it's just nature and us.
• After immersing ourselves in the wilderness, we'll drive to the Chundzha hot springs, where a relaxing stay at the hotel and the healing waters await - a perfect reward after a fulfilling day.

3

Day 03

Castle Valley Walk and Return to Almaty

• On the final day, we'll start by visiting Castle Valley, the most popular tourist spot in Charyn National Park. In contrast to the peaceful solitude of the previous canyons, this area is often bustling with visitors. A two-hour walk will allow you to take in its unique formations and towering walls.
• After that, we'll return to Almaty, which will take about three hours on the road.
• But before diving back into city life, we can add a bit of adrenaline and excitement by going rafting on the Chilik River. This easy and safe rafting experience is suitable for beginners, and with the guidance of experienced instructors, it turns into a real water adventure.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Nights of accommodation in a hotel outside Almaty
• Experienced English-speaking guides
• Jeep and driver
• Entrance tickets for all nature parks, museums, and sites according to the program
• Food: breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, as well as mineral water and snacks during transfers
• Camping equipment
• Good mood :)

What's Not Included

• Insurance
• Flight tickets

What to bring

• Headgear: cap, hat, bandana, buff
• Long-sleeve shirt for sun protection
• Raincoat, windbreaker
• Lightweight trekking pants/shorts
• Trekking socks
• Comfortable trekking footwear: boots, sneakers
• Camp footwear: slippers, Crocs, etc.
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal medications
• Personal hygiene items: toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.

Know before you go

• This tour is private and can be changed according to your preferences. It can also be extended to 5-6 days by including visits to the desert mountains (Altyn Emel National Park) and/or green mountain plateaus.
• Seasonality: from March to October.
• Accommodation: one night in a tent and one night in a guest house/two nights in a guest house.
• Trekking: on this tour, we have the opportunity to hike every day, and the duration of each walk is agreed upon with the tourist.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Almaty, Казахстан

Tour start

Алматы, Казахстан

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.