Charyn Canyon -Eco-park (Almaty region)
Canyon Charyn is located on the territory of the Charyn National Park, created with the purpose of preserving natural and geological objects. The National Park was established on February 23, 2004. On the territory of the park there is a large number of rare and endangered species of animals listed in the Red Book.The most famous attraction of the park is Canyon Charyn. It is a picturesque natural place, which strikes with its unearthly landscapes. The depth of the canyon is 200 m. The height of the sheer mountains of the canyon reaches 150-300 m. The canyon itself is a natural monument, built of sedimentary rocks, the age of which reaches 12 million years. The landscapes here are truly amazing. At sunset, when the sun goes beyond the horizon, the canyon Charyn is painted in scarlet, pink and orange colors. Around the silence and only from below you can hear how the violent streams of the Charyn river beat against the steep cliffs. This spectacle will not leave anyone indifferent.
One of the sights of the canyon is the so-called Valley of Castles - these rock formations resemble the shape of towers, which were as if created by unknown giants. The valley of the castles is more than 2 km long, and the width in different places reaches from 20 to 80 m.
Bartogay Reservoir (Lake)
is a reservoir in the Almaty Region of Kazakhstan. As it is far away from any pollution sources, it has remained relatively pristine. It was built in the early 1980s on the Chilik River at the base of the Sogety Plateau (Syugaty Hills) as part of an irrigation project. The dam was completed in 1983 and the site became operational in 1985. It collects water during the winter and spring and releases water for irrigation from June through September.
Recreational fishing in the lake and in the outlet stream is permitted at certain times of year. Animals in the area include marmots.
Prices:
Transport – 230 $ per car
Car type: Jeep 4WD / minibus. Including an English speaking driver.
Not including:
Eco fees - abt. 3$ per person
Lunch at a cafe (option) - abt 10-15$ per person
Or lunchbox - abt 3-5$ per person
Itinerary in short:
7:30 pick up and driving to Bartogai reservoir (lake)
09:30 arrival
09:30-10:30 walking around, rest
10:30 driving to Charyn canyon (the Valley of Castles)
11:30 arrival
11:30-13:30 walking around, rest
13:30 driving to Baiseit village
14:30 arrival
14:30-16:00 late lunch, rest
16:00 back to Almaty
20:00 arrival