Charyn Canyon, Natural canyon in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan
Charyn is a canyon in Almaty Region that stretches about 80 kilometers through rust-red sandstone formations. The walls rise up to 300 meters high and form narrow passages as well as open sections with rock towers.
The Charyn River began cutting through the rock layers about 12 million years ago and shaped the present gorge. Erosion by wind and water continues and slowly changes the shapes of the sandstone towers.
Scattered ash groves grow in the lower sections between the rock walls, forming a narrow green ribbon along the watercourse. Visitors often walk among these trees as they follow the trails that wind through the gorge.
The drive from central Almaty takes about four hours along paved roads to the entrance. Walking trails lead from the upper rim down to the riverbed, where shaded spots between the rocks offer places to rest.
The red layers in the rock alternate with lighter bands that look like folded curtains in certain spots. Some rock walls carry traces of old inscriptions left by travelers centuries ago.
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