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Questions About Charyn Canyon

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(@rolla)
Active Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 8
Topic starter  

How do you get to the Valley of Castles? Are there any signposts, and can you reach it with a regular car?

Also, are there any maps or plans for the national parks of Kazakhstan, and where can you get them?

Finally, is there an entrance fee, and if so, how much?


   
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(@vasigor)
Active Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 6
 

You can easily get there with a regular car—the road is decent (I was there last month in a sedan). At the eco-post at the entrance, you’ll pay a small fee, nothing significant. However, you won’t be able to drive down into the canyon itself unless you’ve got a serious off-roader, but honestly, there’s no need for that—walking around is just perfect!

Make sure to head out early in the morning. By 11 AM or noon, it gets quite hot, and most importantly, tourist buses start arriving in droves.


   
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(@rolla)
Active Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 8
Topic starter  

Thanks so much!
How much time do you think is enough to explore and take some good photos?
And are there any places nearby where you can stay overnight?


   
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(@vasigor)
Active Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 6
 

Three to four hours is more than enough to thoroughly explore the canyon. As for overnight stays, I’m not sure, since most people do it as a day trip from Almaty (the drive takes around 2.5 hours each way).


   
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(@travelich)
New Member
Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 2
 

For overnight accommodations, I’d recommend staying at one of the hot spring resorts near the village of Chundzha, towards Kolsay (about 50–100 km from the Valley of Castles).

There are dozens of resorts in the area, ranging from very simple ones catering to locals to more upscale and comfortable options. You can check out reviews on the previously mentioned Kazakhstani forum. Generally, finding a spot isn’t an issue.

The mineral water temperature reaches up to 38°C. At the better resorts, you’ll often find several pools with water of varying temperatures, including indoor pools that operate year-round.

By the way, the road from Chundzha to Kolsay was built by Chinese contractors, and it’s one of the best in Kazakhstan. Driving on it is a pleasure!


   
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