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Mt Kailash Manasarovar Expedition — 14 days
Nepal
Tibet
August 22 - September 04, 2026
Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most dramatic natural landmarks, around 200 kilometres east of Almaty within Charyn National Park. Carved by the Charyn River, it is known for sheer red rock walls, vast desert scenery and the famous Valley of Castles, where weathered formations resemble towers and fortresses. The landscape is strikingly arid yet surprisingly varied, with riverine habitats and relic ash groves elsewhere in the park. For travellers, Charyn works best as a scenic day trip or overnight soft-adventure stop, combining easy walks, grand views and a strong sense of scale in southeastern Kazakhstan.
A range of thrilling experiences handpicked by our experts. Don’t see one that’s just right for you? No problem. Our local insiders will create precisely what you want.
The Valley of Castles is Charyn Canyon’s best-known trail and the highlight for most visitors. Weathered sandstone formations rise like towers and walls, creating one of Kazakhstan’s most memorable landscapes. The route is straightforward and rewarding, with changing perspectives as you descend. It is the best place to appreciate the canyon’s scale, colour and extraordinary rock architecture.
The canyon rim offers the broadest and most dramatic views over Charyn’s red cliffs and winding gorge. From here, the landscape feels immense, arid and almost otherworldly. It is an excellent stop for photography, particularly in softer morning or late-afternoon light, when shadows define the rock formations more clearly and the canyon appears at its most striking.
Following the trail down to the Charyn River adds a different dimension to the visit. After the dry canyon walls above, the greener riverside feels cooler and more sheltered. It gives a sense of how the landscape was shaped over time and provides a natural pause at the end of the walk before returning to the rim.
Temirlik Canyon is a quieter alternative for travellers wanting to see more than the main Valley of Castles. It has a different mood, with narrower formations, gentler colours and far fewer visitors. Visiting it adds variety to the Charyn experience and reveals that the national park is not a single viewpoint, but a broader canyon landscape.
The ash grove introduces an unexpected botanical contrast to Charyn’s desert scenery. This rare relic forest, preserved within the national park, shows a softer and greener side of the region. For travellers, it adds ecological interest and variety, making the wider Charyn area feel more layered than a simple canyon stop and enriching the overall experience.
A longer stay transforms the experience of Charyn Canyon. As day visitors leave, the landscape feels quieter, wider and more atmospheric. Sunset softens the colours of the cliffs, while early morning brings calm light and fewer people on the trails. An overnight stop allows time to absorb the canyon properly rather than treating it as a rushed excursion.
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A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Heritage, AONB
Kazakhstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
Follow the ancient Silk Road from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan on a 13-day journey through mountain landscapes, UNESCO cities, and vibrant bazaars. Tour operators organize the journey, ensuring seamless logistics and expert support. Local guides provide authentic insights during city visits, including a city tour in Karakol to explore landmarks and connect with local culture. This immersive tour blends heritage and scenery for a rich, in-depth Central Asian travel experience.
Festivals, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£8,965
Without Flights
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Heritage, AONB
Kazakhstan
PRIVATE
Tailor-made
£6,965
Without FlightsGrid View
List View
A 17-day small-group journey across five Central Asia “Stans”, designed as one of our most comprehensive Central Asia tours. Explore Bishkek, valleys and yurt glamping, cross Kazakhstan for Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon and Almaty, fly to Tajikistan for Dushanbe and Hissar, then discover Uzbekistan’s great Silk Road cities and finish in Ashgabat.
Hiking/Trekking, History & Archaeology
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,795
Without Flights
A 17-day small-group Silk Road journey through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, combining the strengths of Uzbekistan group tours with the wider appeal of Central Asia tours. Explore Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, discover Fergana Valley crafts, cross into Kyrgyzstan for Osh, Ala Archa, Issyk-Kul and Karakol, then glamp in a luxury yurt, visit Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon, and finish in Almaty.
Off Grid, AONB
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
GROUP
Guided Group
£3,495
Without FlightsNo records found
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