Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon & Steppe Nomad Life (5 Days)
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Duration 5 days
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Type City Tour
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Group Size 50 Peoples
Overview
Theme: Desert Adventure + Cultural Immersion
Charyn Canyon, often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” is one of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural wonders, located east of Almaty. With its flaming red cliffs, eerie rock formations, and silence of the open steppe, it offers a surreal setting. This journey also immerses you in Kazakh nomadic heritage — yurts, horsemanship, and age-old traditions that still shape life on the plains.
Included & Excluded
Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel in the city center Explore Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar, and Panfilov Park Dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant with live dombra music Overnight in Almaty
Early morning drive to Charyn Canyon (approx. 3.5 hours) Trek through the Valley of Castles and admire towering red sandstone cliffs Picnic lunch in the canyon surrounded by surreal formations Transfer to a desert camp for overnight stay in a traditional yurt
Visit a local nomadic family settlement near the steppe edge Learn to cook baursak (fried bread), try on traditional attire, and hear folk tales Optional horseback ride across the plains or archery demo Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp
Drive back to Almaty with a stop at Lake Issyk or Turgen Gorge for light hiking and panoramic views Free evening to explore Almaty’s modern café scene or shop for handwoven crafts Overnight at your hotel
Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your onward journey
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