Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is a series of deep gorges carved by the Charyn River through red and orange sedimentary rock in southeastern Kazakhstan, roughly 200 kilometres east of Almaty. The most-visited section, known as the Valley of Castles, presents a dense cluster of sculpted spires and columns reaching up to 300 metres. Early morning and late afternoon light intensify the warm tones of the cliffs, making this one of the most photographed natural sites in Central Asia.