Almaty in 1 Day for Friends - Guided walk in the Valley of Castles (Charyn Canyon)
In Collaboration with QazaQ Adventure. Updated on February 5, 2026.
A full-day guided trip from Almaty to the spectacular Charyn Canyon (the 'Valley of Castles'). Perfect for groups of friends who love dramatic landscapes, easy hikes, and memorable photos. Includes guided walk, picnic lunch, scenic viewpoints and relaxed travel time for chatting and music on the road.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with QazaQ Adventure, inspired by the tour Almaty: Kolsay, Kaindy Lakes and Black Canyon Day Trip. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided walk in the Valley of Castles (Charyn Canyon)
- Picnic lunch with canyon views
- Scenic drive through Tian Shan foothills with group photo stops
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided adventure from Almaty to Charyn Canyon with hiking, picnic and photo stops.
Meeting point — Almaty State Circus (check-in & quick briefing)
Meet your guide and group at the iconic Almaty State Circus for check-in, roll-call and a short safety briefing. Last chance to pick up bottled water or snacks for the road.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy bottled water and extra snacks at the minimarket beside the circus — shops are limited on the route.
- Arrive 10 minutes early so the group can load luggage and get introduced to the guide and driver.
- Bring a small daypack and leave large suitcases at your hotel or car; parking here is familiar to tour operators.
Drive: Almaty → Charyn Canyon (scenic transfer)
Comfortable group drive east from Almaty into the Tian Shan foothills. Use this time to enjoy conversation, playlists and short comfort stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Mobile signal becomes intermittent past Kegen — download an offline map of the route before departure.
- Bring a portable charger and a playlist for the group — the long drive is a great time for shared music.
- Roads are mostly paved but expect a short unpaved section near the park entrance; motion-sickness meds recommended if you're prone.
Valley of Castles — guided walk & viewpoints
Guided exploration of the Valley of Castles (Charyn Canyon). Walk among towering sandstone formations, visit the main viewpoints and take group photos from rim overlooks.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy shoes — the trail is uneven with loose rocks; sun hats and SPF are essential in summer.
- Best group photo spots are from the main rim viewpoint and a lower ledge — coordinate a ‘photo relay’ so everyone gets in the shot.
- Keep your voice down near fragile areas and follow the guide’s route to protect the formations; bring a small plastic bag for any trash to pack out.
Picnic lunch with canyon views (light lunch provided)
Enjoy a relaxed outdoor picnic organized by the guide — local breads, cheeses, salads and refreshments. Time to refuel while admiring the canyon.
Tips from local experts:
- If you have dietary restrictions, tell the guide in advance — options are limited on-site but guides are usually flexible.
- Bring a lightweight picnic blanket; the ground can be dusty or rocky in places.
- Save room for tea or instant coffee brought by the group — it’s a communal moment and great for candid photos.
Riverside & short photo hike (optional short exploration)
A short stroll down to a riverside viewpoint for different canyon perspectives and close-up photos of rock strata and river curves.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sunscreen and insect repellent near the river; the shade is nice but bugs can appear in summer evenings and near water.
- Bring a lightweight tripod or use phone panorama mode for sweeping shots of the canyon bend.
- Stick together as mobile reception is weak; set a clear meeting time and place with the guide before splitting into small groups for photos.
Return transfer: Charyn Canyon → Almaty (drive back)
Relaxed drive back to Almaty. Enjoy the scenery, swap photos and stories with your group. Driver will make quick comfort stops if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want souvenirs (local crafts), buy them at the park entrance before the return — few options in Almaty near the dropoff are open late.
- Stretch your legs at the short stops to avoid stiffness after the hike; small roadside cafes sell hot samsas and tea.
- Keep cameras and phones charged; the drive offers golden light on the mountain slopes — have devices handy for spontaneous shots.
Coffee break & group-share (light refreshments on arrival)
Quick coffee or tea at a friendly local cafe near the drop-off — decompress, share photos and exchange contact details with new friends.
Tips from local experts:
- Try to reconvene at the agreed café — walk-ins can be busy on weekends so ask the guide for a reservation if you prefer a table.
- Order local pastries to sample Kazakh baked treats and split plates with friends to try more items.
- This is a good moment to swap photos and social handles; ask the barista for bottled water refills if you need more before heading home.
Drop-off & farewells
Return to the original meeting point (Almaty State Circus) for final goodbyes. The guide can advise on onward evening plans in Almaty.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm any onward transport with the guide (taxi or metro info) before leaving the group.
- If you're heading into the city for dinner, ask the guide for a friends-friendly spot for groups — local pubs and kebab places are lively.
- Keep an eye on personal belongings and photos; make a shared album with the group to collect everyone’s best shots.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Outdoor, Meal, Restaurant, Break |