Charyn Canyon is often called the 'Kazakh Grand Canyon' — a 154-km river-cut canyon 200 km east of Almaty, with the most dramatic 2-km section known as the Valley of Castles where eroded sandstone pinnacles in red and orange rise 100-300 metres above the canyon floor. The geology is similar to the American southwest's Bryce or Zion in feel and colour, but at a smaller scale; the day-trip distance from Almaty makes it a feasible single-day excursion that few canyons of this size manage to be.
The drive from Almaty takes 3-3.5 hours each way along well-paved highways through arid steppe and small farming villages. Most tours leave at 7-8 AM, arrive at the canyon parking around 11 AM, and spend 3-4 hours walking the rim trail and descending to the canyon floor. The standard hike is the 3-km descent into the Valley of Castles to the Charyn River at the canyon bottom, then back up the same way — moderate difficulty, taking 2-2.5 hours with photo stops. Adventurous hikers can extend further along the river to ash forests at Sharyn (a 25-km strip of relict Sogdian ash trees, the only remnant of the post-glacial forest cover that once dominated this region) or Black Canyon viewpoint, but these add several hours.
The canyon's colours are at their most spectacular at golden hour — early morning and late afternoon — but the typical day-trip schedule means most visitors photograph in the harsher midday light. If photography is your priority, consider an overnight at one of the simple yurt camps near the canyon for a sunrise visit. Bring water (no shops at the canyon — only one small cafe at the parking lot), sun protection (no shade in the canyon), and proper hiking shoes. The canyon trails are well-marked but steep on the descent.
Organised day tours with a Russian/English-speaking guide and small van transport from Almaty run 25,000-40,000 KZT per person depending on group size and inclusions. A private car-and-driver runs 60,000-90,000 KZT for the day. Self-driving is feasible if you have an international license and a sturdy vehicle (the last 10 km to the canyon parking is gravel but well-graded). Combine with the Kolsai Lakes (3 hours further south) for a 2-3 day extended trip if time allows.