Kazakhstan road trip: Altyn-Emel to Charyn Canyon
This road trip through southeastern Kazakhstan connects Almaty to Altyn-Emel National Park and Charyn Canyon. The route traverses the Kazak steppe, passing through rural villages and showcasing diverse landscapes from singing sand dunes to multicolored mountains in the Jettisu region.
- Distance
- 380.4 km
- Duration
- 2 days
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Arrival in Basshi & Hotel
- End
- Charyn Canyon Camp
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Arrival in Basshi & Hotel — Small settlement serving as a gateway to southeastern Kazakhstan's attractions, providing essential accommodation and supplies for visitors exploring nearby canyons and protected…
- Altyn-Emel Visitor Centre
- Zharkent Mosque — Historic 19th-century mosque featuring distinctive architectural style with ornate wooden details and turquoise domes, representing Islamic heritage in southeastern Kazakhstan.
- Charyn Canyon Camp — Base camp providing accommodation and services for visitors exploring the dramatic red-rock canyon system, enabling multi-day adventures in one of Central Asia's most stunning…
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Hire a 4x4 rental car for this road trip - it's a must. The 255 km from Almaty to Altyn-Emel is in great condition, but internal park roads become bumpy and dusty tracks requiring steady, slow driving.
- Transport
- Get an international driving permit if you plan to drive yourself. If not experienced on rough roads, hire a local guide for peace of mind on the challenging internal park tracks.
- Tip
- Buy park tickets at Altyn-Emel Visitor Centre in Basshi village - do not go directly to ranger gates or you'll have to drive back. Bring your passport for ticket registration and know your car's plate number.
- Where to stay
- Base yourself in Basshi village for exploring Altyn-Emel National Park - the visitor center is just a 5-minute walk away. Comfort Alamel Hotel offers cozy, clean rooms with comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms.
- Timing
- Visit Singing Sand Dune in late afternoon for golden light, though expect more footprints on sand. Request permit extension from rangers to film during golden hour without rushing back.
- Save money
- Fill up petrol in Basshi before heading into the park. Fuel is very affordable in Kazakhstan due to low government taxes. Buy supplies in Almaty before leaving - supermarket prices are much higher in Basshi.
- Transport
- To visit Katutau Mountains, take a different route into the park - pass the village of October and continue straight on the dirt track for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Tip
- Don't get confused by the first resting area when heading to Aktau Mountains - continue ahead to find the main parking a few meters further. Climb the viewpoint next to parking before starting the hike.
- Transport
- From Zharkent to Charyn Canyon, use Google Maps to search for 'Charyn Canyon Monument sign' first, then continue to visitor center. Avoid the old dirt track shortcut - drive the extra 40 km on safer paved road instead.
- Where to stay
- Charyn Canyon Camp offers glamping tents and cabins. If staying inside the national park, drive beyond main parking to visitor center where staff will direct you to accommodation. Cabins include private bathrooms; tent guests use shared facilities.
- Food
- Food options near Charyn Canyon visitor center include takeaway lagman, samsa, and tea. Hotel dinner portions in Basshi were small with set menus - consider buying food from Almaty if you prefer more choice.
- Timing
- Visit upper viewpoint of Charyn Canyon at sunset - most daily visitors leave by this time, leaving the area almost empty. Allow 10 minutes walk from canyon to reach nearest upper viewpoint.
Video on this route
KAZAKHSTAN Wild Road Trip | Altyn-Emel & Charyn Canyon | Travel Documentary