Charyn Canyon National Park, Almaty Province, Kazakhstan
Next stop on the biking day was a drive to Charyn Canyon. Passing thru the rural landscape was interesting again seeing the painted remote bus stops and ever changing terrain.
Entrance to the canyon was 800T ($2.50). Andrey then took the bike off the car and told me to start biking.
To begin with there were trails along the top of the canyons to drive to the car parks which I was able to bike on.
From here there were various lookouts across the ledges over the valley, but I didnt want to venture too far across out.
It was interesting looking down on the valley from this high angle.
I then had to bike back to near the start where the was a staircase to lead down into the valley. Andrey offered to walk the bike down for me
From here it was almost effortless cycling as it was a long decline down the valley along the trail.
The path went rolling all the way until it came to the river. It was surprising to see a river in such a barren and dry region.
Andrey had been walking on foot behind. We rested at the bottom in the tourist area and had some tea.
It was now time to turn around and return bike uphill. This was more tough due to the incline and it was quite difficult peddling.
We had to try lower gears and Andrey took time biking. We couldnt take the stairs back up and tried the long incline up which was still just as tough in the heat, cycling, and pushing the bike.
Eventually we made it to the car for some rest. We needed some energy so stopped at a local Uyghar village we passed this morning for some samsas (baked pastries with lamb and onion).
It was also the village cattle rush hour as they blocked all the traffic and made their way home.
Driving back on the highway we noticed more cattle being herded by motorcycle herders.
Knowing my interest in Churches Andrey took me to a local one he knew from his grand fathers time. It was a timber church but they didnt allow photos outside or inside.
Driving home it had been a long tiring day and one more days adventure to go for my last day of the trip.
2025-05-22