Charyn Ash Grove
A Verdant Sanctuary Amongst Stone Guardians
Within Kazakhstan, the Charyn ash grove stands as the only place where ancient Sogdian ash trees grow. These trees have steadfastly retained their original appearance for over 2 million years. Endowed with remarkable resilience, they boast an average lifespan surpassing 300 years. How tall they grow depends on their age: youthful trees stand at 10-20 meters (33-66 ft), while their elder counterparts reach heights of 30 meters (98 ft) or more. You can only find this special kind of ash tree in the Charyn and Temerlik canyons, covering an area of 22 kilometers (14 mi). The Charyn River and its streams run through the forest, making the view even more amazing. Besides the ash trees, you'll also see other rare trees in this forest, like poplar (also called turanga), willow, and silverberry.
People who go to this ancient place in the middle of the semi-desert wonder how these ash trees survived through the Ice Age. Many other forests disappeared during that time, but these trees were protected by the tall cliffs of the canyons.
Revered across cultures
The ash tree has a deep meaning in different cultures – a symbol of life, peace, and purity. Myths and legends across diverse societies sanctify this tree. For example, the Varangians thought of it as sacred, the Greeks connected it to Zeus, and Native American tribes linked it to the first people.
But there's also another side to the story. In the past, people believed that witches used the ash tree's branches for their magic potions. Across the Baltic lands, it was a symbol of simplicity.
How to get there?
The distance from Almaty to the ash grove is approximately 230 km (143 mi). To reach there, you'll need to take the Almaty-Khorgos highway and then switch to the A-6 road, passing through villages like Otegen Batyr, Bayserke, Shelek, Nura, and more.
We provide a variety of tours within the Charyn National Park that not only offer a convenient journey to the ash grove but also allow you to explore other attractions in the area.
Other tourist attractions near the ash grove:
- Charyn Canyon
- Lunar Canyon
- Charyn River
- Bestamak Canyon
- Chunja Hot Springs
- The Town of Jarkent
- Jarkent Mosque
- Boguty Mountains
- Soguty Mountains
Recommended tours:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Private Tour")
Embark on a journey to one of Kazakhstan's unique natural wonders – Charyn Canyon! Prepare for an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Golden Ring of Jetysu 5-Day Tour")
Embark on a distinctive travel itinerary in the Almaty Region, featuring highlights such as Altyn-Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Tamgaly Tas Petroglyph Site, and numerous other captivating attractions.
Discover the highlights of Altyn-Emel National Park, including the iconic Singing Dune and the striking Aktau Mountains, along with Kazakhstan's most awe-inspiring canyon, Charyn Canyon.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Alpine Meadows of Zhetisu Off-Road Tour")
On request
Little-studied and hardly visited by tourists mountain gorges and valleys with dizzying panoramas, alpine meadows, rough rivers, alpine lakes and a lot of impressions from the wild beauty of Zhetysu - all this in one adventure!
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Altyn Emel National Park and Charyn Canyon Off-Road Tour")
On request
If you like spending time in nature and delight in discovering the new and unusual – come join us on this off-road tour in Altyn Emel Natural Park and Charyn Canyon!
-sergejt_420x650_4ab.jpg "Canyons of Zhetisu Off-Road Tour")
On request
This off-road tour will enable you to see the most beautiful canyons of the south-eastern part of Zhetysu: Kyzylzhar, Temirlik, Bestamak and Valley of Castles of Charyn Canyon.
On request
Four days cycling tour, which route goes through the unknown, but very beautiful places and famous nature objects of Almaty region. You will see the Martian mountains, unknown canyons, confluences of strong rivers and many other interesting places!