This spectacular canyon, 50m deep in places, is typically reached on horseback or on foot from Darbaza. One 24km-long route passes through forest where there are plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. The cliffs of the canyon are home to mountain goats, too. A longer, 38km route explores the canyon and its natural features – the Devil's Bridge and a fearsome mountain river that disappears underground.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
5.38 MILES
A day-long trip from Kaskasu village and a 10km to 15km hike or horse ride is a good way to explore the ancient burial mounds and the beautiful Lake…
16.52 MILES
This high-mountain lake empties at the end of June when the ice blocking its outlet melts, and does not fill again until the winter freeze; horse trips…
29.45 MILES
The occupant of the three-domed Abdul-Aziz Baba Mausoleum is believed to have been a leader of the Arabic forces that brought Islam to the Sayram area in…
29.5 MILES
The 13th-century Karashash-Ana Mausoleum is where Akhmed Yasaui’s mother lies beneath the central tombstone.
28.58 MILES
Rising about 15m high, this circular, brick-built minaret likely dates from the 10th century. You can climb up inside to view the Aksu-Zhabagly mountains…
29.59 MILES
A leading 10th-century Islamic scholar lies buried in this mausoleum.
Nearby Kazakhstan attractions
5.38 MILES
A day-long trip from Kaskasu village and a 10km to 15km hike or horse ride is a good way to explore the ancient burial mounds and the beautiful Lake…
16.52 MILES
This high-mountain lake empties at the end of June when the ice blocking its outlet melts, and does not fill again until the winter freeze; horse trips…
28.58 MILES
Rising about 15m high, this circular, brick-built minaret likely dates from the 10th century. You can climb up inside to view the Aksu-Zhabagly mountains…
29.45 MILES
The occupant of the three-domed Abdul-Aziz Baba Mausoleum is believed to have been a leader of the Arabic forces that brought Islam to the Sayram area in…
29.5 MILES
The 13th-century Karashash-Ana Mausoleum is where Akhmed Yasaui’s mother lies beneath the central tombstone.
29.59 MILES
A leading 10th-century Islamic scholar lies buried in this mausoleum.