Was the bottom of an ancient ocean If you look into the distant past, 400 million years ago, you can imagine the boundless Tethys ocean, which completely covered the territory of Kazakhstan. Gradually, the water left, the surface of the land rose up, a relief appeared. Following this theory, any body of water on the territory of Kazakhstan is the remains of an ancient ocean, and the Charyn Canyon is nothing more than silt from the bottom of the ocean. From the Valley of Castles you can get to the Moon Canyon. Visually, it is very different from the Valley of Castles. Red rocks are replaced by white and grey ones, which are reminiscent of lunar landscapes. The third major gorge of the Charyn canyon is Bestamak. It is located between the Valley of Castles and the Temirlik River. The Bestamak Gorge stretches for 6 km, and rests on the Charyn River. Unlike the Moon Canyon and the Valley of Castles, in Bestamak you can drive up to the river by car.

Kolsai Lakes, situated in Kazakhstan, are a stunning natural wonder that captivate visitors with their breathtaking beauty. These three high-altitude lakes are nestled in the northern Tien Shan mountain range, near the city of Almaty. Each lake, known as Kolsai-1, Kolsai-2, and Kolsai-3, has its unique charm and characteristics. Kolsai-1, also referred to as the Lower Kolsai Lake, is the most easily accessible of the three. This pristine alpine lake is surrounded by lush coniferous forests and offers a serene setting for picnics and leisurely walks. The clear, emerald waters of Kolsai-1 are a striking contrast to the rugged mountains that encircle it.