The "Valley of Castles" of the Charyn Canyon is over 150 km, and its age is about 12 million years, according to the most conservative estimates of scientists. In ancient times, the unique gorge was the bottom of Lake Ili, which the river Charyn now reminds us of, which flows through the canyon. It is not inferior to the Grand Canyon in the United States, since there are sheer cliffs 150-300 m high and 200 m deep. During the season, its turbulent waters form a powerful current, life-threatening even for experienced swimmers.