The park, established in 2004, aims to protect the unique geological formations of the canyon, the ecological balance of the river and desert systems, and important archaeological sites in the area.

Parts of the Charyn National Park are designated for recreational activities, drawing visitors for hiking, sightseeing, and nature observation.

The Charyn River at this point runs southwest to northeast through arid foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains 30 km to the south.

The ash groves in the park, which cover only about 5,000 hectares (50 km2), can withstand wide swings in salinity and dryness in the floodplain soils.

[6] Scientists in the park have recorded 32 species of mammals, 18 of reptiles, 4 of amphibians, 100 of birds, and over 1,000 plants, 50 of which are rare or endemic.