Kyrgyzstan is one of, if not the most beautiful country I’ve ever laid eyes on. I don’t say this easily, with Norway, Japan and Iceland each punching for top spot!
This small but towering country located in Central Asia has so much going for it. So much so, it’s hard to pick a topic or specific attraction to focus on because I simply don’t know where to start. It’s all so magical. However, I’ve done some prioritising and one of the places that I want to show you is Skazka Canyon, also fittingly named Fairy Tale Canyon.
First, let me talk in general about Kyrgyzstan. It’s hard to believe a landlocked country this small can also feel so expansive and endless. There are so many features within nature that have such monumentality that you have to see it to believe it.
It’s a realm comprising almost entirely of mountains, and this isn’t just a figure of speech: the Tien Shan mountain range covers approximately 95% of the whole territory.
Yet when I look through my site, I’ve written only two articles about the country, though this one about Skazka Canyon does take it up to a grand total of three! Still, it’s a number which hardly reflects the many beautiful places I visited nor the memories I count among some of life’s most cherished.
In some ways, I think I’m afraid my words won’t give justice to its beauty, so the perfectionist in me puts off posting anything altogether, despite being able to reel off a hundred reasons why you should visit. However, I want to help get the word out about Kyrgyzstan’s captivating landscape. Tourism is still relatively low, but it’s slowly growing and rightfully so.
Also, when words fail, I have my photos from the trip, which probably do a better job at showing you why a trip to Kyrgyzstan is a must for any nature and adventure lover!
A geological dreamscape
Skazka has been coined Fairy Tale Canyon for a reason. Home to a landscape of towering red sandstone cliffs, whimsically shaped rock formations, and vibrant colours that look straight out of a storybook.
Skazka Canyon’s story begins with the deposition of sedimentary layers over millions of years. The region was once covered by shallow seas, rivers, and lakes, which deposited layers of sand, silt, and clay.
Geological activity, including tectonic uplift, gradually raised the sedimentary layers above sea level, forming the foundation of what would later become Skazka Canyon.
The primary sculptor of Skazka is erosion, driven primarily by wind and water. Over time, windblown sand and abrasive particles have carved away at the soft sandstone, creating intricate patterns, arches, and spires that you see today. Isn’t Mother Nature the greatest artist of all?
How to get to Skazka Canyon
Skazka Canyon is located in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. Journey along the south shore of Issyk Kul, and you will find it situated between the villages of Tosor and Kaji-Say.
It’s one of the most popular attractions in the area, but before you start thinking about crowds of tourists, being popular in Kyrgyzstan does not mean the same thing as being popular in the likes of England, France or Germany.
In a country that is still very much off the beaten-path, a tourist attraction equates to sharing a large space with a mere handful of visitors at a time.
I recommend anyone visiting Kyrgyzstan for the first time to stay around Issyk-Kul (it’s one of the world’s largest lakes), as there’s a lot to see and activities to enjoy, including a trip to Skazka Canyon.
I stayed in a secluded yurt on the southern shores of Issyk-Kul Lake nearby a village called Ak-Say. It’s called Feel Nomad Yurt Camp and I highly recommend staying there! By taxi it took me approximately 1-hour to get to Skazka.
If you’re staying in Karakol, the administrative capital of the Issyk-Kul region, it will take approximately 1h 30 min by car. Alternatively from Karakol, it’s possible to take a marshrutka (minibus) #315 or #310 from Southern Bus Station towards Bokonbayevo and tell the driver to drop you off at Skazka Canyon. It takes about 1,45 hours each way.
From the capital city, Bishkek, it is approximately a 4-hour drive.
For budget-conscious travellers, you’ll be pleased to know that taxis are very cheap in Kyrgyzstan. It’s how I travelled around the country.
Read more → What’s Sleeping in a Yurt Really Like?
What to expect from your visit
- Surreal Rock Formations: As you enter Fairy Tale Canyon, you’ll be greeted by a landscape of towering red sandstone cliffs and whimsically shaped rock formations. Wind and water erosion have sculpted the rocks into otherworldly shapes, earning the canyon its nickname. The cliffs and canyon ridges resemble mythical creatures like a dragon’s back and others look like animals and castles. In many ways, these anthropomorphic shapes reminded me of Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan, though on a smaller scale.
- Vibrant Colors: The sandstone cliffs of Skazka Canyon come alive with vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ever-changing play of light and shadow adds to the canyon’s enchanting atmosphere.
- Exploration and Hiking: Fairy Tale Canyon is a paradise for hikers and adventurers. You can explore the canyon on foot, wandering along its winding trails and discovering hidden alcoves, narrow passages, and breathtaking viewpoints out toward Issyk-Kul Lake. I recommend wearing hiking boots. I wore trainers but the soles weren’t very good for scrambling up the various terrain.
- Photography Opportunities: With its dramatic scenery and vibrant colors, the canyon offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts. Capture the surreal landscape against the backdrop of the azure lake and surrounding mountains. If you have a drone, even better, it’s a great place to use it!
Nearby attractions
- Nearby Attractions: Extend your adventure by exploring nearby attractions like Lake Issyk-Kul, Jeti-Oguz Valley, and Barskoon Waterfall. More articles on these places will follow soon!
One Response
Thankyou for sharing your insightful blog.