Fairy Tale (Skazka) Canyon

Skazka Canyon, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul near the village of Tosor, is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most famous natural attractions. Thousands of visitors come here every year, and for good reason: the area is truly remarkable for its diversity and unique geological formations. Strictly speaking, Skazka is not really a canyon in the traditional sense, since that term usually refers to a deep valley carved by a single stream or river. Here, however, you will find an entire labyrinth of water-eroded gullies, along with the “Great Wall,” bizarre sandstone formations, and spectacular panoramic views of Issyk-Kul. By the way, if you're looking for a place to stay on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, we have an excellent recommendation.

Getting to Skazka Canyon is fairly straightforward. Drive from Balykchy along the highway that follows the southern shore of Issyk-Kul until you reach the turnoff to Kaji-Say. Continue straight without turning toward Kaji-Say and drive approximately 15 km farther along the lakeshore. A useful landmark is the small Lake Karakol on the right-hand side of the road (see the last photo). Shortly after the lake, turn onto a dirt road and continue for about three more kilometers. There is an entrance fee, so it is advisable to carry some cash.

A walk through Skazka Canyon involves only modest elevation changes and does not require significant physical effort. However, sturdy footwear with good traction is highly recommended. Trekking poles can be useful, although many visitors manage without them. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is virtually no shade anywhere in the canyon, and temperatures can become very high on sunny days. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen if needed. And make sure your phone or camera is fully charged — you will probably take a lot of photos.

Describing a specific route through Skazka Canyon is difficult because there is no single main trail and no definitive list of attractions. The entire area is scenic and unusual, and much of the enjoyment comes from exploring it freely. We recommend walking both west (to the right) and east (to the left) from the parking area and entrance. The “Great Wall” stretches for many hundreds of meters from east to west, but one of its most interesting sections, featuring a viewpoint on top, lies just east of the starting point.

Heading west, you may discover a dramatic fissure in the sandstone and an extensive maze of trails north of the wall. From here, it is also possible to climb to the highest part of the ridge overlooking the canyon. To the east, a long trail follows the wall and gradually becomes less convenient. It ends at a somewhat exposed viewpoint (marked as “Steep Viewpoint” on some maps), offering breathtaking views of the eastern reaches of the canyon. From this vantage point, it becomes clear that the area most frequently visited by tourists is only a small part of a much larger geological formation that extends for many kilometers along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.