Skazka Canyon, also known as the Fairy Tale Canyon, lies on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is an amazing place with stunning rocky landscape, bizarre rock formations in ever changing colors. Actually the word “Skazka” means “fairy tale” in Russian. The Skazka Canyon was formed over millions of years of erosion. The rocky breathtaking landscape was sculptured by the wind and rain into some amazing sculptures and formations. Some of them resemble animals, people, dragons, castles and even The Great Wall of China. But for locals, the Skazka Canyon holds a legend that was formed by a dragon turned into stone.

Skazka Canyon - The Great Wall of China
“The Great Wall of China”
Skazka Canyon - The castle
“The castle”

How to Get to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon?

Visiting Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon can be challenging for some people who don’t speak Russian and don’t use Cyrillic. For me and my friends was very easy to get there as we use Cyrillic in Bulgaria. However, Skazka Canyon is located about halfway between Karakol and Balykchy. It is easy to get to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon by both public transport or a private taxi.

If you are coming from Karakol, 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. The tickets costs 150 Kyrgyz Som (€1.5) each way. Alternatively, walk to the main road A363 and catch a shared taxi, and you can negotiate for the price.

Skazka Canyon Sign
Skazka Canyon Sign

Once you get to the sign Skazka Canyon you will need to walk 2.2 kilometres along the dirt road to the actual canyon. The entrance fee is 50 Kyrgyz Som (€0.50), cash only.

Visiting Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon in Kyrgyzstan
Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon

Exploring Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon

Exploring Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon was one of my favorite things to do in Kyrgyzstan. Skazka Canyon is a perfect day trip destination from either Karakol, Bokonbayevo or Tosor. The canyon could be easily explored on foot in a couple of hours. We spent about 2,5-3 hours there, walking, climbing and taking pictures.

Issyk Kul Lake Kyrgyzstan
Issyk Kul Lake

However, you can explore wherever you want, there are no signs or specific route. You will be absolutely amazed by the colorful, rocky landscape.

View over the Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan
View over the Skazka Canyon
Visiting Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon in Kyrgyzstan
Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon
Visiting Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon in Kyrgyzstan
Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon
Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon
Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon

Best Time to Visit Skazka Canyon

Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon can be visited any time of the year. The best months to visit are May, June and September. The summer months are also a good option, but it can be very hot. We went there in the beginning of September and it was very hot and dry.

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