After failing to get tickets for the newly added VIP cabins on the Bishkek–Balykchy train, we decided to visit and explore Kok Moinok Canyons — a striking landscape of reddish rock formations just 3 hours from Bishkek. Often compared to the famous Fairytale Canyon (Skazka Canyon) near Issyk-Kul, Kok Moinok Canyons is one natural wonder you shouldn't miss in Kyrgyzstan. But is it really worth the trip? Let’s find out!
💡 Want more inspiration in Kyrgyzstan? Click on these posts and start exploring!
- Visa Guides: E-Visa & Visa on Arrival
- Transportation between Airport & Bishkek: Several Ways to Go to Bishkek from Manas Airport
- Border Crossing Guide: Almaty to Bishkek by Public Bus (Ak-Zhol Border)
- Hostel Recommendation: People Hostel in Baitik Baatyr Street
- Beginner-Friendly Hike: Ala-Archa Hike to Ratsek Hut or Kol-Tor Lake Hike
- 4000-er Hike: Komsomolets Peak
- Sightseeing: Burana Tower, Skazka Canyon, Jeti Oguz, and Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan
- Banya Experience(s): Bath of Aphrodite by Baytur, Zhirgal Banya, and Garden Spa
- Travel Story: Four Seasons of Kyrgyzstan
What's in Kok Moinok Canyon? When is the best time to visit?
Tucked along the Bishkek-Issyk Kul Road (A365) is a stunning natural wonder: Kok Moinon Canyon. Known for its distinct reddish (sometimes orange-hued) cliffs, this relatively small canyon is packed with incredible natural sculptures that are visible even from a distance.
Considered a hidden gem, Kok Moinok Canyon is best experienced on foot. After driving past the nearby village, you’ll need to hike inside to truly appreciate its beauty. Inside the canyon, winding paths and narrow passages lead to different gorges, all framed by towering cliffs sculpted over millions of years by wind and water.
Though it’s possible to visit year-round, there’s a catch—timing matters. During my visit in July 2024, I learned that tours to ALL the local canyons were over and not available anymore due to "sedency" (a local term related to high temperatures and weather conditions).
It’s always a good idea to check with local tour operators or online forums before heading out to stay up-to-date on any seasonal restrictions or weather-related changes.
How to go to Kok Moinok Canyon from Bishkek?
Depending on your budget, time flexibility, and adventure appetite, there are a few ways to reach Kok Moinok Canyons. Here are a few options for you:
By Taxi or Private Car – Fastest & Most Convenient🚗
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Kok Moinok Canyons is by hiring a taxi or arranging a private car with a driver/guide who knows the route. This option usually costs around 6,000 KGS (≈70 USD) per car. While it’s not the cheapest choice, it’s perfect if you’re short on time but want to explore the canyon.
To make the most of the long drive, you can combine this trip with nearby attractions such as:
- Issyk-Kul Lake
- Konorchek Canyon
- Burana Tower
💡 Travel Tip: Arrange side trips in advance to avoid extra charges on the spot.
📌 Recommended Contact in Kyrgyzstan:
👤 Ms. Nuri
📱 +996-500-205030
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By Joining Group Tours – Budget Option 🚌
If you’re on a budget, don’t worry — several group tours run from Bishkek, and you can join according to your schedule. Many of these tours include optional side trips to Konorchek Canyon and/or Issyk-Kul Lake, which you can choose based on your preferences.
📌 Recommended Tour Operators in Kyrgyzstan:
🚌 InTourists – popular for day trips and multi-stop tours
🚐 Kettik KG – private or small group options available
🎒 KG Country – adventure-style group tours (hiking tours are also available!)
We almost joined KG Country twice, but unfortunately couldn’t due to cancellations and scheduling conflicts. I haven’t personally joined any tours from these operators yet, but these three are currently the most popular group tour options in Bishkek.
By Train to Balykchy (Regular or VIP Cabins!) – Slow & Scenic 🚂
If you're a fan of slow travel and enjoy a bit of adventure, you can also reach Kok Moinok Canyon by a scenic train in Kyrgyzstan. From Bishkek, catch train No. 608 to Balykchy (the train station is named Рыбачье) at 07:45 AM (schedule as of August 2025).
Once you arrive in Balykchy, you can hire a taxi or arrange a private car to take you to Kok Moinok Canyons. After exploring, feel free to either explore Issyk-Kul or head back to Bishkek. Train No. 609 departs at 18:44 (06:44 PM) to bring you back to Bishkek (schedule as of August 2025).
Train Fares (August 2025 rates):
- Standard adult ticket: From 60 KGS (cash) / 40 KGS (card)
- Children 5–10 years: From 30 KGS (cash) / 20 KGS (card)
- VIP carriages: From 1,000–7,200 KGS, depending on type
Make sure to book early as tickets sell out quickly. The train runs only during the summer months, from June to August.
Kok Moinok Canyon Details:
- Pin Location: Kok Moinok Canyons
- Journey Duration: 3 hours per way (Bishkek-Kok Moinok-Bishkek)
- Walk/Hike Duration: 30-40 mins per way, depending on your pace
- Facilities Available: 1-person toilet (only a toilet bowl and no sink/water source)
What to Bring:
To make the most of your journey, make sure you're well prepared. Here are a few essentials to pack before you start your adventure:
- Wet Wipes or Paper Tissues – Just in case! Hygiene is key when you're out in the wild.
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses – The sun can be unforgiving in these parts. Protect yourself!
- Snacks & Hydration – Keep your energy up during the hike and long drive.
- Camera – You’ll want to capture the surreal beauty of Kok Moinok Canyon.
- Walking Sticks – Great for extra support during the hike, especially on rocky paths.
- Sturdy Footwear – Comfortable shoes with a strong grip are a must for the canyon’s uneven terrain.
Highlights & What To Expect in Kok Moinok:
From a distance, Kok Moinok Canyon is already an awe-inspiring sight. But for those with the energy to explore further, the canyon’s true beauty unfolds. It's no surprise that this place is considered one of Kyrgyzstan’s hidden gems.
The path into the canyon is relatively easy to walk, with winding, sometimes narrow passages that lead you deeper into the landscape. Some trails might end in a dead end, but no worries — simply retrace your steps and enjoy the journey back.
As you venture further in, the canyon’s shapes, curves, and textures become even more mesmerizing. The color of the rock shifts depending on the sunlight and time of day, transitioning from orange to brown to rich reds, giving it a constantly changing, almost magical quality.
If you’re lucky (and observant), keep an eye out for birds nesting in the canyon’s hollowed-out walls. These small caves offer perfect homes for them to rest and thrive.
There are several cliffs and viewpoints to choose from, each offering a unique perspective of the canyon. While some of these climbs can be slippery, wearing sturdy footwear with good grip will keep you safe and comfortable.
One of the highlights is the main viewpoint, often referred to as the ‘Cathedral’ or the ‘Eiffel Tower’ by guides, due to the striking pointed rock formation that stands tall in the center of the canyon, surrounded by sculpted walls. No matter where you stand, prepare to be blown away by the jaw-dropping landscape before you.
Final Thoughts on my visit to Kok Moinok Canyon in Kyrgyzstan:
Our driver/guide asked me if this was my first canyon in Kyrgyzstan; it wasn't — my first was in Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon). He asked me then a comparison of whether Kok Moinok Canyon is more beautiful than the other.
Unfortunately, I struggled to express with my limited Russian skills that both canyons are equally beautiful and mesmerizing. Even the massive and deep Grand Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan is NOT comparable.
Kok Moinok Canyon is truly a hidden gem and deserves a spot on your Kyrgyzstan itinerary. It's a must-visit for those who love dramatic landscapes, rock formations, and outdoor adventures. However, note that the drive from Bishkek is long, so it’s not ideal for a quick day trip unless you’re combining it with visits to nearby attractions.
That said, if you’re in the area or planning a broader exploration of Issyk-Kul or beyond, Kok Moinok Canyon is absolutely worth the detour.
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