With so many stunning canyons around Kyrgyzstan, I have decided to visit Skazka Canyon as my first-ever canyon destination. Coming from Karakol, I even took a bold move of just hopping into a marshrutka to explore Skazka Canyon as a solo female traveler with no plans at all. Is it 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 or Duet Hostel in Karakol
- Beginner-Friendly Hike: Ala-Archa Hike to Ratsek Hut or Kol-Tor Lake Hike
- 4000-er Hike: Komsomolets Peak
- Sightseeing: Burana Tower, Kok Moinok 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 Skazka Canyon? When is the best time to visit?
Skazka Canyon, known as Fairytale Canyon, is a beautiful natural landscape on the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. The word Skazka means 'fairytale' in the Russian language, which fits the whimsical vibe and colors of the canyon.
I visited during Spring 2022 (early May 2022), and the weather couldn't be more perfect for me. It wasn't cold, and it wasn't too warm either.
Though it’s possible to visit year-round, it seems that high temperatures and weather conditions are also vital. 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). Access may still be allowed, but 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 Skazka Canyon from Karakol or Bishkek:
Depending on your base location, budget, and time, there are several ways to go to Skazka Canyon:
- Convenience & Comfort: The fastest and most convenient way to reach Skazka Canyons is by hiring a taxi or arranging a private car with a driver/guide who knows the route. You don't need to hire a 4WD, and a sedan can easily go up to the base of the canyon. Unfortunately, I haven't tried this yet, so I have no idea about the costs.
- Straightforward & Easiest: By far, the most straightforward way of visiting Skazka Canyon is by joining group tours. With this option, you will probably see nearby attractions for the price and itinerary of one. You may reach out to the recommended tour operators in Kyrgyzstan below.
- Budget-Friendly Way: For budget travelers, like me, the cheapest option to reach Skazka Canyon is by taking a shared taxi or a marshrutka from Bishkek or Karakol. Make sure that the marshrutka is driving along the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul and ask the driver to drop you off at the canyon. From the main road, you can easily walk to the canyon for about 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace.
Budget-Friendly Way Experience towards Skazka Canyon
Of all the options above, I took the budget-friendly way all by myself as a solo female traveler. Fortunately, Kyrgyzstan is a destination where safety for females is a concern (unless you don't use common sense and attract violence).
Coming from my hostel in Karakol (Duet Hostel), I took the widely-used marshrutka (a shared minivan), which is the locals' way of traveling from one place to another, from the South Bus Station in Karakol.
The drive was a scenic journey along the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul, passing by stretch after stretch of plains while the farmers were tending their crops. We also passed by small towns where small kids were happily walking on their way to school. Last but not least, I had a glimpse of the bluest color of the famous Issyk-Kul Lake while playing with a Kyrgyz girl during the drive.
Going back to Karakol was where the adventure began. The Russian traveler I met in Skazka Canyon and I waited for a marshrutka, but none came our way. He then decided to help me find a hitchhike to my desired destination, which was super easy.
Travel Costs to Skazka Canyon & Tour Operators:
As a budget traveler, I know how every cost matters. Here are the costs I spent during my visit to the Skazka Canyon back in May 2022:
- Public Transportation (Marshrutka) Cost - SOM 150.00 (expect price increase)
- Entrance Fee - SOM 50.00 (expect price increase)
- Hitch-hiking cost* - SOM 200.00.
*While hitchhiking is supposed to be a free ride, you are expected to share (or pay) a fair amount in Central Asia. Every passing car instantly becomes a taxi in this situation, so if you are not paying, inform the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings.
If you prefer a more convenient way, you may reach out to my recommended contact person & local tour operators based in Bishkek:
📌 Recommended Contact in Kyrgyzstan:
👤 Ms. Nuri - she arranged our driver/guide to visit Kok Moinok Canyon!
📱 +996-500-205030
🔗 Facebook Profile
📌 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!)
Highlights of Skazka Canyon & What to Expect:
While entering the canyon, either by foot or by car, you won't see much apart from the reddish-brown soil and the low shrubs all around.
As you walk further in, you will come to an open area used as a parking lot, and this is the last point reachable by car. There's only a small hut to sit and rest in 2022, but there may be new facilities now.
From here, it's the start of the climb to the viewpoints. There are several viewpoints to choose from, and I only climbed the closest one to us. Fortunately, I met a Russian traveler who was able to ask a Kyrgyz man for some advice on where to go. So the three of us climbed the viewpoint together.
At the very top of the only viewpoint that we've been to, it was already breathtaking. It couldn't compare to all the photos I've seen on the Internet when I was planning the trip. Seeing the canyon in front of me sent me into a state of euphoria. All I could muster was 'Wow!' whenever I turned my head.
Some sections have a wall-like structure, while another one has a wall with unusual sculptures.
Other ridges have clear pathways that one can easily follow if one decides to walk to the other viewpoints. The viewpoints are marked well in Maps.me, as well as a reference.
With its variety of colors (depending on sunlight, time of day, and angle), certain parts of the canyon truly evoke a whimsical vibe. Hues of brown, orange, red, yellow, and pink coexist simultaneously.
Final Thoughts on my visit to Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan:
Despite the long travel time and short time spent, visiting Skazka Canyon is one of my favorite trips in Kyrgyzstan so far (even after coming 5 times already). This is when I realized, there's more to Kyrgyzstan than just hiking and the nomad culture. There's so much more, and that's for me to explore next time around.
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