One of many prime locations to go to in Kyrgyzstan is Fairytale Canyon, a beautiful panorama showcasing multi-colored rock formations and strikingly eroded sandstone cliffs that create an otherworldly environment.
Additionally known as Skazka Canyon, the surreal setting is how Fairytale Canyon will get its identify, because the rock formations usually resemble mythological creatures and castles. Taking it in, you are feeling such as you’re on one other planet!
Personally, it was one in all my favourite locations I visited. And as one in all Kyrgyzstan’s prime sights, I extremely suggest including this to your itinerary.
Prepared to go to one of the vital stunning locations in Central Asia? Proceed studying to study concerning the historical past and legends surrounding Fairytale Canyon, plus essential suggestions for visiting!
Quick on time? Listed here are some prime Kyrgyzstan suggestions: Lodge: Bell Tam Seaside Yurt Camp is a cushty and stylish camp on Issyk-Kul Lake that’s about 40 minutes away Multi-Day Kyrgyzstan Tour Operator: Go to AlayRecommended Fairytale Canyon Excursions from Bishkek:–2-Day Tour to Issyk-Kul Lake with Canyons & Waterfalls–5-Day Pure Wonders of Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul & Chon-Kemin Tour–10-Day Nomads, Legacy & Nature Tour of Kyrgyzstan Journey Insurance coverage: SafetyWing (budget-friendly) & World Nomads (sturdy); for those who’re trekking, think about World Rescue, which presents air evacuation providers in addition to a journey insurance coverage add-on. Staying Related: Saily eSIM (get 5% off with code jessie5)
Fairytale Canyon Location
Fairytale Canyon is situated on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan and is well accessible from the primary freeway, simply 125 kilometers (78 miles) east of Balykchy and 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Tosor village.
Moreover, it’s a preferred cease for these touring between Karakol Metropolis and Bokonbaevo Village or Tune Kul Lake, that are additionally a few of Kyrgyzstan prime sights to not miss.
Having fun with the fantastic thing about Kyrgyzstan’s Fairytale Canyon. Picture through Jessie Festa.
Visiting Fairytale Canyon Logistics:
Entry: 50 som per individual
Hours: Daybreak till nightfall
Attending to Fairytale Canyon: Click on right here for a Google Map location, although it’s also possible to merely put “Fairytale Canyon” into Google Maps and it’ll populate
Path Map: Here’s a map showcasing the path by means of Fairytale Canyon and the varied viewpoints you may need to take a look at. You’ll additionally see this check in individual if you go to Fairytale Canyon:
Highlights Of Fairytale Canyon Skazka
Love climbing? As you may see on the map on the prime, there’s a climbing path inside the canyon that connects quite a few viewpoints. These embody:
Fortress. This placing rock formation resembles the turrets and battlements of an historical fortress.
Colourful Hills. Right here you’ll see a sequence of vividly hued slopes that show a surprising array of reds, yellows, and oranges, due to the mineral-rich soils and sediments.
Lovely views from the Colourful Hills viewpoint. Picture through Jessie Festa.
Panorama. This Fairytale Canyon viewpoint presents a sweeping and unobstructed view of your entire Fairytale Canyon, permitting you to completely recognize the fantastic thing about the layered rock formations and colourful hills surrounding you.
Chinese language Wall. It is a lengthy, slender rock formation that stretches throughout a part of the canyon and is harking back to the enduring Nice Wall of China.
Chinese language Wall at Fairytale Canyon. Picture through Jessie Festa.
How Fairytale Canyon Skazka Was Fashioned
No Kyrgyzstan itinerary could be full with out visiting. Why? Effectively, the primary cause Fairytale Canyon is without doubt one of the prime Kyrgyzstan vacationer sights is because of its distinctive panorama.
Formed by wind, water, solar, and tectonic uplifts, it’s made up of distinctive crimson Neogene sediments remodeled right into a fairytale-like surroundings shrouded in thriller and fantasy.
The landforms, consisting of clay and sand, are simply reshaped by pure erosion and are consistently evolving. Which means that for those who go to Fairytale Canyon at this time, it could look very totally different for those who return in 10 years!
Even this unofficial viewpoint close to the parking zone of Fairytale Canyon is gorgeous. Picture through Jessie Festa.
Legend Of Fairytale Canyon Skazka
With such a fairytale-like environment, it’s no shock that this Kyrgyzstan attraction additionally has a legend connected.
Archeological proof means that the Issyk Kul basin was as soon as dwelling to a couple highly effective cities.
In accordance with the legend, in one in all these cities lived an attractive younger lady. An enormous crimson dragon fell in love along with her, however she didn’t reciprocate his emotions.
Angered, the dragon vowed to drown the cities within the valley. Each evening, he tried to attract water from the native wells utilizing his magic. The locals, nonetheless, lined the wells with golden lids to dam his spells.
One evening, the younger lady forgot to cowl her nicely, permitting the dragon to flood your entire valley and create the lake.
Enchanted by the lake’s magnificence, the dragon lay down on the southern shore, turning into rocks—which, based on the legend, is how Fairytale Canyon got here to be!
As a nod to this folklore, close to the parking zone, there’s a present store space the place you may take pictures in warrior apparel and sit in a Sport of Thrones-esque chair for a small price (100 som).
You possibly can’t escape the wonder at Fairytale Canyon Skazka. Picture through Jessie Festa.
Ideas For Visiting Fairytale Canyon Skazka
With a purpose to have the very best expertise attainable exploring Fairytale Canyon Kyrgyzstan, there are some essential suggestions to remember:
Put on climbing boots. It’s really helpful to put on climbing boots with treads, because the terrain may be very slippery. Even for those who’re simply going to at least one vantage level, such because the gorgeous Colourful Hills Viewpoint, you’ll must go up and down a really slippery and rocky path. Whereas there, I noticed a number of folks try and get to the highest and quit as it may be a bit scary.
Convey trekking poles. For a similar cause that you simply’ll need to put on climbing boots, trekking poles may help maintain you sturdy.
You don’t need to hike excessive for wonderful views. In the event you’re apprehensive about how slippery the canyon is, notice that you simply don’t need to hike to an official viewpoint to benefit from the wonderful surroundings. Even simply strolling a bit up from the parking zone will get you nice views!
Take into account visiting Fairytale Canyon at sundown. To kick the epic views up a notch, go to at sundown to see your entire panorama forged in an array of colours.
Convey bathroom paper and a face masks. The onsite bathrooms are smelly pit bathrooms, so that you’ll need to carry your individual bathroom paper and hand sanitizer. I additionally suggest having a masks with a drop of important oil or spray on it to masks the odor.
Mix your go to with close by sights. My prime choose could be Barskoon Waterfall. You possibly can merely hike to the primary stage for a brief and scenic hike, or go all the way in which to the highest for one thing tougher.
Posing on the prime of the Barskoon Waterfall Path, a 45-minute drive from Fairytale Canyon. Picture through Jessie Festa.
Discover Fairytale Canyon Skazka By 360* Video
Need a extra immersive have a look at what Fairytale Canyon in Kyrgyzstan really appears like? Try this video shot with the Insta360 x4:
Have you ever visited Fairytale Canyon in Kyrgyzstan?