The Skazka canyon or the fairytale canyon is about 1,5-2 km long reddish rock formation at the south side of Issyk kul in Kyrgyzstan. The peculiar forms of the rocks have been slowly created by the erosion of wind and rain resulting in imaginative forms. To have the best out of it it’s best to visit a little bit later in the summer evening to see how the shadows and light change the looks of different formations. If you go during midday or afternoon remember to bring enough water and a hat to cover you from the sun. The air can get very dry and hot in the canyon and the sun reflecting from the bright colored rocks makes it even more hot inside the canyon area.

If you climb a little higher within the rocks you can also have a good view of Issyk Kul and if you are lucky to have a less hazy moment you can see the snow capped mountains of Kungey Ala too range at the northern side of Issyk Kul. The nearest places to the parking place are seen in one – two hours but you can spend more time by trekking further to the east to see more intriguing formations in the less populated areas and a dried riverbed. Some of the formations remind animals, people or fantasy creatures and some parts are like the Great wall of China that you can walk along and have a peek from the holes in the walls.