Issyk-Kul Region
Skazka "Fairytale" Canyon earns its name from the strange, sculpted red and orange rock formations that erosion has carved into shapes locals compare to castles, animals and dragons. It sits on Issyk-Kul's quieter southern shore and makes for an easy, photogenic stop of an hour or two rather than a full day, often combined with a swim in the lake nearby.
Best season: Year-round; spring and autumn light suits photography best
Nine days through Son-Kul, Kel-Suu and Issyk-Kul, with yurt stays, horseback riding, a lake hike, canyons, a waterfall and an eagle hunting demonstration.
A five-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore, with canyon walks, an eagle hunting demonstration, horseback riding to a waterfall and a mountain stay at Altyn-Arashan.
A 7-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure featuring Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, Kok-Jaiyk and Altyn-Arashan, with horseback riding, canyon visits and an adaptable Ala-Kul mountain excursion.
A 10-day group adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s alpine lakes, remote valleys and nomadic regions, with horseback excursions, a high-altitude hike and yurt stays.
A five-day winter journey from Bishkek through Chon-Kemin and the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol, combining horseback riding, an eagle-hunting demonstration, winter scenery and a day for skiing or snowboarding.
An 8-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure combining horseback journeys to Song-Kol, a trek to Kel-Suu, village hospitality, canyon walks and the Altyn-Arashan mountains.
