Tucked within the impressive white peaks of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountain range, is a stunning desert-like, red rock canyon reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. This is Konorchek Canyon, also known as Suluu-Terek. Created around 2 million years ago, it’s composed mostly of red sandstone and clay from the mostly dry rivers Komorchek and Suluu-Terek (Sulyterek). It’s not well-known, or easy to find, but definitely worth the effort. An afternoon trekking along these majestic formations makes a great day trip from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, or other cities near Issyk Kul Lake. Konorchek Canyon The hike into the canyon to see the red rock formations is relatively easy, with little elevation, except for…

Visiting Fairy Tale Canyon, also known as Skazka Canyon, is one of my favorite places in Kyrgyzstan. I highly recommended it. Especially late on a sunny afternoon when the fantastical rock formations here take on a red glow from the setting sun. It can be a little challenging to get to if you don’t know how. To help, I’ve created this guide to help you get here and enjoy this fun little canyon by Issyk Kul lake. Visiting Fairy Tale, or Skazka, Canyon This canyon, also called ‘Skazka’ Canyon (Каньон “Сказка”), means ‘Fairy Tale Canyon’ in Russian. It gets its name from the fantasy-like shapes carved into the red sandstone…

You become mesmerized by the snow-covered peaks of the Tian Shan mountains towering behind the city of Bishkek from the first moment you see them. At least I did. If the same holds true for you, you’ll be glad to know that you can actually hike them. In fact, visiting Ala-Archa National Park in Kyrgyzstan, is not only one of the top things to do in Bishkek, it’s one of the top things to do in Kyrgyzstan. 18 miles (30 km) south of Bishkek, this park provides stunning beauty, as well as relief from the dusty, hot city. Read on to learn how to get from Bishkek to Ala-Archa National…

Learn the top things to see and do in Bishkek, the capital and largest city in under-the-radar, breathtakingly beautiful Kyrgyzstan, a former key trade route on the ancient Silk Road. Bishkek is located in northern Kyrgyzstan at the base of the Kyrgyz Range of the Ala-Too Mountains, which will amaze you from many locations. This region is full of snow-capped mountains, awe-inspiring glaciers, and stunning, turquoise-hued alpine lakes. It’s the perfect city to use a base to explore top sites, full of many cafes and restaurants, friendly locals, and a variety of places to stay. Plus it’s great place to get to experience the local culture. And although this bustling…

Burana Tower, in Kyrgyzstan, is one of the country’s most fascinating historical remains left standing. In fact, it’s one of the oldest architectural constructions of Central Asia and an open-air museum. A glimpse back in time to when this area was a booming capital of the great Karakhanid Empire, which ruled Central Asia from the 9th-13th century. It was a cultural, academic, and spiritual center, and a stop for thousands of caravans along the great Silk Road. Located 50 miles (80 km) east of Bishkek, this stop makes a relatively easy day trip to learn more about Kyrgyzstan’s history, its role in the Silk Road, and imagine the fusion of…