Konorchek (Red Rock) Canyon | How To Visit And Hike

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 a few rocky places that you need to scramble over (so make sure to wear good shoes).

There is, however, a longer, more challenging version of this hike, deeper into the canyon, almost 7 miles (11 km) out and back. Google Konorchek Canyon AllTrails for details.

You can also download a more simplified trail map on maps.me. Download the map of Kyrgyzstan in advance, when you have wifi, then search for Konorchek and locate and pin the markers noted on the map. You can then easily trek to these locations without wifi. This option is not as fancy, but free and easy.

There are no signs within the canyon and there is rarely anyone here (especially during the week), so it’s best to try to download the information above in advance. It’s also best to put your phone in low battery mode to avoid you battery from being drained while using it (or better yet, carry a charger).

About The Trail

The start of the Konorchek canyon trail follows a mostly dried riverbed, called the Komorchek river, a tributary of the Chu river that runs along the main mountain road here. This relatively narrow path runs west from the road, or parking area noted below) 1.24 miles (2 km). After this, you will enter the canyon area.

Once you reach the canyon, the trail opens up to the beautiful red rock formations. In the heart of the canyon, you will have options to explore, or follow the longer trail noted above.

Within the canyon are also the weathered remains of an ancient volcano, Seghizhan-Shokny. Volcanos are a rare phenomenon in this area.

Be aware that in the spring, or after heavy rains, the riverbed may have higher water levels. Also realize that if you hike solo and accidentally fall, there will be no one to help you. I’m a regular hiker and rarely fall, but think I was rushing into the canyon and stumbled on some crumbly ground by the mostly dry river. Thankfully, other than being surprised by suddenly finding myself on the ground, I was fine.

With this in mind, it’s best to hike with a buddy, or at least let someone know your plans before you go.

There is currently no entrance fee.

Where Is Konorchek Canyon?

The canyon is located about 90 miles (144 km), or about 2 hours, east of the Bishkek west side bus station. It’s on the way to Isyyk-Kul lake in Boom Gorge. There’s a small sign on the side of the road (A365) that’s remarkably easy to miss with the stunning beauty of the mountains along the way. Look for the little red bridge, Krasnyy Most (Красный мост). The sign and bridge to look for is the in the photo below.

You, or your taxi, can pull off the main road and park in a small dirt area beside the road.

This post may use affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links. This is at no additional cost to you. If you find my content helpful, please consider booking through me as it is completely win win!

How To Get To Konorchek Canyon

Marshrutka From The Bishkek West Side Bus Station

A marshrutka is a type of shared (Soviet era) mini bus. A remnant of Kyrgyzstan’s former Soviet republic days. At the west side bus station in Bishkek, you will see many of these marshrutka lined up with the sign to their intended location visible. The sign will be in Russian, so download the Russian name your desired location in advance, or ask around until you find someone that speaks English.

Currently none of these marshrutka go directly to Konorchek canyon, so you need to pick one that goes past it and try to get off early.

Theoretically, since this canyon is on the way to Issyk-Kul lake, you should be able to take any marshrutka from the west side bus station that goes to the southern part of the lake. Ask to be dropped early at the Red Bridge “Krasnaya Rechka”. Some destinations to try include; Balykchy (Балыкчы), Kaji-Say (Кажы-Сай), and Karakol (Каракол). Balykchy, located on the western-most end of Issyk Kul Lake, is the closest of the three, but they all pass Konorchek.

Talk to the driver before buying your ticket and getting on the mini bus to make sure there are no misunderstandings. And be prepared with a map and all names of the canyon and area (preferably in Russian). This includes Kan’ony Konorchek (Каньоны Конорчек) and Suluu-Terek Canyon (Каньоны Сулуу-Терека). It’s also known as Red Bridge Canyon.

There is no set schedule for these marshrutka. They leave when all the seats are full. This could be 5-minutes after you arrive, an hour, or more, depending on the popularity of the route and time of day. The mini buses are small, so it really shouldn’t take too long.

Getting Back To Bishkek

The challenge with arriving via marshrutka, is that to get back to Bishkek, you will need to flag one down on the road (in the northbound direction). Since there is no set schedule, you can be waiting for a while. Also, since they generallly only travel when full, there may not be space. They may, however, let you stand in the tiny mini bus. Hitchhiking back is an option if you feel comfortable with that. For more about hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan, see How To Get Around in my Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide.

Alternatively, maybe Konorchek is just a stop along your way to Kaji-Say, Karakol, or another location on the south side of Issyk Kul lake. If so, try to wave down a marshrutka heading southbound to continue on your path after hiking.

Taxi From Bishkek

You could also arrange a taxi from Bishkek. Hiring one for several hours, so they wait while you hike, then bring you back. As this could easily be a 6-7 hour taxi ride (round trip) it could get expensive. If you can find other travelers to share the expense, it would be better. Then you’re also not hiking alone.

Taxi From Balykchy

I chose to stay a night at Balykchy, which is a small town on the western tip of Issyk-Kul lake. The canyon is about 30 miles west of Balykchy, so it’s convenient to take a taxi from. To get to Balykchy, I took a marshrutka from the Bishkek west side bus station. This was about 3 USD. The place I stayed at is called Tian-Shan Guesthouse, which was very inexpensive and comfortable.

Just note that there is not much to the town. I saw a small grocery store and a gas station, but not much more, so make sure to bring a few essentials with you.

I found a taxi outside my hostel and hired him to take me there, wait while I hiked, then bring me back for 500 SOM (about 7 USD). Yes, I probably way overpaid, but it was worth it to me. Honestly, he turned out to be a fantastic guy, even though I could not speak Russian and he didn’t speak English. Of course, you can do this from any city on Issyk Kul lake if you are staying there.

The distance from Kaji-Say to Konorchek is about 2 hours (about the same distance as Bishkek). Karakol is over 3 hours away on the east side of Issyk Kul lake.

My Taxi Ride

As typical here, even my simple taxi ride to the canyon was an experience in itself. First, I quickly realized that my driver had no idea where it was. He kept gesturing to random places that looked like paths on the side of the road.

I pulled up the location on maps.me and we tracked towards it. This helped a little, but I think his eyesight was also bad as it didn’t seem like he could see the details on my app.

Some police were on the side of the road (having pulled someone over), so he stopped to ask them. When he got back into the car, he thought he knew where to go, but no. I saw the sign as he passed it. I yelled and pointed and he did a U turn on the highway.

He was a character though, with 4 silver front teeth. He chattered in Russian the whole way, even though neither of us could understand the other. Oh, and we also drove the wrong way on the freeway for a while as a section was closed and we missed the turn back. We had to drive backwards to get back to it! Anyway, don’t expect this to be an easy process.

I will say that I felt completely safe with him. In fact, every taxi driver I had seemed to be very nice, genuine people.

Taxi From Tokmok

Another option is to take a marshrutka from the East side bus station in Bishkek to Tokmok, then hire a taxi to take you to Konorchek (about an hour). The advantage of this option is that it will be easier to catch a marshrutka back to Bishkek from Tokmok as there’s a formal bus station here. Ask the driver to stay and wait for you while you hike in the canyon.

If you choose to do this, consider adding on Burana Tower, which is about a 15-minute drive from Tokmok.

Other Options For Visiting Konorchek Canyon

If you don’t want the hassle of figuring out how to get to Konorchek Canyon on your own, there are a few tour options. I recommend this full day trip: From History to Nature: Burana Tower & Trekking Konorchek Canyon. You will be picked up from your hotel in Bishkek before visiting Burana Tower and learning its fascinating Silk Road history, then drive to Konorchek Canyon to hike its trails. The two are only about an hour drive apart, so perfect to do together.

Or, if you want all the great stuff around Issyk Kul Lake, select The ultimate 5 day voyage around Issyk Kul lake. This tour, which also picks you up from your hotel includes Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon, Grigoriev Gorge, horseback riding in Chen-Kevin National Park, Karakol, Jeti Oguz, Fairy Tale Canyon, a cruise (and possibly a swim) on Issyk-Kul Lake, a stay in a traditional yurt on the coast of the lake, and more. It really hits all the top spots!

If that’s too much, opt for the 3-Day Private Tour Around Issyk Kul Lake. It still hits many of the top spots around the lake as well as Fairy Tale Canyon. There’s also a 2 Days Best of Kyrgyz Canyons, which takes you to Fairy Tale Canyon, Konorchek Canyon, Ak-Sai Canyon, and Burana Tower.

The Kyrgyzstan mountaineering group called the Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan also organizes hiking trips here. I suggest contacting them prior to arrival to get their schedule of hikes.

Where To Stay In Bishkek

If you’re making your base in Bishkek, I’ve listed several places that are centrally located and highly rated. The place where I stayed is no longer in business.

Shoestring

• Izzzi Hostel  gets stellar reviews and is centrally located. There are lockers in the dorms and privacy panels on the beds.

Budget

• AURA on Kievskaya, 168 is a simple, but highly rated apartment that’s centrally located about a 20-minute walk west of Ala Too Square. There’s a full sized bed and kitchen.
• Bishkek Promenade is a centrally located apartment with 1 bedroom (full sized bed) and a kitchen that gets great reviews. It’s a 10-minute walk west of Ala Too Square.
• Logvinenko Apartment is a 1 bedroom apartment has a terrace with city views and a kitchen. It gets great reviews and is located about a 10-minute walk north of Ala Too Square.
• Brand New One Bedroom Apartment With Amazing View is a cozy bedroom apartment with a kitchen and balcony with amazing view. This one does not have many reviews yet, but the few it does have are very positive. It’s located about 10 to 15-minute walk east of Ala Too Square.

Affordable

• If you want something more grand, Orion Hotel is a 5-star hotel located about  a 15 to 20-minute walk south of Ala Too Square. 

Where To Stay In Balykchy

Balykchy is a small town on the western tip of Issyk-Kul lake. Konorchek canyon is only about 30 miles west of Balykchy, making it a great place to spend a night if you want more time to explore the Canyon. Especially if you want to explore more of the are around Issyk Kul Lake, like Fairytale Canyon.

• As noted above, I stayed in Tian-Shan Guesthouse, which has a shared lounge, garden, and BBQ area. All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. A continental breakfast is available daily at the guesthouse.
• Guesthouse Oimo is another option. It also features a shared lounge, a terrace, a garden, and a continental breakfast.

Both of these options are in the shoestring budget range and are very affordable.

Want To See More Of Kyrgyzstan?

With its stunning snow-capped mountains, brilliant alpine lakes, verdant forests, and lush, grassy steppes, Kyrgyzstan is full of jaw-dropping beauty. There’s tons to see and do here.

Not far from Konorchek Canyon is Burana Tower. the only remnant of a once impressive city on the ancient Silk Road.

Further west, on the southern side of a Issyk Kul Lake, is another beautiful canyon called Fairy Tale Canyon. It’s full of fantastical shapes carved by hundreds of centuries of water and wind.

If you’re staying in Bishkek (which you probably are), read about Top 22 Things To Do in Bishkek.

Even if you’re not into trekking, a visit to Ala Arch National Park is a must do. These stunning mountains contain a variety of trails from beginner to advanced and are also perfect for just a very scenic picnic.

Safe Travels!

Julie

If you’ve visited Konorchek Canyon in Kyrgyzstan, please add a comment on your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

To learn more about me and my philosophy on travel, read my About Me page.