Skazka Canyon and the South Shore of Issyk-Kul: the Lake's Quiet Side

Most travellers meet Issyk-Kul through its north shore — Cholpon-Ata, resort hotels, piers and a busy highway. The south shore is a different world. The Terskey Ala-Too range drops almost straight into the water, villages are few and far between, and in September you can spend an entire day on a wild beach without seeing another soul. This is where we take guests who want the lake without the crowds.

Skazka Canyon: red rock beside blue water

Between Kaji-Sai and Tosor the shoreline suddenly breaks into a maze of weathered sandstone in shades of red, ochre and even violet. Locals call it Skazka — "fairy tale" — and the name fits: the ridges read like castles, dragons and sleeping beasts. Go early in the morning or in the last hour before sunset, when the rock glows and the lake shimmers behind it. The walk is easy, so it works for families with children and for guests who prefer gentle activity.

Barskoon Gorge and its waterfalls

Further east, near the village of Barskoon, one of the most scenic valleys on the shore climbs along a river through spruce forest. Waterfalls appear one after another, with evocative names such as "Tears of the Snow Leopard" and "Cup of Manas". Some are a short stroll from the road; others are best reached with a guide. The gorge also has a modest monument to Yuri Gagarin, who once holidayed here — a small, rather touching piece of Soviet history.

Villages, crafts and eagle hunters

The south shore is also where traditional culture feels most alive. Around Bokonbaevo, felt-makers and families of berkutchi — eagle hunters — still keep their craft going. We arrange these encounters privately rather than as a staged show; our story on eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan explains the tradition in depth. Nearby lies Tamga with its inscribed Tamga-Tash stone, and off the main road you'll find quiet coves where fishermen still head out at dawn.

How we design a south-shore journey

We don't rush guests from sight to sight. A typical programme runs three to four days, staying in the best places available — characterful guesthouses, yurt camps with proper beds and hot showers — and finishing in a comfortable hotel on the eastern shore. Between walks there's freshly caught fish for lunch, a swim in an empty bay and an evening by the fire. The lake never freezes, so if you'd like to return in the cold months, take a look at our winter spa escape on Issyk-Kul.

The best window is June to early October, and we consider September ideal: the water is still warm and the shore is nearly empty. Browse our curated travel collections for inspiration, get a feel for the landscapes in the xtravel photo gallery, and when you're ready, talk to our travel designer to shape the trip around your dates.