Mountains, canyons, and lakes reveal their true character at an unhurried pace, and away from complicated routes. These are the places that left the strongest impression during my journey.
Skazka Canyon
Located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, Skazka Canyon is easily accessible on foot. The path follows firm ground and requires no special preparation. The rock formations vary in height and shape, from narrow corridors to wide open spaces with a view of the lake. In the morning, the colors appear cooler; by midday they become richer, and toward evening soft shadows emerge. For photography, it’s worth walking a bit farther from the entrance: there are fewer people, and the terrain becomes more visually compelling. An excellent spot for walking and shooting, especially closer to sunset.
Jeti-Ögüz
Jeti-Ögüz is more than just the famous “Seven Bulls” rock formation, it’s the entire valley surrounding it. On foot, you can walk along the base of the cliffs, climb nearby hills, and explore the rock massifs from different angles. The landscape naturally guides your movement, leading you forward along the valley and upward along the slopes. Step away from the road, the valley grows quieter, and space opens up. This is an ideal place for long, unstructured walks, where the journey itself matters more than the destination.
Photo: Aktilek Omurkadyrov
Ala-Archa
Ala-Archa is ideal for a short escape into the mountains. Just about forty minutes from Bishkek, and the city feels far behind. Fresh air, alpine trails, glaciers in the distance, and routes of varying difficulty make it a versatile destination. Even a couple of hours here feels like a reset.
Photo: Aktilek Omurkadyrov
Sary-Chelek
Sary-Chelek is a place for those seeking peace and silence. The journey takes longer, but that distance creates a true sense of remoteness. A crystal-clear lake, mountains, and forests make it feel as though you’ve stepped far away from everyday life. Simply walking along the shoreline, taking short detours into the forest, then returning to the water is more than enough. The lake changes color depending on the light and weather, and the lack of mass tourism preserves a rare feeling of solitude.
These places are very different from one another, but they share something in common: they open up best to those who walk slowly and don’t try to see everything at once. They’re perfect for thoughtful, visually striking and videos that feel made for social media.Indeed, Kyrgyzstan reveals itself best step by step, without rushing.
