How to get to Skazka Canyon from Karakol by Marshrutka
- Margaux
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
Skazka Canyon is a must-visit if you are in Kyrgyzstan. The red rocks contrast with the blue of Issyk Kul in the background, and it’s honestly stunning. The nearest large city is Karakol, so if you’re not staying on the shores of Issyk Kul, here is everything you need to know about how to get to Skazka Canyon from Karakol by marshrutka, including my best advice for visiting.
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Which Marshrutka do you need to take to Skazka Canyon?
You will be looking for marshrutka number 315 to get from Karakol to Skazka Canyon. This marshrutka’s final destination is Bokonbayevo. All you need to do is tell the driver that you want to get off at Skazka Canyon and they will drop you at the entrance to the canyon.
Where does the Marshrutka to Skazka Canyon leave from?
I spent about an hour tracking down the leaving location for the marshrutka to Skazka Canyon from Karakol. Here is the Google Maps link so you don’t have the same problem: Marshrutka 315. It’s not a bus station, but rather more of a parking space on the side of a road. You will probably see a group of people gathering, but do give yourself some buffer time in case you have trouble finding it. People are very helpful if you ask them where to go as well.
What time to do the Marshrutkas go from Karakol to Skazka Canyon?
The marshrutkas go from Karakol to Skazka Canyon about every hour, starting around 11:30am and ending around 4:30pm. However, this timetable is not very rigid as the marshrutkas leave when they are full - no standing space. Make sure you are there well before the ‘scheduled’ leaving time: I was there around 10:30 and was able to board around 10:45 so got a seat. However, it was busy so it did leave before 11:30. The journey from Karakol to Skazka Canyon is around 2 hours.
How much do the Marshrutkas cost to Skazka Canyon from Karakol?
With luggage, the marshrutkas from Karakol to Skazka Canyon cost 400 som (approx. £3.40). They only take cash.
How to Visit Skazka Canyon
From where the marshrutka drops you, it’s about a 2km walk up a dirt road to Skazka Canyon. There is a gate hut where you’ll have to pay a 50 som (approx. 40p) entry fee (cash only), and if you need to leave a backpack there, they let you! If you can, try and hitchhike up the road as it’s not very interesting, but the likelihood is someone driving will offer to pick you up. This happened to me on the way up and down, which was lovely.
Skazka Canyon itself was awesome. There are lots of little paths to explore and see all the rock formations, but I would definitely recommend also going up to the top for the best views over the canyon and Issyk Kul. The colours on any day, but especially a sunny one, are gorgeous. An hour there is enough to see the best of Skazka Canyon.
How to get from Skazka Canyon to Bokonbayevo or Karakol
To go back to Karakol from Skazka Canyon or along in the direction of Bokonbayevo, head back down to the main road by the lake. You can either wait for the next marshrutka, or try hitchhiking, as it’s very common in Kyrgyzstan. The marshrutka costs about 200 som (approx. £1.70) to Bokonbayevo from Skazka Canyon.
I hope this helps you in planning your trip from Karakol to Skazka Canyon. It was definitely a highlight of my Kyrgyzstan trip, and I would highly recommend the stop when you’re travelling along the shores of Issyk Kul. As always, look after the places you visit and remember to only leave your footprints behind :)
If you’re exploring more of Kyrgyzstan, check out some of my other posts below:
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