Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, is one of the most interesting and frequently visited natural places in Kyrgyzstan. It is located 120 kilometers from Balykchi and not far from the village of Tosor.

The canyon is located in the gorge of the same name and is famous for its red clay rocks. The wind has been polishing natural and fabulous sculptures here for years. Some of them have names such as the “Chinese wall”, others resemble animals and even dragons. One of the most famous rocks is the “Chinese Wall”. So it was nicknamed by the people due to its similarity to the famous architectural monument of China.

Walking through the labyrinths of the canyon, you will feel like in a real fairy tale. No wonder the gorge is named that way. The rocks resemble castles, towers, monsters, giants, people, and animals. And all this is created by nature, not by the hands of people.

Some travelers may think that they are on Mars. Someone will see colorful rocks, and someone will see only red ones. The fact is that the Fairy Tale Canyon opens for everyone in its own way. For example, in sunny weather, the canyon looks completely different than in cloudy weather.

In windy or rainy weather, the relief of the rocks can change, and tourists can see other images that nature creates. If you climb one of the rocks, you will get a stunning panorama of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Legends have it that, at one time, the Issyk Kul basin wasn’t filled with a lake, but was home to a number of rich and powerful cities.  There is probably some truth in this because under the lake archaeologists have discovered the ruins of several settlements. According to one legend in particular, in one of the cities lived a beautiful girl and a seven-headed dragon fell in love with her and pursued her, asking her to marry him. She, however, declined to say that she loved another. The dragon was distraught and cursed the valley, saying that once a month, on the occasion of the full moon, the water in one of the wells would rise and flood the valley, until such time as she changed her mind. He then went into a deep sleep. The citizens decided to cover the well with a golden lid whenever the Full Moon approached and agreed to take turns to make sure it was in place.

According to the Internet