Journey · 1 day
Tong - Tong
Barskoon gorge and Skazka canyon
- Drive
- 150 km2 hr 30 min
- Walk
- 4 km1 hr
- Season
- Year-Round
- Meals
- Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner
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About this Journey
In the morning, we will set off for a day trip to the picturesque Barskoon Gorge. Located 70 km from our yurt camp on the south shore of Issyk Kul. Barskoon has a rich history, once serving as an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, connecting traders and travelers through the region.
Our first stop will be the magnificent Barskoon Waterfall, a towering cascade that requires a short hike to reach its base. Although you can catch a glimpse of the falls from the car park, the best experience comes from continuing the hike to get up close to the breathtaking waterfall.
Next, we will visit Skazka, or Fairy Tale Canyon. This area is renowned for its stunning red, ocher, and yellow sedimentary rocks, which have been shaped by wind and water erosion over millennia. The unique formations create a surreal landscape that looks as though it has been taken from another planet.
After exploring the canyon, we will have the unique opportunity to meet one of the region's last remaining Berkutchis, or master falconers. This skilled falconer, who hunts with golden eagles during the winter, will share his passion for these magnificent birds and demonstrate how he trains them to hunt during the summer months.
At the end of the day, we will return to our yurt camp on the serene shore of Issyk Kul Lake, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
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