Date: February 27, 2025

Written : October 10, 2025

Strolling in the Canyon Shade-Story

Hey everyone! Wow, it’s been forever since I last shared anything. Life’s been wilder than a caffeinated squirrel! Let’s take a little stroll down memory lane and chat about this awesome place!

After having a blast at Issyk Kul lake (check out my other post), we hit the road for a short drive to the canyon nearby. This spot always blows my mind! The drive there was stunning, with mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks, plus a gorgeous road weaving through it all.

Anuar took a turn off the highway onto this dirt road that runs along a little creek (quick reference: it may be Chu River, https://central-asia.guide/kyrgyzstan/destinations-kg/issyk-kul/kok-moinok-canyon/) , and we stumbled upon this graveyard. It looked the same graveyard I saw in South China—are those ancient graveyard or what? Totally forgot to ask Jack, though. Then, a fluffy cow casually strolled in front of our car, and let me tell you, they were sooo fluffy and cute! The road was a bit bumpy, but honestly, it was fun. While I was soaking in the views from the backseat, I asked Karl to snag a quick video of the scenery because it was just beyond beautiful.

Then, just like that, the scenery flips to canyon vibes, with sandstone and dry vegetation (looks like dessert-type or arid type of vegetation). We’re almost in Kok-Moynok!

Anuar and Jack parked the car, and we all hop-off. Joey took off to find a bathroom, haha. I glanced around and was totally amazed by the stunning view. There was a mountain range on the other side of the canyon, with those beautiful snow-capped peaks sticking up behind it, and the whole scene was just really gorgeous.

Jack took the lead as we walked into the canyon, just chilling in the bottom passage. It was late afternoon, around 3-4 pm, and the sunlight beaming through the canyon’s wall made everything feel extra magical. Karl was busy taking pics and filming for their tour company (definitely check them out, they’re called “Off Duty Bucket List”). The reddish-brown sandstone in the canyon has been shaped by centuries of wind, giving some really cool wall formations. I can’t wait to explore the history of this place; it’s just so awesome!

The trip to this canyon totally blew me away; I honestly didn’t expect Kyrgyzstan to have such a stunning spot. There’s really nothing to compare it to anywhere else in the world because every place has its own vibe, and what makes this one even more special is the unforgettable experience we had while stepping onto this incredible land.

The walk to the “spot” isn’t too long; probably takes about 20 minutes or so. We could have done it quicker, but we kept stopping to soak in the beauty all around us. The way the canyon walls are formed, with those cool rocks at the bottom and the crazy labyrinth hiding under the tall sandstone walls, totally blew my mind. I’m definitely gonna check it out (see below).

Jack took us to this awesome spot in the canyon where we could check out the views better. It was a total jaw-dropper! While Karl, Irving, and Joey snapped pics, I was all about capturing every little detail of the landscape. Seriously, it still blows my mind.

We chilled out in this spot for a bit. My idea of having a good time in this canyon is just kicking back, lounging in the shade of this wall, maybe bringing a camping stove to brew some coffee, snacking, and soaking up the good vibes. But yeah, that’s not happening this time since we’re a bit short on time, and to be honest, I’m just going with the flow with these awesome folks. But you bet I’ll be back for a trip I can really enjoy, haha!

We jumped back in our car and cruised back to Bishkek, and honestly, it was fun! It was kinda short, though, but hey, I’m definitely coming back soon!

Kok-Moynok Canyon – some knowledge~

The Kök-Moinok Canyons are part of the Boom Gorge, formed as a result of the Ysyk-Köl Lake’s water level fluctuations and the tectonic uplift of the territory during the Middle Pleistocene (1-1.5 Ma). 

• Flora and fauna: The canyon floor is largely arid, with iron-rich soil that gives the landscape its characteristic red and orange hues.
  • Flora: The area features desert-like vegetation, including various bushes. 
  • Fauna: Scorpions and small lizards live in this dry environment. 

Geological Formation

• The Kok-Moinok Canyons were formed due to tectonic uplift and changes in the water level of Ysyk-Köl Lake about 1 to 1.5 million years ago. Over time, glacial melt and rain eroded the clay and sand formations, creating the orange-hued canyons we see today. The red color comes from high iron oxide in the soil and rock.
• Formation timeline
• Middle Pleistocene (1-1.5 Ma): The initial formation of the canyons began due to a combination of tectonic uplift and changes in the water level of Lake Issyk-Köl. 
• Post-Ice Age: Following the last ice age, meltwater from glaciers was a significant factor in the initial erosion process. 
• Tens to hundreds of thousands of years: Water from seasonal streams and precipitation continued to carve the landscape, shaping the deep, narrow passages and intricate rock formations through ongoing erosion. 
• Present: The canyons are still subject to erosion from wind, water, and other natural elements, with the soil rich in iron oxide giving them their characteristic orange-red color. 

I didn’t find much info from trustworthy sources online 😦

Reference:

https://teskei-geopark.com/en/about/geology/kanyony-kok-moinok

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Note: Here I am, lounging on the couch in Ninya’s apartment, twiddling my thumbs and waiting for lunch to magically appear—because honestly, the only thing cooking faster than my thoughts is the microwave!

(Chornelia, October 13. 2025. Monday)