Mars canyon
77° 7'42.97"E
Mars canyon is a scenic and unusual group of small canyons located on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, in the Kaji-Sai gorge area of Kyrgyzstan. It is about 290 km from Bishkek, the capital of the republic, and about 120 km west of Karakol, the regional center.
Characteristics of the canyons
The area received its name because of the characteristic red color of the rocks and canyon formations, which is associated with the planet Mars.
In essence, Mars canyon is not a canyon in the full classical sense. It more closely resembles water-eroded rock and cliffs with grooves that partly form small canyon-like shapes. These canyons and grooves were formed by rainwater over hundreds, and possibly thousands, of years.
Several dozen similar canyons and grooves of different heights, depths, and lengths can be found in the valley.
How to get there
When traveling along the road on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, Mars canyon is difficult to miss: the formations begin near the shore and extend deeper into Kaji-Sai gorge.
The village of Kaji-Sai is located roughly in the middle of the valley with the canyon formations. After the village, toward the west, there is a sign reading "Mars Canyons" that points to a road turn. From there it is possible to drive about 7-10 km deeper into the gorge. Visitors can then choose a walking route and enjoy views of the canyons and the panorama of the lake.
More experienced and prepared visitors can continue deeper into Kaji-Sai gorge, which can make the trip even more memorable.
Photo gallery
- Mars canyon in Kyrgyzstan
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Author's note
When traveling around Issyk-Kul, especially along the southern shore, it is worth leaving the main road for one or two hours to enjoy this scenic natural place. The best time to visit is during the golden hour, roughly from 17:00 to 19:00, because the red color of the mountains becomes more intense in the light of the setting sun. Mars canyon can leave bright and pleasant memories.
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