The Ak-Say Canyons, also known as the Valley of Forgotten Rivers, are a stunning natural area on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. This landscape of deep red and orange sandstone has been carved over centuries by ancient, now-vanished waterways – hence the poetic name. The result is a maze of narrow gorges, ridges, and unusual rock formations that glow beautifully in the changing light.

Despite their dramatic appearance, the canyons remain quiet and lightly visited. Short, easy hikes lead through winding corridors and up to viewpoints where you can see both the sculpted canyon walls and the distant blue of Ysyk-Kol Lake. The mix of desert-like terrain, colorful rocks, and mountain vistas makes the Valley of Forgotten Rivers a memorable spot for photography and peaceful exploration.

Remote, colorful, and full of natural shapes, it’s one of the hidden gems of the Ysyk-Kol Lake region.