Skip the tour buses and drive through the dramatic red sandstone cliffs yourself. The gorge is technically a transit corridor, but the Mars-like rock formations at Konorchek Canyon are wild enough to warrant a pit stop. Spend three hours hiking the dusty trails if you want the best photos. Grab a snack at the roadside shacks before hitting Issyk-Kul. Don't waste cash on a full-day guided tour here; just rent a car and set your own pace.
