Issyk Kul region

Discover the captivating Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu valley in Kyrgyzstan, named after the little red river that meanders through this 35-kilometre route. The valley is home to the Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu glacier and boasts peaks as high as 4,200 metres. Numerous small rivers, such as Kalya-Bulak and Chong Djaidektor, join the main river, adding to the valley's charm. While the highest peak bears the same name as the river, there are still 15 peaks over 4,000 metres awaiting their official names, the highest of which stands at 4,365 metres.

The Juku gorge (Zhuuku, Zauka, Jukku) gorge is the longest gorge on the Terskey Ala-Too ridge, famous for its diverse nature, beautiful views and wide expanse.

It is located on the southern coast of Lake Issyk-Kul, 70 kilometers from the city of Karakol.  In ancient times, this place was part of the routes of numerous merchants and travelers from various countries.

Despite the difficult relief of the gorge, Juuku was the only way from the Issyk-Kul valley to China for a long time.

The Karakol valley is fully part of the Karakol Natural Park. Located on the south part of Karakol city, from the Altyn Arashan valley till Chelpek valley. The natural park was organized in 1997 to preserve the unique natural ecosystem of the Karakol valley. The main objectives are the protection of plants and animals in the park, typical of the North-East of Kyrgyzstan, as well as the organization of leisure of the population and foreign tourists. The flora is represented by 700 species, 80 of them - trees and shrubs.

A pass that allows crossing the Terskey Ala-Too for caravans coming from Kyzyl-Suu to Kashgar.

As soon as you reach the highest point of the pass, an incredible view of the peaks and glaciers of the huge high-mountainous desert, the Arabel Plateau, immediately opens up.

A great view of the lakes of the Juku gorge, the Dunguromo gorge, the winding river that goes into the depths of the gorge also fascinates with its view.

Glaciers are everywhere, beckoning with their ancient history and beauty.

The height of the pass is 3,700 m above sea level.

One of the side valleys of Juku Valley.

Popular for its local hot spring and the cave of the 300 sheep.

The Swiss journalist and traveller Ella Maillart passed by this valley in 1932 during her trip to Central Asia.

The Jukkuchak valley is really well described in her book, Turkestan Solo, you can walk up the valley while reading the book and identify the places she wrote about.

Nowadays, the natural hot springs are famous among locals. Entrance fee is 100 soms.

The Issyk-Kul lake has a length of 182 km, a maximum width of 60 km and covers an area of ​​6,236 km². This makes it the second largest mountain lake in the world behind Lake Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1,606 m, it reaches 668 m deep. 

About 118 rivers and streams flow into the lake. The largest are the Djyrgalan (Jergalan) and Tyup. It is fed by springs, including many hot springs and snowmelt, and it has no outlet. Its south side is dominated by the Tian Shan mountain range of wild beauty. The lake water is slightly saline and level down about 5 cm per year.

A road pass that allows you to reach the Karasay valley to that of Baralbas. Formerly a Silk Road passed there to join the Bedel Pass on the Chinese border, and the Chinese city of Aksu.

At the heart of the central Tien Shan, the Engilchek Glacier (Kyrgyz: Эңилчек) — also called Enilchek (Энильчек) or Inylchek (Иныльчек) — is the largest glacier in Kyrgyzstan. Its Kyrgyz name means "light," a surprising contrast with this immense river of ice that stretches over 60 km and covers about 657 km². It is located at the foot of mythical peaks like Khan Tengri and Jengish Chokusu, in one of the most isolated regions of the Tien Shan, to the east of the great Issyk-Kul Lake.

Winter yurt camp near Karakol.