Issyk Kul

Explore the captivating Kyrgyz Creek Canyon, starting from the iconic "Red Bridge" train bridge. The canyon, carved by the Kurgan Terek River, features stunning red rock formations. 

The hike to the red part of the canyon takes about an hour, following a narrow path along the river where you'll occasionally need to walk in the water. It's advisable to avoid this hike during or after rain due to potential hazards. After an hour, the canyon opens up to reveal magnificent red towers reminiscent of the Creek Canyon. 

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.

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.

This park encompasses the entire Chong Kemin Valley. There are many trails still virgin or almost. Several passes between Issyk Kul Lake or Kitchi Kemin Valley.

The total area is 126,514 hectares. Here in the park the river Chon Kemin flows. More than 780 species of plants grow and rare mammals such as snow leopard, brown bear, maral, Eurasian lynx, golden eagle, himalayan griffon vulture (Gyps himalayensis),  bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), saker falcon and sablefly are found.

Nestled in the heart of Kyrgyzstan, a captivating 40 km long valley links the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake to the high plateau of Arabel Suu and the sources of the Naryn Basin. This scenic route, 2160m. of positive drop, is well-maintained year-round by the nearby Kumtor gold mine, ensuring accessibility even in winter.

Some 10 km from Karakol, on the top of the village of Ak-Suu (anc. Teplokluchenka), wellknown for curatives mineral water and its sanatorium.