Kyrgyzstan

The Terim-Tor-Bulak valley is located in the picturesque foothills of the Tien Shan mountain range in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. This place is amazing for its natural beauty and rich ecosystem, which make it popular among tourists and travelers.

Here, surrounded by high mountains, lie green meadows covered with diverse flora and fauna. Mountain streams and rivers flow next to the meadows, creating picturesque waterfalls and cascades. The surrounding nature offers unique opportunities for hiking, cycling and horseback riding.

The majestic Peak Ittish, a snowy peak standing at an impressive altitude of 4808 meters in Kyrgyzstan. Known as the "head of dog" in the local language, this peak offers a breathtaking mountaineering experience. Surrounding the glacier Ittish, ten peaks enhance the natural beauty of the region, situated in the Juku valley. On the east side, a steep track leads to the Ittish pass, situated at 3880 meters, granting access to ten small mountain lakes that connect the Juku valley with the Syrt Arabel-Suu region.

At 4,000 metres, Juku Peak has no glacier but can be seen from afar. It lies between the Jukutchak and Juku valleys, and is the first high peak on the ridge.

Behind it, several peaks follow one another up to 4249 metres and the Ashutor pass at 3636 metres, which links the Ashu-Kashka-Suu gorge with the Jukutchak gorge to the east.

The ruins of an 8th century AD caravanserai are located on the right bank of the River Barskoon, 5 km upstream from the village of Barskoon. The earthen ruins are the bases of a square fortification, 75 metres wide, with walls over 10 metres thick. 

The fortification was located in the valley gorge to control the caravans of goods transported between Lake Issyk Kul and the city of Ak-Suu in China.

Several writings describe the importance of Barskoon on this important Silk Road route.