National Parks

Nestled in the western Tien Shan mountains, the Besh-Aral Nature Reserve is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most ecologically rich and scenically dramatic protected areas. Stretching from 1,000 to over 4,000 meters above sea level, it offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes—from dry foothill steppes and dense coniferous forests to alpine meadows and rocky snow-capped peaks. This altitudinal range supports more than 15 distinct ecosystems, and the reserve plays a key role in protecting the headwaters of the Chatkal River, a lifeline for both Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities downstream.

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.