Chychkan Game Reserve

This is another of those places that even few Kyrgyz know about. And we know it because we look more at the maps than where we walk. It is a real natural gem, a place where many of us would surely build a log cabin to spend the rest of our lives, listening to the murmur of the river and eating nuts from the nearby Arslambob forest.

I tell you about it.

Traveling south on the road from Bishkek to Osh, after the descent from the Ala-Bel pass you come to the beautiful Chychkan Gorge. The name of the gorge translated from Kyrgyz means “mouse”.

One of the unique natural beauties of the Jalal-Abad region – and of the whole Kyrgyzstan – is the Chychkan Gorge. This long and spectacular gorge, crossed by the Chychkan River, is located at kilometer 240 of the Bishkek-Osh road, just after the Ala-Bel pass, at 2,200 meters. It is close to the huge Toktogul reservoir. Although it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view of the Chychkan Gorge from the road, it is still better to stop for a day or two to explore the gorge further with a good hike.

One of the things that make Chychkan Gorge unique is that it is a forested gorge whose slopes are covered with Tian-Shan fir trees, junipers and other local species. The gorge is also home to spectacular waterfalls, high cliffs and two alpine lakes located above 3,000 meters. This makes the Chcyhkan Gorge an ideal place for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Some of the most popular day trips and natural sights are: Ak Kol Lake of spectacular turquoise waters at over 3,000 meters, Kyzyl-Kol Lake (Red Lake) with mineral reflections that give the lake a reddish color, and the mysterious subway lake Mutzor. Adrenaline and adventure lovers can also climb Ashuu-Bulak (3,100 m) and Kazy-Jar (3,483 m).

The honey of the Chychkan Gorge is also famous thanks to the combination of trees and berry bushes that adorn its slopes. Be sure to buy a jar of honey at one of the stalls near the road to taste its incredible quality.