In the tourist center of Central Asia – Kyrgyzstan, there are many beautiful and amazing places. Chichkan Gorge is one of them. The gorge is located at the 240th kilometer of the Bishkek-Osh highway, which connects the two capitals of the country, just beyond the Ala-Bel Pass at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level, winding several dozen kilometers south from the pass to the Toktogul Reservoir. Here, the unique pristine nature is still preserved, untouched by man or time. The mountain slopes are covered with red mountain poppies, birch groves, pine forests, the famous Tien Shan fir trees, and a waterfall that will impress anyone, while the slopes of the majestic mountains are home to the famous glaciers of Kyrgyzstan.
Chichkan translates from Kyrgyz as "little mouse." It is said to have received this name because the gorge is home to many field mice. The slopes of Chichkan Gorge are covered with Tien Shan firs, junipers, and wild thickets of barberry and blackberries. A turbulent mountain river with the same name flows through the bottom of Chichkan Gorge, overshadowed by two ridges: Talas and Suusamyr.
The side gorges of Chichkan hide the most picturesque gorges: Itagar, Ak-Kel, Kyzyl-Kel, and the Tuarcha tract – tributaries of Chichkan, etc.
For climbing enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to ascend to the summit in the Ashuu-Bulak gorge (height 3100 m) or in the Kazy-Djar gorge (height 3483 m). You can reach one of the two mountain lakes located at an altitude of over 3000 m and enjoy the views of the picturesque 60-meter waterfall.
The upper lake is located at an altitude of 3317 meters surrounded by glaciers, reflecting in the bluish water. From the lake, a water stream cascades down a sixty-meter granite cliff and flows into the moraine-dammed Muztor lake, located at an altitude of about 3000 meters. The water has an emerald hue.
Below lies the beautiful lake "Kyzyl-Kol" ("Red Lake"), which appears red due to the red rocks around it and the stones at the bottom, giving the lake its name.
In the Itagar gorge, surrounded by a birch grove, there is a picturesque lake Saz-Kel. A trip there is accessible as the road leads right to the lake.
In the Ashuu-Bulak gorge, among wild thickets of raspberries and blackberries, a crystal-clear stream flows, forming a cascade of small waterfalls. After an hour of climbing through the gorge, you will be greeted by a magnificent view of the mountain peaks.
Here you will find an unforgettable rest amidst the beauty of pristine nature, the crystal-clear air of alpine meadows, and the ringing of mountain streams. Chichkan Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan with almost untouched pristine nature. At every bend of the river, nature reveals a new magnificent landscape for the grateful viewer – enjoy, look, take photos! The stones of the most diverse shapes and colors, ranging from dark brown to malachite(!), will leave no one indifferent. It can be said – this is a true corner of paradise on earth!
