Chunkurchak Gorge – one of the smallest, yet most beautiful gorges in Kyrgyzstan.
Located 45 km from Bishkek and 20 km east of the village of Tash Dobo (formerly Vorontsovka), the picturesque tiny Chunkurchak Gorge lies at the headwaters of the Alamedin River.
The Chunkurchak National Biosphere Reserve is located in the gorge. It was created specifically to protect rare species of tulips. In spring, it transforms into a small Holland. Indeed, this is where the Royal Tulip grows, which can reach 15-18 centimeters when fully grown, as well as the Zinaida Tulip. This tulip has bright red petals with green veins on the outside, while the inside features bright golden veins. It is one of the most beautiful types of tulips. There are many tulips here — vast bright red meadows.
At the entrance, Chunkurchak Gorge is very narrow and not easy to find. It opens up inside, forming a larger gorge called Tatyr. The main attraction of the Tatyr gorge is a 200-meter cliff that rises from the rushing river.
The famous Dove Waterfall, which is 40 meters high, is located in the gorge.
Chunkurchak Gorge is well-suited for rock climbing. Fans of extreme tourism will appreciate the steep slopes and mountains of the gorge, whose surfaces are quite slippery and covered with a thin layer of ice. This is why international competitions in dry tooling are held in the gorge.
Dry tooling literally translates to "dry tools." It is an extreme form of rock climbing that involves the technique of climbing rock routes using ice climbing gear. Not all mountains are suitable for this sport, but Chunkurchak Gorge is one of the most optimal places in Central Asia for such competitions.
The gorge features a ski base of the same name.
Magnificent nature, developed tourist infrastructure. There are small hotels. The national Kyrgyz flavor is quite pronounced. If you want to try kumis, saamal, kaymak, and other drinks and products made from mare's milk - they are plentiful here.