The Shamsi Natural Complex is located 85 km east of Bishkek and includes the territory of a valley of the same name with tributaries flowing from the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too. The largest tributaries are located in the eponymous gorges: Tura-Kayin - left lower tributary; Tuyuk - left middle tributary; Kel-Tor - right lower tributary; Karagayly-bulak - right middle tributary.
The Shamsi River carries a turquoise flow, adorned with clumps of foam, over a stony bed. Along its entire length, the river receives numerous tributaries. The largest tributaries are located in the eponymous gorges: Tura-Kayin — left lower; Tugok — left middle; Kel-Tor (with its components Chon-Kel-Tor and Kichi-Kel-Tor) — right lower; Karagaylybulak — right middle.
The meadow-forest belt begins at 2000 meters and extends up to 2800 meters. Along the riverbanks and slopes, there are sparse forests of juniper and birch. In the gorges of Tura-Kayin, Tuyuk, and the middle part of the Shamsi valley, dense masses of forest nurseries are spread out, which are open for free visits and inspections.
It is unparalleled in its rich diversity of vegetation, microclimatic conditions, and enchanting beauty in almost all seasons. Along the riverbanks and slopes, there are sparse forests of juniper and birch. The floodplain of the river is covered with thickets of valuable shrubs: rosehip, honeysuckle, barberry, rowan, sea buckthorn, where one can encounter pheasants and Daurian partridges. High in the mountains, the chukar—stone partridge, which is the most numerous species of the order Galliformes in the republic, can be found. They can be observed on rocks by mountain streams or on steep slopes. They do not leave their chosen places throughout their lives. Chukars have bright and colorful plumage. These birds announce their presence with a sharp clucking cry.
In the gorges of Tura-Kayin, Tuyuk, and the middle part of the Shamsi gorge, dense masses of forest nurseries are spread out, which are open for free visits and inspections. Pines, firs, and larches exude an enchanting aroma, reminiscent of the forests of the central strip of Russia.
The natural forest is represented by Tien Shan spruce, Schrenk's spruce, and pine. The most beautiful plateau and slopes are concentrated in the gorges of Kichi-Kel-Tor, Chon-Kel-Tor, and Tuyuk. The vegetation of the forest zone is a true "green pharmacy." There are many medicinal herbs, such as: sage, thyme, mint, St. John's wort.
Beyond the spruce forest, alpine belts with picturesque silver-dark stone slopes stretch out. Snow leopards, ibex, and snowcocks inhabit the borders of these belts, while furry gray marmots can be found in the alpine meadows.
Even higher, alpine and glacial-nival belts with picturesque silver-dark stone slopes extend. Snow leopards, ibex, and snowcocks inhabit the borders of these belts, while furry gray marmots can be found in the alpine meadows.
The natural and climatic conditions of the area are favorable for tourism activities throughout the year. Mild winters with a large number of sunny days, relatively weak winds, and a thick snow cover. Ice formations on the river create whimsical accumulations.
In the forest clearings, one can admire beautiful butterflies fluttering over the flowers—swallowtails with bright yellow wings covered with brown and blue patterns; Apollo butterflies with whitish-yellow wings with black and red spots on them; willow fritillaries with fluffy light wings. The forest zone is home to roe deer, wild boars, stoats, tolai hares, Turkestan lynxes, and stone martens.
The valley of the Shamsi River and the valleys of its tributaries are interconnected by passes. From the upper reaches of the Jinalach River (a right tributary of the Tuyuk River), one can reach the sources of the Shamsi River via the Jinalach Pass (3400 meters). From the upper reaches of the Karagaybulak River, one can descend into the valley of the Chon-Kel-Tor River via another pass.
Excursion sites can include the high-altitude moraine lake Tuyuk-Kel, located in the upper reaches of Tuyuk Shamsinsky, and the Chon-Kel-Tor waterfall, consisting of several cascades on the right tributary of Shamsi—the Chon-Kel-Tor River. The excursion can conclude with a climb to the ridge zone, from where a wonderful panorama of the surrounding mountains opens up. From Shamsi to Shamsi South, the Shamsi Pass (3570 m) leads. From Tuyuk Shamsinsky to Kel-Top (Kegety Gorge), one can reach via the Tukh-Ashuu Pass (3200 m).
