Rafting in Kyrgyzstan for Adventure Tourism Enthusiasts
In recent years, active recreation has been gaining increasing popularity worldwide. One of the types of recreation that is rapidly gaining popularity is rafting. So what does the trendy word "rafting" mean? It is one of the forms of adventure tourism, a tourist float down a mountain river on large inflatable rafts, catamarans, or rafts that have good buoyancy, are stable in water, and are suitable for accommodating tourist groups of 7-12 people. In short, rafting is an active water recreation accompanied by speed, splashes, and an adrenaline rush, which lasts from April to October.
Kyrgyzstan is a unique country for rafting enthusiasts. Here, there are routes for both professionals and beginners. Many rivers are located relatively close to the capital city, Bishkek. Therefore, sightseeing tours along several rivers are possible. Any rafting tour can be complemented with excursions, hiking, and horseback riding.
If you are a bit tired of the monotonous rest, even at such a promising lake as Issyk-Kul, do not pack your bags too soon. You have not yet experienced all the opportunities this fascinating region has to offer.
Rafting enthusiasts who come to Kyrgyzstan will be satisfied.
The Issyk-Kul rafting will give you completely new and unforgettable impressions. Kyrgyzstan is incredibly rich in mountain rivers with winding turns and thrilling rapids, so rafting on Issyk-Kul guarantees you a maximum surge of the most adrenaline-filled and ecstatic emotions. You will feel yourself one-on-one with the water flow that carries you, tosses you from side to side, and hits the bottom of the inflatable boat against underwater rocks, while you maneuver in this current only with the help of a paddle. And at the end of a challenging journey, you emerge from the water, perhaps not dry, but very satisfied.
Rafting routes are usually laid along mountain rivers of various terrains. Thanks to a wide range of classifications of rivers based on their rafting suitability and difficulty, calm rivers are usually classified as beginner categories, where newcomers can happily learn the basics of this type of water entertainment. For example, the Chu River in the Boom Gorge is ideally suited for starter rafting. More challenging rivers are intended for professional rafting tours, which can only be tackled by the most experienced and prepared athletes.
The Chu River flows near the city of Bishkek and is the most popular rafting spot in Kyrgyzstan.
Part of the river runs through the Boom Gorge, and this section is known as the most ideal for those who are rafting for the first time. Access to the river here is easier than in other places, and the rapids are more manageable, so this section is classified as II - IV difficulty.
The Chon-Kemin River is a major tributary of the Chu River. Its length through the mountain gorge is 116 km, creating many challenging rapids of IV - V difficulty. The Chon-Kemin area, with its green hills and snowy mountain peaks, is simply perfect for rafting.
In the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the most challenging river routes of the sixth category of difficulty on the Sary Jaz River. Of course, besides the Chu and Sary Jaz rivers, Kyrgyzstan has a huge number of other rivers perfectly suited for rafting: Suusamyr, Naryn, Chatkal, Kekemeren, and many others.
The flow of the Naryn River is calm and slow for most of its length. However, this river has a section called the "Naryn Canyon," which is very popular for rafting. The view of the canyon from the inside is simply breathtaking, and this section of the river is classified as IV - V difficulty.
The Kekemeren River flows through the Tien Shan, merging with the Naryn River. The Tien Shan mountains create excellent conditions for rafting: the mountain peaks are surrounded by huge clouds, while the weather below is clear and sunny. The most dangerous rapids here have a difficulty level of IV - V and are mainly concentrated in the first 50 km from the river's source. On average, the difficulty of the entire river ranges from II - V categories.
It should be noted that Kyrgyzstan remains the main territory for rafting in the Central Asian region. The pristine nature, diversity and richness of the plant and animal life, and the indescribable beauty of the mountain landscapes and scenery will create a pleasant atmosphere for truly intense recreation.
Exciting and interesting routes will be selected by professional instructors for both beginners in this type of tourism and experienced rafting enthusiasts. Moreover, one of the most important positive qualities of rafting is that this sport does not harm nature. To engage in rafting, there is no need to build special sites and structures on the rivers, and there is no need to pollute water bodies even with forced or accidental waste.
An important point remains that it is essential to familiarize yourself with the methods of descent. Especially on the unpredictable rivers of the Issyk-Kul basin. Experienced instructors will definitely instruct groups of novice rafting athletes on the difficulties they will face on each of their chosen descents.
But no matter how much you talk about the charms and obstacles that numerous mountain rivers provide, the full spectrum of pleasures can only be understood by trying to immerse yourself in this world of fast waves, steep rapids, and small river waterfalls. The main thing to remember is that rafting implies proximity to turbulent water, and mountain rivers are not particularly warm, as they originate from glaciers and flow in shady gorges. Therefore, the most important thing for both beginners and seasoned rafters is to dress warmly. And those who truly do not flinch, who are not afraid of river cold, steep turns, or the treachery that mountain waters can bring, will indeed be worthy of those sincere words of respect and a sense of inner pride for their small personal feat.
Rafting is a huge portion of adrenaline, unforgettable impressions, and immense pleasure and pride in oneself, because not everyone can dare to embark on such an adventure.
However, even the most daring adventurers must follow safety rules..
Although rafting is an exciting pastime for each participant individually, it requires teamwork. The difficulty level of each route determines age restrictions and the required level of physical fitness.
For your own safety, it is recommended to use the services of a professional guide who knows the river you have chosen. Never embark on a float alone if you are not sufficiently familiar with the river.
If you do decide to go solo, be sure to consult with local guides. Unfortunately, accidents happen precisely due to poor preparation and lack of necessary information.