Belogorka Waterfall

The Belogorka falls drop in a narrow chute at the head of the Sokuluk gorge, reached by driving up the valley past villages and orchards to a parking area and then walking twenty minutes or so on a rough path along the river. It is not large by mountain standards but it is close to Bishkek and set in a pleasant wooded gorge, so it functions as the capital's nearest picnic outing. Beyond the falls the valley continues into pasture and is used for horse trekking and longer walks toward the ridge. In winter the fall freezes into a column and attracts ice climbers. Facilities are a few seasonal cafes and yurt-style eating places at the road head, and the area gets busy on summer weekends.

What you actually see

• The waterfall chute - a narrow fall at the head of the gorge.
• Riverside path - a short rough walk from the parking area.
• Orchard villages - the settlements along the valley road.
• Winter ice - the frozen column used by ice climbers.

When to go

May to September for walking, with the strongest flow in May and June from snowmelt. Ice climbing runs in midwinter. Weekends are crowded and weekdays are quiet.

Honest expectations

The falls are modest and the outing is short; the drive is most of the trip. The path is rough and slippery near the water. Litter is a real problem at the picnic areas. The final stretch of road is rough for low cars.

Nearby

Bishkek lies northeast; Ala-Archa is east along the range.