Chon-Kyzyl-Suu Gorge

Chon-Kyzyl-Suu runs south into the Terskey Ala-Too from the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, a valley of spruce, meadow and river with hot springs partway up where a sanatorium and simpler bathing pools operate. It sees far fewer visitors than the Karakol valley to the east, which is its main recommendation, and it serves as the start or finish of multi-day treks over the passes toward Jyrgalan and the Karakol valley, with lakes and glaciers at the head. Yurt camps and a guesthouse or two provide beds in summer. The lower valley has an arboretum planted in the Soviet period with trees from around the world, now half wild. Horse trekking is the usual way to cover distance here.

What you actually see

• Hot springs - bathing pools and a small sanatorium in the valley.
• Spruce and meadow - the classic Terskey Ala-Too valley landscape.
• Trekking routes - passes leading east toward Karakol and Jyrgalan.
• The old arboretum - Soviet-era plantings gone semi-wild.

When to go

June to September for trekking; passes clear in July. The springs are usable year round but the road is snowbound in winter above the village. Autumn brings colour and empty valleys.

Honest expectations

Infrastructure is minimal and trails are unmarked, so treks need a guide, a map or downloaded tracks. The springs are basic and the sanatorium is Soviet-era. Accommodation is a handful of camps that must be found on arrival or booked through Karakol agencies.

Nearby

Barskoon lies west; Karakol is northeast.