Chong-Kemin National Park

Chong-Kemin runs east for about a hundred kilometres between the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and Kungey Ala-Too ranges, a broad valley of river, spruce forest and pasture that is protected as a national park and biosphere reserve. It is used less for peak-bagging than for gentler things: rafting on the river in early summer when snowmelt gives it volume, horse riding between villages, and walking up side valleys to lakes and passes, including the route over the Kok-Airyk pass to Grigorievka on the Issyk-Kul side. Village homestays in Kaindy and Chong-Kemin are organised through community tourism associations and are much of the point, giving a straightforward look at rural life. The valley is close enough to Bishkek to reach in an afternoon and quiet enough to feel remote.

What you actually see

• The valley river - rafted in early summer at high water.
• Spruce and pasture - forested slopes above open valley floor.
• Village homestays - community-run accommodation in the settlements.
• Side valleys - walking and riding routes up to lakes and passes.

When to go

May to September. Rafting is best in May and June with snowmelt. The high passes to Issyk-Kul clear around July. Autumn brings colour in the spruce and birch and quieter villages.

Honest expectations

The park has little formal infrastructure and trails are unmarked. Homestays are simple, with outdoor toilets and shared rooms, and are booked through associations rather than online. Rafting operators are few and equipment varies. Roads up the side valleys are rough.

Nearby

Issyk-Kul lies over the range to the south; Bishkek is west.