Eki-Naryn Gorge

Eki-Naryn means two Naryns, and the village of that name sits where the Big and Little Naryn rivers join to form the river that eventually becomes the Syr Darya. The road east from Naryn town follows the gorge through walls of red and ochre rock, with the river running fast and green below, and the drive itself is the attraction; beyond the village the valley continues toward Jyrgalan and Karakol on a rough track used by four-wheel drives and bikepackers. Hot springs and yurt camps sit upstream in summer. The area is a starting point for treks into the Naryn state reserve, which protects one of the last large stands of Tien Shan spruce, though access to the reserve itself requires permission.

What you actually see

• The confluence - the two Naryn rivers meeting at the village.
• Red rock gorge - coloured walls along the valley road.
• Hot springs - simple pools upstream from the village.
• Spruce reserve country - protected forest in the side valleys.

When to go

May to October. The road is rough at any time and impassable in snow. Summer brings yurt camps and grazing; autumn gives the best colour along the river.

Honest expectations

The road is rough and slow, and there is little at the end beyond the village and the scenery. Facilities are almost none: no hotels, few shops, and food should be brought. Entry to the state reserve is restricted and needs arranging in advance.

Nearby

Naryn town lies west; Jyrgalan is over the mountains northeast.