Suusamyr and Chychkan: Mountain Gems of Kyrgyzstan in Summer

With the onset of summer, the Kyrgyz mountains turn into a special, almost fairy-tale world. For those who want to escape the city bustle and heat and immerse themselves in nature, the country has many picturesque destinations. This time we went to two of the most beautiful and cleanest tourist areas of Kyrgyzstan — the Suusamyr Valley and the Chychkan Gorge. This is told by a journalist from the Kabar agency.

The journey from Bishkek in the morning took about 2.5–3 hours to the Suusamyr Valley. The road itself becomes a separate journey: after crossing the Too-Ashuu pass, endless green expanses open up before your eyes. Suusamyr in June resembles a fairy tale — the wide valley is as if covered with a green carpet, the mountains soar into the sky, and nature reveals all its beauty.

Along the sides of the road are rows of yurts, near which freshly baked bread, aromatic ghee, kuurdak, kurut, and, of course, the famous Suusamyr kumys are sold. For tired travelers, this becomes a real treat, and the number of tourists trying national dishes here is traditionally high.

In recent years, ethno- and glamping tourism has been actively developing in Suusamyr. Along with yurts, modern glamping houses appear, which are in demand among tourists who want to combine comfort and nature. Here you can meet guests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries who get acquainted with the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan.

And in health resorts where kumys treatment is offered, you can often meet our compatriots.

Further along the Bishkek-Osh highway, we reached the Chychkan Gorge, which greets with a completely different natural atmosphere. High rocky mountains and the road passing right through the gorge create an impression of unity between nature and human labor.

For many, the Chychkan Gorge is not just a transit section of the road, but a place of rest away from the city bustle. Here, the cool mountain wind, clean air and the sound of the river create a feeling of complete harmony with nature. Along the road, locals offer kumys, ghee, as well as the famous Toktogul honey, which is in demand among tourists, including foreigners.

In recent years, the Chychkan Gorge has become one of the developed tourist centers: modern recreation centers, hotels and cottages have been built here. The cost of accommodation averages from 2,500 to 10,000 soms per day, depending on the conditions and level of comfort.

Suusamyr and Chychkan are a vivid example of the natural wealth, beauty and hospitality of Kyrgyzstan. Having visited here once, many strive to return again to once again feel unity with nature and the tranquility of mountain valleys and gorges.