Glossary
The encyclopedia of the tourist
A
Abshir-Sai,
canyon. A picturesque canyon - with steep rocky sides, with
the river Abshir-Sai flowing though it. The river emerges gushing
from a cave in the rock face and falls through 30 m to the valley
floor. The waters of the waterfall are thought to have curative
properties and be holy. Pilgrims come from far and wide to bath
in the spray and collect the water in bottles. Nearby is a hermit's
cave and there is a legend of the holy man Idris turning the water
into milk - then back to water again because it was of more use
to the people than milk. Top
Achik-Tash.
A climbers camp on Peak Lenin. Top
Achyk-Tash. A high
mountain valley, to the South East of Kochkor, offering treks
along the Savan river and a visit to the Kol-Ukock lake («Lake
in a Chest»). From the Kara-Tor Peak there is a panoramic view
across to Lake Issyk-Kul. Top
Ak-Beshim (Suyab).
Situated on the eastern edge of Tokmok - near to the Bus
Station, Ak-Beshim was once one of the most important trade and
cultural centers in the Chui valley, inhabited by the Turks and
Sogdians. Archaeologists date the origin of the town to the 5th and
6th Centuries. It was, in fact. Referred to by the Buddhist monk,
Tripitaka (602-644), in his account of his travels. It later came
under Arab influence and faded into history in the period between
the 10th and 12th centuries. Today all that remains are eroded
ridges and grass covered mounds - although Archaelogists have conducted
several excavations and revealed much about the thriving city.
There were paved and pebbled streets,
water pipes made from tiles, Buddhist temples a church
and a fortress. Top
Ak-Beit Pass
(3285 m). At the Southern end of the At-Bashi range - it is
4 kilometers from the outer check post on the road to Torugart
- where you enter the border zone. Top
Ak-Chunkur.
A cave near the Sary-Jaz valley with early ochre wall
paintings. Above the village is the Ak Bulak Canyon - where
gold and silver were mined. There are a number of small canyons
and trekking routes over the mountains to Almaty. Top
Ak-Debe. In the North-western
corner of the oblast, South of Taraz (Kazakhstan), just inside
the border, archeologists have discovered the site of an ancient
settlement dating from between the 6th and 7h centuries. Also known
as Dzhoon-Debe.Top
Ak-Sai. A restricted
border region - on the «back road» from At-Bashi to Torugart
- known for Marco Polo sheep, yaks, mountain goats, horses and
snow leopards. Here there is a Neolithic structure - «ancient man».
Top
Ak-Shyrak.
The furthest up the A364 that it is possible to reach
following the A364 from Barskoon. Achaeologists have discovered
evidence here of early ore excavations in the canyon here. Top
Ak-Suu. The
Ak-Suu tour camp is located at 5335 metres a. s. l. some 80
km from the regional centre near the Kara-Suu river and has hosted
a number of mountaineering expeditions. Top
Ak-Suu.
Ak-Suu is one of the valleys in the Kyrgyz Krebet. Traveling
from Bishkek - this narrow canyon is best approached by turning
towards the mountains after Belovodskov and passing through
the village of Kyzyl Dyykan. Here can be seen one of the first
orthodox churches to be built in Central Asia. The road follows
the stream bed deep into the mountains - and it is said that this is
very good fishing country. Top
Ak-Suu,
canyon. Also known as Semenovka after the village
on the main road where the valley emerges. The canyon is some
25 kilometers long and an asphalt road leads some 15 kilometers
into the mountains from the village of Semyenovka, (named after
the Russian explorer, Petr Semenov «Tianshansky»), following
the valley of the Chong Ak-Suu («Big White Water»), past the
Kyrchyn tourbaza which used to have a 240-bed hotel, and other facilities.
The road leads to a jailoo (mountain pasture) at 2010 metres
above sea level and the connurbation with the Kichi Ak-Suu («Little
White Water») river. The river flows some 34 kilometers from the
glaciers in the mountain peaks down into lake Issyk Kul, through three
small lakes, including Sutuu Bulak (which means «milky spring»). The
jailoo was historically used as a meeting place for congresses of Kyrgyz
elders. The Djel Karagey canyon is home to a Forest Reserve - with
meadows and multi-cascade waterfalls. Here, from the end of June until
the end of September there is a collection of yurts which offer a wide
range of services. The «yurt village» is marketed as an ethnological
experience. Half of the twenty yurts are reserved for guests - and in
the other half live several local families which provide the services,
entertainment, etc. - so guests have a chance to experience authentic,
traditional, elements of the Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle. The yurts are
all traditional - not like most of the yurt inns in Kyrgyzstan - for example,
here you will end up sleeping on the floor under adiella - a sort of «duvet»
- not in beds. Unfortunately, this also means that things like toitels,
washing facilities and so on are also traditional. The of lack in modern
conveniences, however, is more than made up for by the thoughtful programme
- which explores the history, culture, crafts, food and games of the
Kyrgyz people. It is possible to walk or take horses into the surrounding
countryside; encounter half-wild yaks; watch demonstrations of crafts
and horsemanship by masters; listen to traditional music; listen to
a «manaschi» recite excerpts from the epic poem «Manas»; eat traditional
foods; drink khoumis and even participate in putting up a yurt — an
all round, authentic, Kyrgyz experience. Top
Ak-Suu.
A valley 12 kilometers East of Karakol - sometimes known
as Teplokluchenka (Russian for «hot springs») and a village
of that name lies at the foot of the valley. Top
Ak-Talaa.
Ninety kilometers to the West of Naryn. Famous as the birthplace
of Togolok Moldo, who appears on the 20 som banknote, and for
numerous thermal springs and therapeutic muds.
The Naryn river flows through this
region and in places the water reaches speeds of 60 km/hour
as it cascades between steep cliffs and enters narrows.
Ak Talaa provides access to the Southern
route up to Lake Son-Kul. Past the mausoleum of Tailyk Batyr
and climbing the steep hillsides by a winding route you emerge
onto the plain with the lake in front of you. Top
Ak-Tash.
(White Stone). On the Northern shore of Lake Son-Kul - there
are some ancient marble gravestones and evidence of a marble
quarry. Top
Ak-Terek. The
village is located in the foothills of the Kara-Shoro park,
by the Jassy river. There are many mineral springs nearby and the
gorge is covered with walnut forests. Top
Ak-Tetir.
Near the village archeologists have discovered evidence
of mine workings dating from between the 5th and 9th centuries
- known as the Kan-ee-Gut mine. Top
Ak-Unkur.
A cave by the river Bala Chichkan. Top
Ala-Archa. The Ala-Archa
National park, 40km (25mi) south of Bishkek, was created in
1976 by Government decree and occupies about 120,000 hectares.
With snow-covered peaks, steep forested slopes, picturesque water
meadows of the fast-flowing, noisy Ala-Archa river. Offering dozens
of walking and trekking possibilities, including hikes to glaciers
and, for the serious mountaineer, treks to the region's highest peak.
There are basic shelters scattered throughout the park but the best
way to enjoy the area is to bring your own tent and supplies. You
can use the Upper Ala-Archa Mountain Ski Base as a starting point from
which to ski on glaciers, even in summer, though lifts only operate
during the December to April winter season.
It is sometimes closed when there are
official visitors. The national park has is rich in flora
and fauna - with over 800 species of plants and about 170 specials
of animals. It has Marco Polo sheep, wolves, bears, lynx, boar,
eagles, and snow leopards. The hills are lined with Spruce and Juniper
woods. The base camp is several kilometres from the main gate and is
at 2100m. Trekking to almost 5000m is possible, although most people
stay near the lower reaches that are often used for picnics. In the
park you can find a small Nature museum.
In the park the following are prohibited:
fishing; hunting; picking berries, flowers and medicinal herbs;
catching butterflies and other insects and visiting with dogs
(!). There is a speed limit of 40 km/h - because of the hairpin bends,
steep slopes and the animals that sometimes walk on the roads. Parking
is only permitted on the specially designated car parks or on
the roadsides. Drivers are asked not to drive over the grass or amongst
shrubs or forested areas. Fires (for Shashlik or barbarques)
are permitted only in specially designated areas. Smokers are asked
not to drop cigarette butts because of the risk of fire. All visitors
are asked to help keep the park clean - and to put their garbage
in bags and leave it in a litterbin.
Ak-Sai Canyon - to the left of the gate
at base camp - track leads to Karona Peak (4692m) - the Ak-Sai
Glacier - trekking is possible, but equipment is really needed.
Adygene Gorge - to the right of the gate at the base camp - walk
leads past cemetery for "fallen" mountaineers, including one who
is buried outside the boundaries because he committed suicide, cutting
himself free to save his comrades rather than pull them down with
him. The path continues for 7m under the Adygene glacier.
Main Canyon - straight up from the gate
at the base camp - following a jeep track for 18 km to a ski
base with 2 drag lifts. It is possible to visit and simply relax,
or to organize light walking, 1 or 2 day's trekking - or horse-riding.
Top
Ala-Bash, valley - (southern shore of the Issyk-Kul).
Ala-Bash is a small mountain, dotted with sharp black and red cliffs, which
proudly stands in the center of the valley. By the south - eastern foot of
the Ala-Bash was once a medieval village, the ruins of which are clearly
visible from the slopes. Many Petroglyphs with hunting scenes and images
of wild goats remained on the mountain. At the foot of the mountain is a
rock with carved Buddhist mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" on it. Top
Ala-Bel Pass. At
3184 m one of the major passes on the Bishkek Osh road at
the top of the Chichkan gorge. Top
Ala-Buka.
Near the town of Ala Buka is the Shakh Fazil mausoleum dating
from the 11th/12th century - remarkable for it's internal
decor - although it lacks external decoration (see Safed Bulan).
Top
Alai Zhalpak
Tash. Jost off the road between Osh and Sary-Tash, archaeologists
excavated a glass cup. Top
Alai, valley.
On the North side of the High Pamir mountain range. The Kyzyl
Suu (Red Water) river flows through the 150 km valley which is
some 60 km wide and runs east to west between the Pamir and Pamir Alai
ranges of mountains. Top
Ala-Kel,
lake. A mountain lake (3532 m. asl) on the trail
between the Altyn-Arashan and Karakol gorges, beneath the
Ala-Kul pass (3670 m. asl). Top
Alamedin. The Alamedin
valley is one of the most striking features of the Kyrgyz
Krebet, just South of Bishkek. The village of Koi-Tash, 30 km
from Bishkek, is the confluence of four roads : one from the capital;
another which climbs to the West over the ridge, past Golubinyi Waterfall
(Pigeon'sor Dove Waterfall) to Kashka-Suu in the Ala-Archa valley;
a third to the East towards Issyk-Ata, and the fourth leading
upto the main Alamedin valley. The canyon narrows and the stream,
one of the main rivers flowing through Bishkek, cascades down to
the Chui plain.
Ten kilometers further on is the
Teplye Klyuchi Sanatorium. On a territory of the camp there
are a swimming pool and several mineral springs. At a height
of 1800 meters asl there is a bathouse with naturally, radon,
heated water - (Take the advice of the doctors and restrict swimming
in the pool to no more than about 10 minutes.) - and a complex
of cottages further up the road, which was opened in 1984 by the then
Ministry of Power. The water in the swimming pool is 30C hot.
Beyond the complex the vista opens out into
a beautiful alpine valley - ideal for a day trip out from
the city - and there is a trekking route over the mountains.
There are waterfalls, glades with berries, mushrooms, juniper
and birch forests and views of glaciers and the Usechenko peak (4650m),
as well as a number of other canyons to the East.
There is a Community Based project
in the Alamedin valley which can offer accommodation and
other services. Top
Ala-Myshyk.
A mountain near Naryn - «Ala-Myshyk» means «motley cat»
in Kyrgyz. On the slopes of the mountain is a 45 meter long
cave - decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. Top
Alchaluu.
In this village at the foot of the mountains, South West
of Kemin, are some ancient burial mounds. Top
Alexandrovka.
To the West of Bishkek, are a number of burial mounds
scattered about the farmland. These are the last resting places
for a some of the nobility of the ancient Sak and Usun tribes
that settled in the Chui valley between the 7th century BC
and the 3rd century AD. Top
Ananievo.
Some 52 kilometers east of Chalpon Ata, lies the village
of Ananyevo, which is named after one of the Heroes of the
Soviet Union, who as one of the 28 Panfilov Heroes died defending
a small village outside Moscow against invading German tanks in
1941. He was born in the village and there is a memorial to him with
a small park just off the main street.
To the North of the village,
at the foot of an 18 kilometer canyon, lies the hamlet
of Chet Baisoorun. There area couple of other small canyons
nearby, (Tegirmenty - at 13kilometers long, and Orto Baisoorun
- at 17 kilometers long). The area is forested and the glades
and rivers make attractive countryside.
A little to the East, archaeologists
have discovered the remains of an ancient settlement.
There are legends about incalculable
wealth concealed in caves near the Burgan Suu waterfall.
Top
Andarkhan.
Near the Hodka Bakirgan river, a number of burial sites and
remains of ancient settlements have been discovered nearby that
have yet to be dated. Also 1,5 km away, have been discovered the
remains of the ancient settlement of Tortkul. Top
Archaly.
Known for its springs of mineral water. Top
Arkyt.
The village is well laid out, relatively well maintained
and looks picturesque and is located within the boundaries
of the Sary-Chelek Zapovednik (Bio-diversity reserve) and,
as such, offers a good base for visitors to the region with
wide views on the surrounding mountains; an attractive river
running through it; animals grazing freely; almost no cars and
traffic; friendly people; fresh local produced food available
and is relatively cool in summer and protected in winter.
There is a museum is situated
in a building next to the Zapovednik administration office
which contains a topographical model of the Zapovednik, stuffed
animals, insects and birds, and examples of different kind of
trees and their timber. Labelling and descriptions are in Russian.
Top
Arslanbob. Arslanbob Valley is located at
the south of the Kyrgyz Republic and contains one of the most beautiful
health resorts. Arslanbob is a unique creation of nature and is situated
at 1,600 meters above sea level. The main treasure of these southern forests
is the walnut tree. The tree lives up to 1,000 years, reaches enormous size
and fructifies abundantly. Its leaves and fruits have curative qualities
and are full of vitamins, microelements, and other nutrients. Valuable furniture
and various hand-made items come from the walnut wood. Muslims consider
the picturesque fruit forests sacred. According to legend, in the ancient
times there lived an extremely hardworking man called Arslanbob who served
the prophet Muhammad. And those who visit the forest take away with them
a bit of paradise.
Attractions include horseback or trekking trips to the Big or Small Waterfall,
agriculture tours with participatory herb-collecting, and hikes to Sacred
Mirror Lake and Sacred Stone, important pilgrimage sites for Central Asian
Muslims.
Is there anyone, who has not heard about the famous walnut forests of
Arslanbob? Long ago Alexander the Great's fighters passed through here and
some of them took the fruits they liked back to their distant motherland,
which was the beginning of nut forests in Greece. Top
At-Bashi.
a town, which stands on the site of settlements that date
from the 8th to 14th centuries.
The main road from Naryn to Torugart
takes you over the Kyzyl-Bel pass with views along the crest
of the At-Bashi mountain range, to the village of At-Bashi,
and the nearby ruins of a small citadel at Kara-Suu dating from
the 10th or 12th century. The 5 metre high walls are known as Koshoi-Korgon
and are where the legendary Kyrgyz hero Manas is supposed to
have buried his friend Koshoy. Just before the end of the asphalt,
and the start of the gravel road - the highway widens and was an emergency
military airstrip built in the Soviet period to be used in the event
of hostilities with China (apparently it was never used and is
poorly maintained today). Further on is the Tash-Rabat caravanserai
- an architectural monument from the middle Ages. It is about 125
km from Naryn, and 80 km from Torugart border post, at an altitude of
3530m. The road continues around the end of the At-Bashi mountains,
past Chatyr-Kul lake to the border post. Top
Atlag. In the North-western
corner of the region, South of Taraz (Kazakhstan), just inside
the border, archeologists have discovered the site of an ancient
settlement dating from between the 7th and 12th centuries.Top
Aulie-Ata. In the time
of the Kokand Khanate - this fortress built on the banks of the
River Talas, was the largest fortress in Kyrgyzstan - measuring some
500x250 m.Top
Avletim.
The Avletim valley has attractive gorges and forested mountains.
Top
