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. 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-Beyit Pass. 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-Bel Pass. At 3184 m
one of the major passes on the Bishkek Osh road at the top
of the Chichkan gorge. Top
Ala-Bulka. Near
the town of Ala Bulka 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
Arslan-Bob, walnut forests. The mountain forests
of Kyrgyzstan are surprisingly beautiful and rich. Is there anyone, who has
not heard about the famous walnut forests of Arslan-Bob? 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.
The surviving nut forests are spread over 1,100 hectares. In rocky canyons,
at an altitude of 2,200m above sea level, mountain rivers plunge downwards
and create fabulous waterfalls. You can find these small and big waterfalls,
caves and a holy lake, which keeps it's secrets.
Massive, 150-200 year old, 2-metre diameter, 30-metre high walnut-trees rock
with the breath of a fresh breeze. A curious squirrel is carefully looking
out of the trees, having heard the steps. This landscape is a suitable breeding
area for many animal and birds species. According to legend, in ancient times
a very industrious man name Arslanbob lived here. At that time this place
was not such a blooming oasis as it is now. Arslanbob decided to make this
place a paradise, planting nut, peach, apricot, plum, pistachio and apple
trees there. 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
