Кырчын

Kyrchyn is a gorge with steep rock walls located on the northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. The valley is surrounded by coniferous forests and contains multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty.

The gorge gained international attention during the 2016 World Nomad Games. This event established the location as a center for traditional Central Asian sports competitions.

Shepherds have used these gorges for generations to graze their herds and move between seasonal pastures. The way locals live with the landscape shows how people adapt to mountain life in this region.

The gorge is easiest to reach from Cholpon-Ata, about an hour away by vehicle. Multiple entry points allow visitors to choose trails suited to their fitness level and available time.

During cultural festivals, the gorge transforms into a temporary city of yurts. These traditional nomadic dwellings are set up seasonally and house thousands of event participants.

GPS coordinates: 42.80000,77.53333

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03