Chunkurchak Gorge
Чоң-Курчак
A mountain gorge about 35 km south of Bishkek, with summer meadows for horseback riding and hiking past rock formations, and a ski area in winter, making it a popular weekend escape from the city.
Chunkurchak Gorge lies about 35 km south of Bishkek, on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, less than an hour's drive away. In summer the valley opens into meadows, spruce forests and rushing streams. You can ride horses or hike deeper into the gorge, past reddish-brown rock formations and distant snowy peaks, meeting herders and yurts along the way. In winter it is one of the closest ski areas to the city, with a chairlift and ski runs. Near the gorge entrance, the Supara ethno-cultural park serves traditional Kyrgyz meals and offers yurt accommodation. Getting there: about a 50-minute taxi ride from the city, usually arranged as a round-trip charter. Note: Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring a windproof jacket. Check the horses and the guide's qualifications before riding.
Opening hours
Open all day; ski area open in winter
Nearby sights
- Ata-Beyit Memorial Complex
- Gareev Botanical Garden
- Erkindik Boulevard
- Ala Archa National Park
- Ala-Too Square
- Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Oak Park
- Victory Square