In the far east of Kyrgyzstan you will find the ideal destination for hikers and adventurers: the green valley of Jyrgalan. This former mining town does not yet have much tourism, which just adds to its charm. Jyrgalan in Kyrgyzstan is an adventurous destination, where everything is about being outdoors: you can hike endlessly here, go mountain biking or horseback riding, always with a view of the impressive mountains. In the evening, join us for a fantastic dinner at one of the cozy guesthouses or yurt camps in the valley. This travel guide tells you everything you need to know about what to do in Jyrgalan, how to get there and where to stay.
Where is Jyrgalan located in Kyrgyzstan
Jyrgalan is located in eastern Kyrgyzstan an hour and a half from the city of Karakol, specifically in the Tien Shan Mountains on the border with Kazakhstan. During the Soviet era, Jyrgalan was an important mining town, but when the Soviet Union collapsed, the mines were no longer profitable and almost everyone in the village lost their jobs. Since then, Jyrgalan has been betting more and more on tourism, and with good reason! Under the name Destination Jyrgalan you will find a close-knit community who will be happy to welcome you into one of the cozy guesthouses or yurt camps and show you the beauty of the valley. Jyrgalan is about 2,500 meters above sea level, so be aware that the altitude will take some getting used to.
How to reach Jyrgalan
Jyrgalan is relatively remote in Kyrgyzstan, and from the capital city of Bishkek you will be at least 8 hours away. The nearest city is Karakol, which is an hour and a half drive from Jyrgalan. To reach Jyrgalan, you can take a marshrutka from Karakol, minivans that are the public transportation in Kyrgyzstan. You can read all about public transportation and exact marshrutkas in our Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide!
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A second option, like us, is to drive your own car all the way to Jyrgalan. The roads in Kyrgyzstan are in poor condition, and often you do need a 4×4. From Karakol follow the main road, driving the last 20 km on a gravel road with potholes. In summer the roads are usually drier and more passable. With caution, you would also reach the village with an ordinary car, but always check your rental conditions. Don’t have your own transportation and missed the marshrutka? In Karakol you will undoubtedly find a cab that will be willing to take you, but negotiate the price well!
What to do in Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
Jyrgalan is an adventurer’s paradise, with activities all year round. In summer, there is plenty of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. In winter, the valley turns into the perfect place for skiing and other winter sports. It was one of our favorite places in the country and should not be missed during a tour of Kyrgyzstan! We recommend staying here for at least 3 days (2 nights) to fully enjoy Jyrgalan.
1) Hike to Turnaluu Kol Lake & Chaar Jon Panorama
Level: Difficult ● Duration: 7-8 hours ● Distance: 16 km ● Elevation : +/- 800 m
Jyrgalan in Kyrgyzstan is the ultimate hiking paradise. As such, there are a lot of hikes, but if you have to choose you should definitely do the hike to Turnaluu Kol Lake and Chaar Jon Peak. At the summit you have a fantastic panoramic view of the village and the Jyrgalan Valley, with the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains in the background. When you leave the village, walk to the main road and hike back a bit towards Karakol. On the right side begins the hike to Turnaluu Kol Lake which you encounter first. Then you climb further towards Chaar Jon Peak before descending back to the village. Download the map definitely offline via Maps.Me and keep a close eye on the route as sometimes the GPS trail deviates from the actual paths.
2) Hike to Eki Chart Yurt Camp.
Level: Average ● Duration: 5-6 hours ● Distance: 16 km ● Altimeters: +/- 500 m
The hike to the Eki Chat yurt camp is perfect for those who want to see the beauty of the Jyrgalan valley combined with Kyrgyz culture. For this hike, cross the bridge by the river at the end of the village and climb towards the electricity pole on the hill. From there it is a relatively flat hiking trail that you follow for 7 km until you reach the Eki Chat Yurt camp. Here you can watch the typical, nomadic life of Kyrgyzstan on the jailoo and who knows, maybe someone will invite you for a cup of Chai tea. To reach Jyrgalan again you will hike the same route back.
TRAVEL TIP: The hike to Eki Chat Yurt camp is often also the start of multi-day treks from Jyrgalan. If you are planning a multi-day trek, it is better to choose another day hike.
3) Hike to Kok Bell waterfall
Level: Average ● Duration: 3-4 hours ● Distance: 12 km ● Altimeters: +/- 450 m
The hike to the Kok Bell waterfall is the easiest hike to do in Jyrgalan, but no less rewarding. This hike is well marked and does not have as steep sections as the other hikes. The end point of the hike is the Kok Bell waterfall which is 20 meters high. Be aware that the waterfall can sometimes be dry in August, especially after a hot summer. Also for this hike, take the same road back towards Jyrgalan.
4) Multi-day treks Jyrgalan
In addition to day hikes, several multi-day treks depart from Jyrgalan and take you through the rugged, Kyrgyz landscape. For these treks, however, it is recommended that you have some hiking experience. Often you have to bring your own equipment, and the weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable. Also, always let Destination Jyrgalan (the information center) know when you are leaving on a hike and when you should be back.
These multi-day treks depart from Jyrgalan:
- The three-day trek to the Boz Uchuk Lakes
- The four-day trek Keskenkija Loop
- The multi-day Ak Suu Traverse Trek that takes you past the famous Ala Kul Lake
5) Horseback riding Jyrgalan valley
Horseback riding and Kyrgyzstan go hand in hand. It is one of the most widely used ways how the locals get around and an experience you don’t want to miss yourself. Therefore, when you are in Kyrgyzstan, you absolutely must do a horseback ride. You can also do the aforementioned hikes just fine on horseback (with the exception of the Kok Bell waterfall). To book a horseback ride the day before visit Destination Jyrgalan who will help you arrange a guide and horses.
6) Mountain biking
Believe it or not, but mountain biking and cycling is very popular in Kyrgyzstan. Every year the Silk Road Mountain Race, one of the toughest bike treks in the world, is held here itself. In Jyrgalan, you can rent limited mountain bikes at Destination Jyrgalan and also ask for a guide. Alternatively, you can bring your own mountain bike or rent one in Karakol. There are mountain bike trails in the area for every skill level. The New Mine Road and Birch Grove Loop are ideal for beginners. In turn, the Temirlan Tash Loop and Chong Ashu Pass are for those who like a challenge!
Where to stay in Jyrgalan
There are several guesthouses in Jyrgalan to stay at, including Rahat Guesthouse and Alakol Jyrgalan Guesthouse. The latter, by the way, is also where Destination Jyrgalan (the information center) sits. The accommodations are often simple, but the people offer a warm welcome and often your accommodation includes breakfast and a delicious dinner. If you want a little more comfort, you can stay at the new Peak Lodge. This is also the only restaurant in Jyrgalan where you can go for dinner, besides the local guesthouses.
We ourselves camped in Jyrgalan. You can perfectly set up your tent along the river just outside the village. In the morning you wake up with the mooing of the cows around your tent, a fantastic experience! If you don’t want to cook yourself, you can join us for breakfast or dinner in the guesthouses, which is what we did. It is best to go in advance to reserve a place, as the food is always freshly made.
Tips for visiting Jyrgalan
Kyrgyzstan and Jyrgalan are adventurous destinations. It is a beautiful place, but remote and so it is best to be well prepared. Here are some tips to properly prepare your trip to Jyrgalan:
- There is no ATM in Jyrgalan and almost everything is paid in cash. So make sure you have enough cash with you, even for your overnight stays. You can withdraw money in the city of Karakol.
- There is coverage in the village of Jyrgalan but it can sometimes drop out. On the hikes there is often no coverage. So be sure to download all your maps offline so you can navigate yourself at all times.
- You’re in mountain terrain. That means the weather conditions are very erratic. One moment the sun can be shining, the next there is hail or snow. Therefore, dress for all weather conditions.
- Tap water is not drinkable in Jyrgalan and drinking from the river is strongly discouraged, due to the many cattle roaming freely in the valley. We had a Lifestraw with us to Kyrgalan, which does allow you to safely drink from running water.
Best Travel Time Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
The best travel time for Jyrgalan and Kyrgyzstan in general, is from June through September with the best months being July and August. However, there may still be snow on the hikes in June. You can also visit Jyrgalan in winter as the area is transformed into a snowy landscape. The perfect time for skiing or other winter sports! Be aware that the weather in the mountains is always unpredictable, so always make sure you have enough clothing.
Do you have any questions about Jyrgalan? Let us know in a comment below or email info@snoezelsontheroad.com. For additional information about Jyrgalan or for reservations, you can also email destination.jyrgalan@gmail.com
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