Khan Debe

In an attractive valley ten kilometres south of Bokonbaeva are the remains of Khan Debe, a large eighth century settlement that was abandoned in the 12th century. Villagers in nearby Tora Suu call the site 'The Great Wall of China' since only Khan Debe's fortifications remain: a slightly disappointing kilometre-long ridge broken by what was once a gateway. Going west from Bokonbaeva take the first turning off the main road. Take the left hand fork and continue to Tora Suu (the right hand fork leads to a nineteenth century mausoleum, the Almatai Gumbez). From here, cross the river and continue westwards keeping the Tort Kol reservoir on your right. Khan Debe is two kilometres from the village. From Bokonbaeva take a taxi to Tora Suu and walk. If you are trekking, riding or travelling by four wheel drive it is possible to visit the site and continue through Tora Suu village then westwards into the Kongur Olon Valley.