Western Kyrgyzstan

The far north-west of Kyrgyzstan bulges into Uzbekistan. Falling into the provinces of Talas and western Jalal-Abid, the area is dominated by the Chatkal and Chandalash mountain ranges, home to an impressive variety of animal and plant species, many of which are protected by a biosphere reserve and a series of national parks. The mountains, rising to around 4,500 metres, are of a delicate and haunting beauty, encompassing lakes, deep gorges and rare walnut forests.