Sary-Too mountains

Eighteen kilometers west of the village of Samarkandyk in the Batken region lies a unique geological formation—the Sary-Too mountain range, which translates from Kyrgyz as «Yellow Mountains.» This mountain range is renowned for its striking, multi-colored appearance, resembling a layered cake, where each layer has its own distinct hue.

These vibrant mountains were once the floor of the ancient Sarmatian Sea, and they hold within them numerous fossils, including the petrified shells of heterodont mollusks and plant remains from that distant era. Millions of years ago, the sea vanished, leaving behind exposed sedimentary rocks rich in various metals. As these rocks oxidized over time, they created an extraordinary palette of colors. The landscape here boasts nearly every shade imaginable in nature, from terracotta and turquoise to lemon yellow, emerald green, sandy beige, deep black, and even purple, forming a rainbow-like spectacle.

In Sary-Too, it’s possible to discover fossils simply by walking through the area. Petrified shells of heterodont mollusks and remnants of plants that thrived here 485 million years ago are scattered across the terrain. Even today, flowers, descended from those ancient plants, bloom along the mountain slopes, adding to the area’s natural beauty.

The combination of colorful flowers, ancient fossils, and clear blue skies creates an unforgettable landscape. This unique scenery has recently gained popularity among local photographers and videographers, who often use it as a stunning backdrop for «Love Story» films, particularly those created for newlyweds.