Semenov Gorge

To the east of Cholpon-Ata, along the main highway, lie two villages established by Russian settlers at the beginning of the last century: Grigorievka and Semenovka. The distance from Cholpon-Ata to Grigorievka is just over 30 kilometers, and from Grigorievka to Semenovka, it’s an additional 4 kilometers.

From these villages, two gorges extend northward in nearly parallel directions: the Grigoriev Gorge and the Semenov Gorge. The Grigoriev Gorge follows the path of the Chong Ak-Suu River, while the Semenov Gorge traces the course of the Ak-Suu River. In their upper reaches, the two gorges are connected by a low mountain pass, allowing travelers to move from one to the other seamlessly.

Both gorges are renowned for their stunning beauty and are considered among the most impressive natural landmarks on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. The Semenov Gorge stretches for approximately 35 kilometers. At its base flows the rushing mountain river Ak-Suu, with crystal-clear glacial waters, while the slopes are adorned with majestic Tien Shan fir trees. In the spring and summer, the pure mountain air here is filled with the scent of high-altitude herbs. The Semenov Gorge is one of Kyrgyzstan’s most cherished attractions and ranks high on the list of must-see excursions for those vacationing at Issyk-Kul.

In summer, yurts are often set up here, offering visitors the chance to savor delicious Kyrgyz national dishes such as kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) and beshbarmak (a traditional meat and noodle dish). At the upper end of the gorge, you’ll find the picturesque Suuttu Bulak Lake, situated at an elevation of 2,450 meters above sea level.

For those who love active adventures, horseback riding excursions are organized throughout the gorge. Currently, the now-abandoned «Chernobyltsy» health center is located in the Semenov Gorge. Occasionally, athletes who come to Kyrgyzstan for training camps stay here for several days to practice and acclimatize in the more challenging environment of thin mountain air and rugged terrain. You can reach the gorge by car, though a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for a smoother journey.

The Semenov Gorge is wider and has gentler slopes compared to the Grigoriev Gorge, lacking the narrow, steep passages of its neighbor. In some ways, it’s more developed—if one can say that about such a pristine natural setting—with several livestock farms established here and an electricity line running through. At the entrance to the gorge, a barrier gate marks the beginning of a protected area, where a modest ecological fee is collected, as the gorge and the river that flows through its valley are part of a managed forest reserve.

At the upper reaches of Suut-Bulak lies a snowy mountain pass that shares its name, standing at an impressive 3,924 meters above sea level. This pass serves as a gateway to the Chilik River valley. The highest part of the Semenov Gorge valley is framed by a jagged ridge of towering mountains with snow-capped peaks reaching altitudes of over 4,000 meters, with the main peak soaring to 4,260 meters.

In the valley, you’ll find seasonal «yurt villages,» which graciously welcome travelers. Here, guests can savor mouthwatering dishes of Kyrgyz national cuisine, such as shorpo (a hearty meat broth) and beshbarmak (a dish of meat and noodles), and enjoy a taste of kymyz, the famous fermented mare’s milk. Adventurous souls can embark on horseback rides through the gorge, and those looking for an authentic experience can stay overnight or even spend a few days living alongside the shepherd families who graze their livestock on the summer pastures, known as jailoo. It’s a chance to immerse oneself in the nomadic lifestyle, daily routines, traditions, and rich culture of the Kyrgyz people from the Issyk-Kul region, and perhaps even listen to some traditional folk music.

Beyond the ranger checkpoint, you’ll come across the «Kyrchyn» tourist base, which operates year-round. In winter, the slopes here attract skiing enthusiasts who enjoy the convenient descents. Interestingly, the Semenov Gorge is also known by its older name, the Kyrchyn Gorge. The slopes are covered in mixed coniferous and deciduous forests, where Tien Shan firs stand alongside the white trunks of birch trees, intermingled with thickets of rowan, wild honeysuckle, barberry, and sea buckthorn bushes. Past the forestry station, the road splits: one path continues straight to the Suut-Bulak Pass, while the left fork leads to the Kok-Bel Pass.

Further along, the road ascends to a mountain pasture (jailoo) and, at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters, reaches the Kichi Ak-Suu River. This river, with its crystal-clear waters, originates from the glaciers of the Kungey Ala-Too mountain range.

Amidst the untouched beauty of this mountainous land lies a special place in the Semenov Gorge that every traveler should visit. This is Lake Suut-Bulak—more accurately, a tiny lake so small that it doesn’t even appear on satellite maps, unlike the lakes found in the Grigoriev Gorge. This stunning landslide-formed lake is nestled in the side valley of Suut-Bulak, which branches eastward from the main river valley of the Semenov Gorge. It is believed that the lake was formed in 1910 as a result of the Verny Earthquake, adding an intriguing piece of history to this already breathtaking natural wonder.