National Parks of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan boasts nearly 1.5 million hectares of national parks and protected areas, covering approximately 7% of the country’s total landmass. These protected areas include 10 nature reserves, 13 national parks, 19 natural monuments, and 45 management areas encompassing botanical, forest, and zoological reserves. These zones are essential for safeguarding fragile ecosystems while promoting sustainable recreational activities.

Ala-Archa National Park — Established in 1974, Ala-Archa National Park protects the scenic Ala-Archa River and its surrounding landscapes. Known for its towering peaks and glaciers, including Mount Komsomolets and Peak Semyonova Tianshanski, this park is a prime destination for hikers and climbers. Located just 35 km (22 miles) from Bishkek, it is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor recreation. The park’s name, «Ala-Archa,» is derived from the juniper trees, believed to ward off evil spirits when burned.

Besh-Aral State Nature Reserve — Founded in 1979, Besh-Aral Reserve, located in the southwest corner of Jalal-Abad Region along the Uzbekistan border, protects the natural forests of the Chatkal Range. It is home to rare species such as the endangered Menzbir’s Marmot and unique tulips like Grieg and Kauffman varieties.

Besh-Tash National Park — This park covers the Besh-Tash River and Lake, featuring breathtaking forests. Established in 1996, the park balances strict conservation zones with areas allowing controlled economic activity.

Chong-Kemin National Park — Founded in 1997 in the Chong-Kemin River Valley, this park conserves the unique flora and fauna of the Kemin District. In addition to natural reserves, the park includes cultural landmarks like the mausoleum of Shabdan Baatyr.

Issyk-Kul State Nature Reserve — Established in 1948, Kyrgyzstan’s first nature reserve focuses on protecting wetlands and their bird populations. The wetlands around Issyk-Kul are internationally recognized as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve — Designated as part of the UNESCO World Network of Biospheres in 2000, the Issyk-Kul Region covers 43,100 square kilometers (16,641 square miles), or 22% of Kyrgyzstan’s land area. The reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems, from deserts to mountains, and is home to endangered species like the Marco Polo sheep, snow leopards, and Siberian ibex. This reserve balances conservation with sustainable tourism and pastoral activities, aiming to protect the environment while fostering economic development.

Karakol National Park — Founded in 1997, Karakol National Park spans 38,256 hectares, including 4,767 hectares of forest. It protects vital ecological habitats in the region.

Kara-Shoro National Park — Established in 1996, this park safeguards unique geological formations and endangered wildlife. Covering 8,450 hectares, the park remains pristine and undeveloped, with no roads traversing its expanse.

Karatal-Japaryk State Nature Reserve — Founded in 1994, this reserve preserves the ecological balance of the Central Tian Shan, including the high-altitude lakes of Son-Kul and Chatyr-Kul. Chatyr-Kul’s wetlands are listed as a Ramsar site.

Kulan-Ata National Park — Established by presidential decree in 2004, Kulan-Ata Park aims to protect biodiversity and maintain the genetic diversity of the forest ecosystems. The park’s 600 plant species include 200 endemic to Kyrgyzstan, with several listed as endangered.

Kyrgyz-Ata National Park — Located in Osh Region, this park was created in 1992 to preserve the rich juniper forests, which are a key feature of the area.

Naryn State Nature Reserve — Founded in 1983, this reserve protects diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows and coniferous forests.

Padyshata Nature Reserve — Established in 2003, this Jalal-Abad Region reserve focuses on conserving juniper forests and the unique Semenov’s species.

Saimaluu-Tash National Park — Known for its ancient petroglyphs, this park was established in 2001 in eastern Jalal-Abad Region. Beyond its archaeological significance, it plays a vital role in regional biodiversity protection.

Salkyn-Tor National Park — Founded in 2001, Salkyn-Tor is dedicated to reestablishing the endangered Tian Shan maral, a species of elk native to the region.

Sarychat-Ertash Nature Reserve — Founded in 1995, this reserve provides a protected habitat for the endangered snow leopard and argali, a large mountain sheep. It is also home to other species like Siberian ibex, lynx, and Pallas’s cat. The reserve is off-limits to tourists, ensuring the preservation of its sensitive ecosystem.

Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve — Located on the southern slopes of the Chatkal Range, Sary Chelek was established in 1959 to protect the area surrounding Sary Chelek Lake. It became a biosphere reserve in 1979 and is renowned for its rich plant biodiversity and forests.

Jeti Oguz Nature Monument — This striking sandstone formation, located 25 km (15 miles) southwest of Karakol, is named «Jeti Oguz» or «Seven Bulls» because the rocks resemble seven bulls. It is a protected natural monument and a popular tourist attraction.