Chon Kyzyl-Suu Gorge

Excursion to the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu gorge starts from Tamga village. Chon-Kyzyl-Suu in kyrgyz language means "big red water". The gorge got its name due to the color of water in the lower reaches of the river where from turquoise smoothly changes into red due to the color of the soil. The Chon-Kyzyl-Suu gorge is amazingly beautiful.
On the eastern slopes of the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu gorge on the right tributary of the Jyli-Suu of the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu river there are outcrops of the hot mineral sulfide springs of Djyli-Suu with a water temperature of about 43 degrees.
The way to the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu gorge goes from the Kyzyl-Suu (Pokrovka) village in 45 km from Tamga village.
In the lower part the river flows along the red-colored slopes which gave it the name "big red water".
At an altitude of 2000m a dense forest begins in which there are many mushrooms, berries (barberry, dog rose, sea buckthorn, strawberry, etc.).
At the confluence of the rivers Djili-Suu and Chon-Kyzyl-Suu is a small village resort with a hot spring (a water temperature is +43 C).
One-day program allows you to make hiking along the forest to the physical-geographical station and hiking to the waterfall on the river Sharkratma. The magnificent spruce forest and 300-400m rock peaks give the gorge an amazing view. Bathing in the thermal spring, after a walk, will give you great pleasure. If desired you can make a 2-day rest in the Chon-Kyzyl-Suu gorge establishing a tent camp in the forest.
On the second day you can make a hiking to the gorge Kashka-Tor on the Kara-Batkak glacier. The river originates from the lake which is surrounded by a glacier, at an altitude of 3250 m.
In the eastern part of the glacier there is a beautiful peak of Armstrong (5000m). You can take a walk to the 100 meter cascade of waterfalls Shatyl.
By the request, you can make an exciting 4-day trip crossing the Terskey Ala-Too Range twice along the route: Chon-Kyzyl-Suu gorge - Ashu-Tor glacier - Arabel valley - Kashka-Suu pass - Kashka-Suu gorge – Juuka gorge.
Clothing and Equipment
Sunscreen (at least 20SPF)
Chapstik or equivalent lip balm
Sunglasses with UV protection
Telescopic trekking sticks poles (optional)
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex) with hood
Waterproof pants (Gore-Tex)
Warm fleece hat or light balaclava
Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces