Boom Gorge

The basics

Boom Gorge is around 90 minutes by car from Bishkek. While it’s accessible for day trippers, you should count on a full day—if not several days—to do this pristine and picturesque region justice. Expect a range of hiking trails catering to both beginning and experienced trekkers, from panoramic walks around the hills to descents into the gorge itself. Other outdoor activities include rafting along the river or exploring the rugged terrain by horseback.

Independent travelers will have no trouble reaching Boom Gorge from Bishkek. That said, exploring the region safely and thoroughly is easier with expert guidance. Many tour operators visit the gorge and surrounding areas, from full-day hiking itineraries to multi-day tours that include stops along the shores of Issyk-Kul, or even overnight stays in a yurt camp. Structured visits allow travelers to reach more remote areas than they would alone, with the added benefit of cultural context.

Things to know before you go

• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good ankle support. The landscape is rugged and generally uneven, although paths vary in difficulty.
• Weather in the mountains can be changeable; pack layers and wear a high SPF sunscreen.
• Bring your own food, snacks, and plenty of water, as you won’t find many places to buy food and drink.
• Less experienced hikers are advised to join an organized tour with a hiking guide.
• Keep an eye out for marmots and foxes, while birders might want to bring along a pair of lightweight binoculars.

How to get there

Boom Gorge is located around 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Bishkek. It can be reached by car in under two hours, depending on traffic conditions when leaving the city—traffic jams are almost nonexistent once outside the capital. Independent travelers can catch a marshrutka (shared minibus) to the nearby town of Tokmok, then arrange a taxi to the gorge. Another option is to join a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

When to get there

Visit Boom Gorge in late spring to summer and the weather should be reliably warm and sunny, while the hills and valleys explode in a riot of colorful wildflowers: This is the most popular season for hiking, so aim for a weekday to avoid the busier weekends. That said, landscapes in Kyrgyzstan are rarely crowded and Boom Gorge is large enough to feel roomy, even in peak season.

Don’t miss Burana Tower, an ancient minaret

Kyrgyzstan is typically known for its landscapes rather than its ancient landmarks. For Silk Road-era cities, mosques, and palaces, most people head to neighboring Uzbekistan. However, there’s one relic of the region’s medieval Islamic empire in Kyrgyzstan that can’t be missed: Burana Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once likely adjoined to a mosque, the intricately carved minaret is located around 30–40 minutes by car from Boom Gorge.