Sokuluk Gorge

The basics

All but six percent of Kyrgyzstan’s surfaces are covered by mountainous terrain, making the country’s diverse and pristine landscapes among the most stunning in the world. That said, many natural attractions require a long hike, a tiring drive, or both. Sokuluk Gorge is an ideal option for anyone looking to get into nature but with limited time to spare—the gorge can be reached independently or on a full-day guided tour from Bishkek.

Things to know before you go

• If you’ve just arrived in Kyrgyzstan, make sure you take the time to acclimatize before embarking on a hike. Sokuluk Gorge is located around 4,900-6,000 feet (1,500-2,000 meters) above sea level, so you might need a day or two to adjust beforehand, depending on your sensitivity.
• Don’t overestimate your abilities: Be sure you’re in good physical condition before trekking, and remember that physical exertion can feel more strenuous at these heights.
• Make sure you have a friend or hiking companion with you if you’re hiking independently. The safest option is to join a guided hiking tour, which also will add the convenience of organized travel; the roads to Sokuluk Gorge can be tough to navigate.
• Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring your own drinking water. Hikers experience greater fluid loss at high altitudes, so plan to hydrate even more than you normally would. If you feel dizzy or get a headache, then turn around.

How to get there

Sokuluk Gorge is located around a 45-minute drive from Bishkek, heading west on M39. You won’t find any public transportation options, so you’ll need to organize your own rental vehicle, car hire, or join an organized tour—tours are typically recommended for first-time visitors. Once there, you’ll find several hiking trails, from shorter, beginner-friendly strolls to advanced treks. Reaching Belogorka waterfall takes 1-2 hours of hiking along the river.

When to get there

While Sokuluk Gorge is open year-round, snow can make the area treacherous in winter, so aim for late spring to early fall. The temperature is rarely uncomfortable at this height, even in mid-summer, when visitors can also go for a dip in Borulu Lake. However, if you’re keen to see Belogorka waterfall at its mightiest flow, then come from mid-May to early summer, before the heat of June and July diminish the glacier-fed cascade.

Life among Kyrgyzstan’s yurt-dwelling pastoralists

Visitors who arrive in summer will notice felted yurts dotting the pastures of Sokuluk Gorge; during the hotter months, Kyrgyz herders leave their villages and take their sheep, goats, and horses to graze among the country’s high-altitude grasslands, known as jaloo in Kyrgyz. This deeply traditional way of life is part of Kyrgyzstan’s cultural heritage. Some guided tours bring visitors to interact with pastoralists and taste koumiss—a fermented mare’s milk—the Kyrgz national drink.