I spent 3 summers residing and dealing in Jyrgalan and personally have walked each single path within the valley. Right here’s my information to the very best day hikes from Jyrgalan.
Jyrgalan is a small village within the far east of Kyrgyzstan, on the foot of the Tian Shan Mountain vary.
Throughout Soviet instances the village was very affluent as a result of its coal mine, which supplied many roles to the native inhabitants.
Whereas among the locals nonetheless affectionately consult with the village as “Shaktar” (Russian phrase for “mine”), the mine has been closed because the fall of the Soviet Union, inflicting many to desert the village seeking new work.
Immediately Jyrgalan is a sleepy village, stuffed with attraction and pleasant welcoming individuals. The sort of place individuals go to spend a number of days and find yourself staying every week.
Surrounded by mountains and spectacular valleys, it’s not stunning this village has turned a hidden gem for these searching for outside actions (trekking, mountain biking, horse driving, and snowboarding).
Jyrgalan has developed a popularity for providing some of the very best multi-day treks in Kyrgyzstan, together with the Keskenkija Loop, Boz-Uchuk Lakes, and most just lately Bulak-Ashuu Lakes.
The Finest Jyrgalan Day Hikes
Fortuitously for these with out the time or inclination for a multi-day trek, the village provides quite a few fantastically scenic one-day hikes appropriate for all talents.
These Jyrgalan day hikes are additionally glorious for acclimatising previous to tackling among the high-altitude treks within the space.
READ MORE: Try our complete information to travelling to Kyrgyzstan!
Char Jon Panorama
- Distance: 16km (approx 6-7 hours)
- Altitude acquire/loss: 800m
Char Jon is the height to the north of Jyrgalan. Whereas it’s a fairly strenuous hike up it provides among the best views within the native space.
It’s the good alternative for these searching for one of many more difficult Jyrgalan day hikes.
This trek begins from the higher part of the Jyrgalan Village.
From the homes right here you will note a ridge with some electrical energy poles going up in direction of a small constructing (cell tower).
Head up the ridge, which after an preliminary climb eases to a extra mild stroll alongside undulating hills.
Preserve going alongside the ridge previous the cell tower and you ultimately come to a ultimate steeper part.
After round 150m climbing this steep part flattens out, congratulations you’ve got reached the summit!
On the peak you’ll have 360-degree panoramic views. To the north, you will note over into Kazakhstan.
To the east is Kok Bel cross and Black Nostril Peak. To the south, Jyrgalan Valley and village.
If the climate may be very clear you possibly can even see Issyk Kul on the horizon to the west.
From the height, the quickest approach again to Jyrgalan village is by way of the ridge you got here up.
Nonetheless, a extra scenic and fulfilling route is to descend by way of a small lake known as Turnaluu Kol.
From the height head down alongside the ridge to the north.
The lake is to the east, however hidden behind some bushes and can solely come into sight when you get a bit of additional down the ridge.
You’re aiming for the path going by way of the parting within the bushes to the lake.
NOMADasaurus Observe: One in every of our readers Lena has identified the next instructions to us: Once I was standing on the summit, I seen your article suggests heading down north and that the lake shall be to the east. Nonetheless, I downloaded a compass for this hike beforehand and seen that really you should head down in direction of the west and then you definately’ll already have the ability to see the lake (which can be to the west).
There are numerous potential routes right down to the lake from the ridge.
Probably the most direct route is commonly very moist and boggy, significantly within the early a part of the trekking season.
It’s typically extra comfy, though barely longer, to take the path looping round to the fitting.
On the west finish of the lake, you can see some massive logs that can be utilized as benches.
This makes a pleasant place to cease for lunch (higher than the height which is usually a little uncomfortable as a result of wind).
From this picnic space proceed alongside the paths going away from the lake.
These trails work their approach again to the village, and a few pink arrows have been painted on rocks and bushes to assist direct you.
Turnaluu Kol
- Distance: 11km (roughly 4-5 hours)
- Altitude acquire/loss: 4500m
Whereas we suggest combining Turnaluu Kol with Char Jon Panorama for the very best day mountain climbing expertise, if you’re searching for a shorter and simpler hike it’s potential to only go to the lake.
From the college take the highway heading out the village towards the primary highway.
Cross over the bridge and go as much as the highway and switch left.
After round 30m strolling on the highway take the paths in your proper going away from the village in a north-easterly path.
Observe the paths, steadily gaining elevation. Look out for pink arrows which have been painted on rocks and bushes to mark the route.
Many shepherds deliver their animals to graze on this space so you’ll most likely see horses, sheep, and goats.
Finally, after round 3 hours, you’ll attain Turnaluu Kol which interprets as “Crane Lake”, named after the birds that migrate by way of this space every spring.
Whereas the very best alternatives to see the cranes are in Spring, typically they are often nonetheless be seen in July.
Different birds, together with eagles, might be seen at any time.
It’s price persevering with alongside the path to the east finish of the lake. Right here the path rises a bit of offering a pleasant viewpoint.
If you wish to eat lunch on the lake there are some logs on the west finish of the lake which can be utilized as benches.
Return to Jyrgalan by way of the identical route taken to the lake.
Eki-Chat Yurt Camp
- Distance: 14km (roughly 5 hours)
- Altitude acquire/loss: 500m
Eki-Chat yurt camp is the very best Jyrgalan day hike for these seeking to see Kyrgyz tradition and expertise the attractive Jyrgalan Valley.
Bear in mind that this route is similar as the primary 1/2 day of a lot of the multi-day treks, so for those who plan to do one in all them it’s best to most likely choose one of many different day hikes from Jyrgalan.
The trek begins on the southern finish of Jyrgalan village.
Cross the bridge over to the east aspect of the Jyrgalan River and take the steep grime trails heading up in direction of the electrical energy pylon.
From these trails, it is possible for you to to see a picket stage used for J-Fest, the annual summer season pageant held every August in Jyrgalan.
Close to to the stage, you can also make out two giant black stacks of tractor tyres.
These tyres type the Kazan (targets) for Kok-Boru, the conventional Kyrgyz horse sport performed with a headless goat carcass.
On the prime of the paths you possibly can see an enormous rock to the south. This rock is called Tulpar Tash (Horse Rock).
This rock is legendary as a result of being talked about within the legendary story of the Kyrgyz hero, Manas.
There may be little site visitors on this highway. It’s primarily simply used for transporting yurts to and from the jailoos (excessive pasture areas) firstly and finish of summer season.
Sometimes the native milk truck makes use of this monitor to deliver kumys – the favored Kyrgyz drink of fermented mare’s milk – right down to promote within the village.
After 7km strolling from Jyrgalan, you’ll attain Eki-Chat, a small jailoo with a group of yurts.
Right here you possibly can chill out watching conventional nomadic life and having fun with the attractive surroundings.
If you’re fortunate you is perhaps invited right into a yurt for some tea and kumys.
This yurt camp is the ultimate level of the trek and most of the people flip round right here.
Nonetheless, for those who arrive early and would really like an extended trek you possibly can proceed additional up the Jyrgalan Valley.
Simply cross the bridge and persevering with alongside the jeep monitor, turning round if you get drained.
Return by way of the identical route you got here.
It’s potential to return off the jeep monitor and observe horse tracks subsequent to the river, nonetheless these might be very moist and boggy so if unsure keep on the monitor.
After passing Tulpar Tash head in direction of the electrical energy pylon.
Beneath this pylon is the steep grime trails you started the day on.
Watch out, if the climate has been moist these trails might be slippery, and a greater choice is to proceed on the jeep highway which can take you a barely longer, however flatter, and extra comfy route again to the village.
Kok-Bel Waterfall
- Distance: 12km (roughly 3.5-4 hours)
- Altitude acquire/loss: 450m
That is maybe the best Jyrgalan day hike. The route is properly marked and straightforward to observe, and there may be little uphill with no steep sections.
Watch out if utilizing maps.me as there are two Kok-Bel waterfalls on the map. The right one is east of the village.
To get to the waterfall take the primary highway heading out of Jyrgalan.
After seeing the “Welcome to Jyrgalan” signal and crossing the river take the highway to the fitting heading east.
From right here you’ll have an excellent view of the previous coal mine.
This mine was an essential supply of coal throughout the Soviet instances, when roughly 5000 individuals lived in Jyrgalan, however has not been in use since.
Preserve following the highway, which ultimately crosses again throughout the river, and right into a small valley with one other coal mine.
The coal mine right here continues to be in use immediately, operated as a really small scale operation by a number of of the villagers.
After passing the mine the highway begins to fade. Proceed alongside the fitting aspect of the river, choosing the obvious path.
As you proceed alongside the river the valley narrows right into a canyon and the floor turns into rockier.
At some factors it’s essential to cross the river, which is definitely completed, to get on higher trails.
Proceed up the canyon till you attain the waterfall.
The waterfall is 20m excessive, making it the largest within the native space.
It’s potential to go all the best way to the bottom of the waterfall, nonetheless the final part requires some very straightforward scrambling.
Bear in mind that this waterfall is seasonal, and by the tip of August could also be dry.
You’ll be able to verify present situations within the Vacation spot Jyrgalan Workplace previous to setting off.
Day Hikes from Jyrgalan – Ideas and Data
Right here’s a bit extra data that can assist you plan your travels and mountain climbing in Jyrgalan village.
How Do I Get to Jyrgalan?
Marshrutka quantity 331 leaves 3 instances per day from Ak-Tilek Bazaar in Karakol (08:30, 11:30, and 17:30).
It’s best to reach round 30mins previous to departure because the bus is often full, with these arriving later having to face.
Marshrutka quantity 331 returns to Karakol from Jyrgalan at 07:30, 11:30, and 16:30.
The journey takes roughly 1.45 hours in every path and prices 90-150som relying on the dimensions of the bags.
A taxi prices round $25 every approach and takes round 1.15 hours.
Lodging in Jyrgalan
It’s potential to do any of the treks on this article as a day journey from Karakol.
You’ll need to take the primary marshrutka from Karakol, providing you with round 6 hours to finish the hike earlier than the final marshrutka returning to Karakol departs.
For a extra relaxed expertise, or for these seeking to do multiple hike, there’s a vary of lodging.
Costs and availability of all of the lodging might be discovered on the Reserving.com web site, which will also be used to make reservations.
There isn’t a café or restaurant within the village, only a few small outlets promoting some staple items.
Any guesthouse within the village can put together scorching meals or lunchboxes however may want an hour or two discover.
There isn’t a ATM, so you should deliver money (Kyrgyz Som, Euros, USD). For bigger transactions Vacation spot Jyrgalan can settle for card funds
Impartial vs Guided Hikes
The entire Jyrgalan day hikes on this article might be accomplished independently.
Whereas among the hikes have small sections with out a clear path, usually route-finding is straight ahead, and there are some painted arrows marking the best way.
In the event you would favor to finish the hike with a information you possibly can organize this by way of Vacation spot Jyrgalan ([email protected]).
Horse Trekking in Jyrgalan
Apart from the Kok Bel waterfall hike, these routes will also be completed on horseback.
To organise horse driving contact Vacation spot Jyrgalan no less than 24 hours upfront.
What Do I Want for the Day Hikes in Jyrgalan?
There aren’t any permits or technical tools wanted for any of those explicit treks in Jyrgalan.
Nonetheless, a number of issues are really useful:
Appropriate footwear (e.g. strolling boots or path trainers)
- Sunscreen and sun shades
- Water
- Meals/snacks
- Waterproof jacket/trousers
- Map (both digital or paper copy).
When to Go to Jyrgalan
These hikes are often completed from June to September, with the climate being most persistently heat and dry in July and August.
The hikes might be completed in winter utilizing snowshoes, which might be rented in Jyrgalan.
Temperatures beneath 0 levels Celsius are widespread, so appropriate clothes for very chilly climate is important.
As trails are lined by snow, it’s best to take a information to indicate you the route.
Issues to Know Earlier than You Go
Climate within the mountains can change rapidly, even throughout summer season storms are potential.
Forecasts for this space will not be at all times correct. Be ready for any kind of climate.
A few of these mountain climbing routes might be seen on the maps.me app.
Whereas this can be a good device for basic navigation, among the routes will not be 100% right.
How Tough are the Jyrgalan Day Hikes?
All of the treks listed beneath have all been accomplished by a variety of individuals, none require any technical abilities or excessive ranges of health.
That mentioned from the treks listed beneath Char Jon Panorama is essentially the most difficult and Kok-Bel Waterfall the best.
Approximate instances to finish every hike are listed primarily based on the pace of a median hiker.
If you’re a quick or gradual hiker you might want to vary the time accordingly.
Additional Questions?
If in case you have additional questions on day hikes within the space you possibly can contact Vacation spot Jyrgalan by electronic mail ([email protected]).
If you’re already in Jyrgalan you possibly can go to their workplace inside Ala Kol Guesthouse.
