Jong-Kemin
A protected valley 150 km from Bishkek — relict spruce forests, mountain lakes and rafting on a glacial river surrounded by snow-capped peaks of Kungei-Ala-Too.
Kyrgyzstan
Jong-Kemin
April — September. In April and May, the river is most full for rafting; in summer, the conditions are ideal for trekking and horseback riding. Since October, the river has been getting shallower, and it freezes in winter.~150 km from Bishkek, 2-2.5 hours by car. Route: Bishkek → highway A365 (east) → turn to Kemin → continue along the valley. The road is unpaved for the last 40 km, an off-road vehicle is recommended.
🏞️ Chon-Kemin National Park - 5,000 hectares of protected forests
Seven mountain lakes, including the picturesque Kelter
Seasonal rafting on the glacier river (April–September)
Trekking and horseback riding routes along the valley
🦅 Relict spruce forests with rich fauna
The Chon-Kemin Valley is one of the most untouched places in Northern Kyrgyzstan. The Chon-Kemin River originates from glaciers at the junction of the Kungei-Ala-Too and Zailiysky Alatau ranges and carries its waters 116 kilometers through a narrow forest gorge to the Boomsky Gorge, where it flows into the Chu.
Since 1997, the territory has been part of the Chon-Kemin State Natural National Park, which protects 5,000 hectares of unique ecosystems. Relict Tien Shan fir trees have been preserved here, and pheasants, tolai and dozens of bird species live in the undergrowth.
There are seven mountain lakes in the valley, the largest of which are Kelter, Chelek and Zhashyl-Kel. Trekking routes of varying difficulty, horseback riding along the river and seasonal rafting on the rapids of Chon Kemin are available for travelers.
Practical information
Placement: Guest houses in the villages of Shabdan, Kayyngdy, Tar-Suu; yurt camps in the upper part of the valley.
Connection: Mobile communications are unstable in the upper part of the valley; in the villages of Kemin and Shabdan, Beeline and MegaCom. are being picked up
Equipment: Trekking boots are required. In May and June, the water level is high - a guide is required for rafting. It's cool in the evenings, even in summer (+5...+10 °C) — take warm clothes.
Passes: A permit may be required to visit the park's protected area, to be specified on the spot or through a tour operator.
