Bishkek → Chunkurchak → Issyk-Ata, 1 day
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Two waterfalls in the foothills in a day from Bishkek
Place: Chunkurchak and Issyk-Ata
- One dayNo overnight stay
- Easy walksClimb up to 260 m
- May–SeptemberApril–November possible
- BishkekYou need a car or a driver for the day: about 30 km to Chunkurchak, about 44 km between the gorges and about 60 km back.
- BishkekStart
In order
5 stages in one day
The map shows separate sections, rather than the entire trip. Numbers mark known landmarks; agree exact stops before travelling.
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03.05.2024Day 11 / 5
Bishkek — Chunkurchak
About 30 km south of central Bishkek. The road was under repair in 2025 and 2026, and near Tatyr a stretch is unpaved.
Next Pigeon Waterfall → -
Photo coming soon Day 12 / 5
Pigeon Waterfall
From the car park, 250 m along a path to the suspension bridge and viewing platform. The bridge and entry are paid; check the amount on site.
Next Road to Issyk-Ata → -
02.08.2015Day 13 / 5
Road to Issyk-Ata
About 44 km across the foothills to the east, to the Issyk-Ata resort. Check the road condition and travel time before you set off.
Next Issyk-Ata Waterfall → -
06.06.2024Day 14 / 5
Issyk-Ata Waterfall
A trail beside the stream up the gorge, about 2.4 km one way with 260 m of climbing. Entry to the grounds is paid.
Next Back to Bishkek → -
Photo coming soon Day 15 / 5
Back to Bishkek
About 60 km back to Bishkek. Leave the gorge in daylight: the road along the stream is worse at dusk.
Next Chunkurchak — Issyk-Ata: four seasons ↓
Seasons
Chunkurchak — Issyk-Ata: four seasons
Season: May–September. Temperatures at the destination by month are averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.
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Spring
March–May- Marchout of seasonat the destination +3° / −5°
- Aprilpossibleat the destination +8° / 0°
- Mayseasonat the destination +13° / +3°
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Summer
June–August- Juneseasonat the destination +16° / +7°
- Julyseasonat the destination +19° / +10°
- Augustseasonat the destination +17° / +9°
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Photo coming soon Autumn
September–November- Septemberseasonat the destination +14° / +5°
- Octoberpossibleat the destination +7° / −2°
- Novemberpossibleat the destination 0° / −7°
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Photo coming soon Winter
December–February- Decemberout of seasonat the destination −4° / −10°
- Januaryout of seasonat the destination −4° / −11°
- Februaryout of seasonat the destination −2° / −10°
Before you go
Getting there and what to know before you go
How to get there
Bishkek — Chunkurchak
≈30 km; ≈1 hBy car or with a driver. Repairs are under way on the Arashan — Chunkurchak road, and near Tatyr a stretch is unpaved. check for your date
Chunkurchak — Issyk-Ata
≈44 km; ≈1 h 10 minEast across the foothills. Check the time and road condition before you set off.
Issyk-Ata — Bishkek
≈60 km; ≈1 h 15 minBack along the main road. Leave the gorge in daylight.
Money, SIM cards and help
- Cash. The bridge and entry at Chunkurchak and entry to the Issyk-Ata sanatorium grounds are paid; check the amounts on site. Bring som in cash.
112all emergencies
What to bring
Ticks are saved in this browser only.
Check before departure
- Road condition to Chunkurchak Driver
- Bridge and entry fees on site
- Weather and ice on the trail Host or driver
- Condition of the turning to the waterfall
- Mobile coverage in the gorges
All photos
Chunkurchak — Issyk-Ata in photos
Real photos, each with the date it was taken. Tap or click to enlarge.
- 12.04.2015
- 02.05.2024
- 03.05.2024
- 06.06.2024
- 07.06.2025
- 02.08.2015
Nearby
Nearby and where to go next
- Base · BishkekBishkekA city base for museums, squares and a walk through the market.
RegionChuy RegionAll places in the region, on the map and by season.
Cultural site · ≈18 km along straight lineBishkek Botanical GardenA botanical garden with collections of trees and flowering plants.
Route · ≈19 km as the crow fliesAla-Archa National ParkFrom the park entrance to Ak-Say waterfall and Ratsek hut