Chon-Kemin Natural Park lies 150 km from Bishkek. It spans 500 hectares and ranges in altitude between 1,400 and 2,800 meters.

The park reveals itself through one of Kyrgyzstan's most picturesque landscapes, with its river, lakes, gorge and verdant valley. It will undoubtedly captivate nature lovers as well as adrenaline seekers eager to experience exhilarating rafting sessions.

A Glimpse of History

In 1911, Kemin was the epicenter of Central Asia's most powerful recorded earthquake. The tremors at the epicenter reached a magnitude of 11 on the Richter scale.

The park was established in 1997, consolidating most of the forestry operations in Kemin district. Since then, the park has remained under the protection of the Kyrgyz State.

This valley was the birthplace of Kyrgyzstan's first president, Askar Akaev.

Exploring Chon-Kemin Valley

Chon-Kemin Valley is a true wilderness sanctuary, perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking pristine outdoor experiences.

This expansive natural reserve of 500 hectares, unique in the country, showcases magnificent terrain and a river cutting through its heart.

The ecosystem is remarkably distinctive, harboring numerous animal and plant species. Notably, it is home to rare endemic wildlife such as the snow leopard, the maral (Central Asia's smallest cervid), and golden eagles. Flora is equally impressive, with an extraordinary diversity of plants, grasses, berries and mushrooms waiting to be discovered.

The park is equally compelling for sports enthusiasts, offering multiple activities including trekking, fly fishing and horseback riding. For the more adventurous, whitewater rafting is now available—the perfect way to inject an adrenaline rush into your adventure.

The park is crisscrossed by rarely-traveled trails leading to dramatic gorges and seven pristine lakes nestled within the valley's river basin, surrounded by spruce forests.

Passes exceeding 2,500 meters offer sweeping panoramic views across the entire region, making camping an exquisite experience amid untouched natural beauty.

From the valley, the towering heights of the Ala-Too mountain range are visible, culminating at 4,700 meters with its eternal snows. Thus, Chon-Kemin stands as a paradise for adventure tourism and extreme sports enthusiasts. Torrential rivers, sheer slopes and verdant trails—everything a thrill-seeker or nature lover could desire is united in this remarkable sanctuary.