Chon-Kemin Valley

Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Chon-Kemin Valley, a hidden gem in Kyrgyzstan, is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, lush greenery, and the majestic Tien Shan mountains. Nestled between towering peaks and vibrant meadows, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, horseback riding, and unique cultural experiences with local nomadic communities. The valley is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and beautiful rivers, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism and adventure seekers.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Mountain

Vibe

Active

Airport

Almaty

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Chon-Kemin Valley

1

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike in Ala Archa National Park

Explore breathtaking trails and stunning mountain scenery.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Experience Local Yurt Stay

Stay in a traditional yurt for an authentic experience.

Booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Chon-Kemin National Park

Discover diverse flora and fauna in stunning landscapes.

No booking required
4

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Join a Horse Riding Tour

Ride through beautiful valleys and mountainous terrains.

Booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Local Markets

Shop for handmade crafts and local produce.

No booking required
6

Est. 6 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit the Sary Chelek Lake

Enjoy scenic views and peaceful surroundings at the lake.

No booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Attend a Traditional Kyrgyz Music Performance

Experience the rich culture through music and dance.

No booking required
8

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Trek to the Tuyuk Valley

Venture into the stunning Tuyuk Valley on foot.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

-7 (#118 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Som

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Kyrgyz

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Beshbarmak

Boiled meat with pasta and broth (National dish)

Laghman

Noodles with meat and vegetables

Kuurdak

Fried meat with potatoes and onions

Manti

V

Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables

Samsa

V

Savory pastry filled with meat or vegetables

Phrases to learn

English

Kyrgyz

Hello

Salamatsyzby

(Sah-lah-maht-siz-bee)

Yes/No

Ooba / Jok

(Oh-bah / Jok)

Thank you

Rakhmat

(Rahk-maht)

Excuse me

KechirdiƱiz

(Ke-chir-dee-neez)

How much?

Kancha?

(Kahn-cha)