Just a short trip, 148 km east of Bishkek, and you'll find Chong-Kemin National Park, a stunning natural escape. Tucked into the Kungey-Alatau Mountains, it's a place of beautiful valleys, flowing rivers, and lush forests.
This park is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can hike, ride horses, and truly connect with nature. The Chon-Kemin River runs through it, offering peaceful spots for exciting rafting opportunities. You'll also have a chance to see incredible wildlife, including snow leopards, lynxes, and golden eagles. The park's diverse plants and animals make it a special place to experience Kyrgyzstan's wilderness.
Some of the best things to see in Chong-Kemin are:
1. Zhashyl-Kol Lake: This is a stunning emerald-green lake high up in the mountains. It's incredibly clear and beautiful.
2. Kol-Kogur Lake: Hidden in the Kyungey Ala-Too mountains, Kol-Kogur is a stunning alpine lake. Reachable only by foot or horseback, it offers pure, untouched beauty and tranquility. Perfect for adventurers seeking a unique mountain experience.
3. Glaciers: You'll see glaciers scattered around the mountains, and the views are breathtaking.
4. Hiking Trails: There are many trails for all levels. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even hike to Chok-Tal Peak, the highest mountain in the Kungey Ala-Too range. It's 4760 meters tall!
Accommodation in Chong-Kemin National Park
1. Guesthouse Jekshen.Cbt.Chong-Kemin
Guest House Jekshen offers a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Free private parking is available. Guests can enjoy an Asian, vegetarian, or vegan breakfast. Popular activities in the area include hiking, and cycling.
Address: street Bapakov7
Location (Google maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/jiT5rAbeYiCJM52a7
Contacts: +996 505 803 888
2. Guest house CBT Chon Kemin
Stay in the heart of the park at this cozy guesthouse, ideal for hikers and nature enthusiasts. This hotel follows sustainable practices.
Address: street Bapakov 35
Location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WecvH4ttNG8atVVv9
Contacts: +996 700 010 915
3. Kemin Guest House
Kemin Guesthouse offers a cozy stay in Chong-Kemin Valley, with clean rooms and traditional meals. It’s the perfect base for exploring the mountains, hiking, horseback riding, and enjoying a folklore show in a peaceful setting.
Address: Tar-Suu village, Aliev str 1a
Location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HahJoAQxezMmAXr87
Contacts: +996 550 772 605
https://www.instagram.com/kemin_house/
4. Yurt Glamping “Ala-Kush”
Ala-Kush Yurt Glamping, located in Chong-Kemin Valley at the foot of Mount Orto-Kayindy, offers 20 fully equipped yurts with modern amenities, including electricity, sewage, and spring water. Guests can enjoy a restaurant, conference hall, horseback riding, and traditional kymyz (fermented mare's milk) in the summer.
Address: Karool-Dobo village
Location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6kWMbdbNNMAKyLYA8
Contacts: +996 509 220 222
https://www.instagram.com/alakush_chon_kemin/
5. Ashu guest house
Guest House "Ashu" is located in the scenic Chong-Kemin Valley, ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. It offers single and double rooms for up to 30 guests, with traditional Kyrgyz décor and private bathrooms. Amenities include a dining room with a fireplace, a conference hall, Kyrgyz instrument collection, ping-pong, and karaoke.
Guests can enjoy a boorsok show, yurt installation demonstration, shyrdak master class, and a folklore show, adding a unique cultural experience to their stay.
Address: Borueva Street 22, Shabdan
Location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DYybknQFthKRtcVg7
Contacts: +996 552 700 552
https://www.instagram.com/ashu_guest_house/
6. Kok-Archa Guesthouse
Guesthouse Kok-Archa is located in the forest among the mountains in the Tar Suu gorge of the Chon-Kemin valley of the Kyrgyz Republic at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level.
Location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HqFvutMw2ECESo3U6
Contacts: +996 709 761 030
Website: https://kokarcha.inn.kg/
7. Richland Guesthouse
A cozy, well-furnished spot with welcoming hosts and delicious food that will take you on a culinary journey. Surrounded by mountains, Richland Guesthouse offers the perfect opportunity to explore and rediscover nature.
Address: Chon Kemin valley, Kalmak Ashuu village Kemin
Location on Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YVVjRGTDcPw5TeSYA
Contacts: +996 704 77 77 34
How to Get to Chong-Kemin National Park
Chong-Kemin National Park is a 2-3 hour drive from Bishkek by car or taxi.
For the cheapest option, take marshrutka 309 from the Eastern Bus Station for 200-300 som. Guided tours with transportation are also available.
