Barskoon gorge

Gorge Barskoon

Barskoon Gorge (also Barskoon) is one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern coast of Issyk-Kul, famous for its high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. It is here that the largest gold mine in Kyrgyzstan, Kumtor, is located. The first person to fly into space, Yuri Gagarin, also visited here at one time.

The length of the Barskoon gorge is about 30 kilometers. It stretches deep into the Terskey-Ala-Too mountains, reaching the high mountain plateau (syrt) Arabel, which is separated from the gorge by a cascade of passes. The height of the passes in the Barskoon gorge is very high and reaches 4000 meters. A good quality road passes through the gorge and it is possible to move freely on it in almost any car, as well as on a motorcycle.

Barskoon is very attractive for tourists both for its natural beauties and cultural attractions. The cascade of Barskoon waterfalls, among which the waterfalls Leopard's Tears, Manas Bowl, Champagne Splashes and Ak-Sakala Beard are favorite places for tourists to visit. Among the cultural attractions, one should note the ancient headquarters of Tagay-biy, or, as it is also called, Mohammed-Kyrgyz, one of the founders of the Kyrgyz statehood, which was located in the Barskoon gorge. Barskoon is also famous for its monuments to Yuri Gagarin, who visited these places and the gorge itself. Contrary to popular belief, the cosmonaut himself was only passing through these places, and did not rest regularly.