Waterfalls
One of the waterfalls at Aslan Bob
Waterfalls – where water flows over a vertical drop in the course of a stream or river. It could be the sight, of the sound that the cascading water makes, but there is something dramatic and appealing about them.
They normally form in the upper reaches of a river system, where rivers are relatively young, the valleys narrow and deep. Fast flowing water can plunge over a shelf of hard wearing rock onto softer, less resistant rock, eroding it further and thus creating more dramatic features. Sometimes waterfalls fall from “hanging valleys”, the result of a retreating glacier leaving behind the typical profile of a U-shaped valley, having eroded away the gently slopes and gouging out the deep U-shaped valley typical of glacial sculptured landforms.
As you might expect, the rivers and mountain streams of Kyrgyzstan are rich in waterfalls. There are too many to mention them all, but here is a list of some of the major ones:
Abishir-Sai Canyon (in the Osh oblast) A picturesque canyon with steep, rocky sides through which the river Abshirisai flows. The river emerges gushing from a cave in the rock face and falls through 30 m to the valley floor. The waters of the waterfall are thought to have curative properties and be holy. Pilgrims come from far and wide to bath in the spray and collect the water in bottles.
Arslan Bob (in the Djalal Abad oblast). Within easy walking distance of the village centre is a “small” waterfall (about 23 meters tall). In the cliff opposite is a small cave, or grotto – known as the “Cave of Forty Angels” – where a holy woman used to live and where people would come to her with petitions her for help.
A little further away – about a two hours walk from the village – is the “large” waterfall. It is split into two sections, one cascading down some 60 meters and the other, 80 meters.
Barskoon (In Issyk Kul oblast) There are several impressive waterfalls not far from the main Kumtor Technical Service Road which ascends through the valley, the main one with a drop of some 24 meters
Chichkan (in Djalal Abad oblast) Above the main Bishkek-Osh road lie some lakes and this waterfall which falls some 60 meters.
Chon Kurchak Gorge (in Chui oblast) Called “Pigeon’s Waterfall” (or Dove Falls - Golubini Vodapad in Russian). The water cascades down over sharp rocks. There is a path from the road leading to the waterfall, and sometimes people are lucky and see a flock of wild doves (pigeons) which give their name to the waterfall.
Kegety Gorge (in Chui oblast) This 30 meter drop waterfall lies at the end of a trek in the Kegety valley in the Kyrgyz range of mountains to the south of Bishkek.
Sarala Saz (in Naryn oblast) Near to the jailoo, high mountain meadow, frequented by shepherds over many centuries, there is waterfall which is known to locals by the romantic name of “Look for me” because it is well hidden amongst the rocks. It is possible to stand within a few meters of it, hear the rushing water, but not be able to see it.
Sokuluk Gorge (in the Chui oblast) This 60 meter drop waterfall is not top be confused with the one in the Alamedin valley with which it shares the “Pigeon’s Waterfall” (or Dove Falls, Golubini Vodapad in Russian). This one lies just 80 kilometres to the southwest of the capital, Bishkek. From the road, there is a short trek – of about an hour – to reach the waterfall itself.
Son Kul (in Naryn oblast) Surrounded by trees, a short trek from the road between the lake and the road from Naryn over the Dolon Pass.
Bishkek