Barskoon gorge

Barskoon Gorge

We continue to explore the best corners of the picturesque Kyrgyz Republic. This time the object of our virtual tour will be the Barskoon gorge (Barsovo gorge) in the Issyk-Kul region, located in the mountains of Teskey-Ala-Too.

Teskey-Ala-Too — the second largest center of glaciation of the Tien Shan. It has about 1100 glaciers. The word «Teskey» in translation means the opposite or in the shade. The name of the ridge is contrasted with the Kungei Alatau ridge located on the northern part of the Issyk-Kul basin, which got its name thanks to the sun illuminating its slopes.

Barskoon gorge is located 80 km from the city of Karakol. The gorge is famous for its picturesque and numerous waterfalls. The most famous are “Tears of a leopard”, “Beard of aksakal”, “Spray of champagne” and “Bowl of Manas”. As befits famous and picturesque sites, waterfalls are surrounded by hundreds of myths and legends.

For example, legend says that the “Tears of a Leopard” waterfall formed from real tears of a real leopard. According to legend, the mother-badger left in the lair of three youngsters who, not waiting for her return, crawled out of the den and crashed, breaking off the cliffs. Finding the return of the dead cubs, the badger cried, and her tears formed a waterfall with three ledges.

Another waterfall “Manas Bowl”, according to legend, was formed from the fact that the famous Kyrgyz batyr Manas scooped up water in the river with his palm. From there the waterfall acquired such an interesting bowl shape.

Waterfalls are not the only interesting attraction of the gorge, but you won’t guess about anything else! This is a monument to the first cosmonaut Yu.A. Gagarin. It was built here because the Barskoon gorge was a favorite place of the astronaut. He often came and rested in the military sanatorium Tamga, which is located near the gorge.

Well, since Yuri Gagarin, plowing the vast expanses of space and seeing the most incredible views through the window of the porthole, was struck by the beauty of the Barskoon gorge, you will also love this place! Let’s plan your vacation together! Call us and write to the numbers in the “Contacts” section at any time!