Jyrgalan: A quiet place of beauty and community

In eastern Kyrgyzstan lies a magnificent valley region that is surrounded by majestic mountains that accentuate the peaceful and simple life that local Kyrgyz villagers still appreciate and hold dear to despite their share of hardships. Few travellers come to Jyrgalan but for those who are adventurous enough to explore here, they will find an outdoor lover’s dream, no matter what season.

The Jyrgalan valley sits 2,300m above sea level with plenty of picturesque mountains, pristine blue lakes, verdant scenery, colourful flora during spring and summer, and countless opportunities for adventures of a lifetime, no matter if you are a solo traveller or travelling in a group.

Jyrgalan offers a plethora of outdoor activities in both summer and winter, especially hikes for every kind of traveller, from casual one-day hikes to strenuous multi-day hikes (with an option to combine with horse trekking) taking you up to heights of 4,000m above sea level where you are rewarded with breathtaking views of natural landscapes thousands of years in the making.

Home to a tight community of around 1,000 people living a peaceful and simple life, Jyrgalan residents will be happy to welcome you with open arms into their beautiful valley they call home.

Jyrgalan is still a hidden paradise for travellers willing to go the extra distance, out of their comfort zone.

No matter if it’s for one day or several nights, being active or relaxing, Jyrgalan provides peace and beauty away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life in a magnificent and natural setting.

During the Soviet era, Jyrgalan experience economic prosperity thanks to coal mining in the area in 1932. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the village fell into economic hardship due to the loss of coal mining jobs which meant loss of income for good schooling for children and maintenance of adequate infrastructure such as running water.

Those lucky enough (and willing) were able to move to bigger towns and cities in search for jobs and opportunities for their children. Many could not afford to leave.

A non-profit social enterprise developed in 2016 with the aim of appealing to and getting travellers to come to this beautiful area while resolving infrastructure and hospitality issues such as plumbing and having running water (for both locals and travellers), along with hospitality and guide training. With help from international organisations like USAID, this was a success with more and more travellers staying and discovering this beautiful region and a wonderful community of people.

Developing tourism in Jyrgalan has given numerous opportunities to the village community – not just opportunity, but also hopes of a better and prosperous future once again.

If you enjoy hiking and camping amidst beautiful scenery, Jyrgalan is perfect for you.

Jyrgalan has created many hiking trails over the last few years (with the help of USAID) where there are now many spectacular hikes, both independent or guided, on foot or horseback (or combination of both), throughout the region.

You’ll find one-day hikes near the village and multi-day hikes that take you up high up the mountainous and verdant terrain far east across grand sweeping landscapes – valleys, mountains, rivers, lakes, with hospitable local yurt accommodation along the way.

Read more:

One day and multi-day hikes in Jyrgalan

Find additional information on things to do, tours, and where to stay.

Trekking permit needed for the Echkili Tash trail

If you are planning to hike the Echkili Tash trail (that takes you near the Chinese border), you need a border permit. This permit should be secured at least 5 to 12 days before the start of your trek, from either Karakol or Jyrgalan. Contact Destination Jyrgalan for more information.

In addition to hiking, you’ll find activities and tours that include horse riding and mountain biking.

If you simply want to relax and stay for a night or two, there are multiple comfortable guest houses in Jyrgalan village that will be happy to accommodate you.

You will also find cultural things to do that include a mix of outdoor activity, local yurt accommodation and chatting with local people, partaking in cultural festivities (sch as J Festival in August and the winter festival in November), cooking lessons, arts and crafts.

During winter, there is still a lot to experience here – there are a variety of different winter sports activities such skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Let people know where you are

Always let friends and family (and accommodation provider or fellow travellers) know where you are going and when you are due back, especially if you’re going to a rather remote place in the countryside. This is for personal safety reasons so if anything happens (especially if people haven’t heard from you by a certain time or day), people can raise the alarm with the appropriate authorities.

Always dress to the season and forecasted weather.

Essentials:

• Phone with the following apps installed:
  Maps.me (Have the Kyrgyzstan map downloaded)
  2GIS
  Google Translate (have the Russian language pack installed)
• Bottles of water (or hydration bladder) – This should be equal to how long and far you think you ‘ll be going and weather conditions. You should replenish fluids by drinking 250ml to 500ml of water every hour you’re trekking. Depending upon how hot the weather is and the intensity of your activity (such as trekking), you may need to drink more. If you are unsure, always carry more water than less.
• Lunch
• Snacks such as fruit, biscuits, mixed nuts, and chocolate.
• Hiking boots
• Passport (photocopy)
• Money (cash)

Recommended:

• Sunglasses 
• Jacket 
• Hat 
• Hand sanitiser 
• Tissues 
• Small first-aid kit

The following facilities are available at the location:

• Guest houses
• Limited grocery shops (that are mostly near the bus stop) with limited hours

Note: There are no restaurants here.

It is recommended that you get to the bus station at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

Go to the Rural Bus Station (Айылдык Унаалар Бекети) near Karakol Big Bazaar.
Board mashrutka 331 going to Jyrgalan (Жыргалан). Prepare for a bumpy journey as you near the village!

Note: Mashrutkas don’t always follow a set schedule and will depart when there the bus is full or near-full.

Cost:
90 som (as of 2019; to be used as reference. Subject to yearly changes)

Note: If you have any big luggage, you may be charged an additional 50 som.

Head to the Jyrgalan local bus stop. There are only three buses going to Karakol per day.

42.608705, 79.01122

Cost:
90 som. (as of 2019; to be used as reference. Subject to yearly changes)

Note: If you have any big luggage, you may be charged an additional 50 som.

• Destination Jyrgalan
  Find additional information on things to do, tours, and where to stay.
• Visit Karakol
  Get a general idea of Jyrgalan and how to get there from Karakol.

Jyrgalan is a great place to get amongst nature that is unspoiled and picturesque, along with meeting the rural people. It’s a trekker’s dream with plenty of one-day and multi-day hikes full of stunning vistas.

Due to its remoteness in the wilderness, it is essential to pack and plan accordingly, especially if you’re going for more than a day.

Know someone who is planning to go Karakol for a few days, or is already there and could be interested in going to nearby Jyrgalan, even for a day?

Share this post to get them amongst wonderful nature in Kyrgyzstan.