Barskoon: Hotels and Accommodation

The Barskoon Gorge is a long valley extending into the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains toward the high-altitude Arabel Plateau. Its passes reach approximately 4,000 meters; the landscape includes high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. Those wishing to book a hotel in Barskoon can continue their accommodation search afterward.

Nature

Barskoon Waterfall is a geological reserve established in 1975. The Barskaun Gorge with its waterfall is recognized by the Tourism Department of Kyrgyzstan as one of the natural attractions of the Issyk-Kul region.

The Barskoon River lies at the foot of the mountain in the Barskoon Valley. The path to Barskoon Waterfall offers views of Issyk-Kul and the mountains along its northern shore. In a summer yurt in the Barskoon Valley, visitors can try the traditional Kyrgyz drink kymys. Mountain honey and sea buckthorn are sold at roadside stalls near the Barskoon waterfalls.

On the Way

Chashcha-Manasa Waterfall is one of the named waterfalls in the Barskoon Gorge. Leopard's Tears is the first waterfall seen from the road in the Barskoon waterfall cascade. Champagne Spray is the second waterfall along its stream and is visible from the road. Aksakal's Beard is the highest of the three waterfalls along its stream in the Barskoon Gorge. A third waterfall can be reached after an ascent of approximately 45 minutes.

Those traveling toward Karakol turn onto road A364 to the Barskoon Gorge immediately before the bridge over the Barskoon River. The village of Barskoon can be reached by marshrutka from the South Shore Bus Station; from there, a 15 km walk leads to Barskoon Waterfall.

In summer, jeep tours use the road over Barskoon Pass to the Arabel Lakes and the high Syrt Plateau. The gravel road over Barskoon Pass reaches the Syrt Plateau and the Arabel Lakes.

Culture

Yuri Gagarin visited the Barskoon Gorge in 1964; a monument to the first cosmonaut was erected there in the late 1980s. The path leading up into the Barskoon Gorge is marked as the Gagarin Trail on many maps.

On November 1, 2025, a statue of Mahmud Kashgari Barskani was unveiled in Barskoon.

More destinations: Bokonbayevo, Dolinka, Chong-Sary-Oy, Tosor, Teploklyuchenka, Balykchy, Grigorievka, Ananyevo.

To the overarching travel overview: Yssykköl Region.