The Grigorevsky Gorge, also known as Chon-Ak-Suu, descends from the Kungey Ala-Too Range near Grigor’yevka and lies directly next to Grigorievka on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Those wishing to book a hotel in Grigorievka can then continue their accommodation search. Its 35-kilometer-long valley encompasses dense fir forests, glacial water, high snow-capped peaks, and three mountain lakes.
Nature
The Chon-Ak-Suu area contains three lakes on the western side of the valley. The middle lake lies between the jailoo summer pastures, and all three lakes contain high-mountain trout. The upper lake is described as being at approximately 3,500 meters and is surrounded by alpine meadows. Also at approximately 3,500 meters, beyond the last lake, the forest gives way to alpine meadows.
Visitors can travel on foot or go horseback riding in the gorge. From late June to late September, yurts in the gorge offer opportunities to learn about Kyrgyz nomadic traditions through handicrafts, riding demonstrations, folk music, koumiss, and participation in setting up a yurt.
Culture
At-Jailoo is an area of active pastoralism. A roadside yurt there is not necessarily a café or guest facility. Permission should be requested before photographing or entering yurts at At-Jailoo.
The house locally known as the Brezhnev Dacha is described as a Soviet-era local legend rather than a documented museum. The grounds of the Brezhnev Dacha should not be entered without explicit permission; visitors should not expect an open museum there.
Archaeological finds in the gorge include ancient burials dating from the 5th to the 3rd century BC. The name of the gorge is associated with Grigory Lytikov, who helped found Grigorievka in the early 20th century.
Geographical Location
A shared taxi from Cholpon-Ata can reach the Grigorievskoye Gorge. On the northern Balykchy–Karakol highway, drivers turn north toward Grigorievka after Cholpon-Ata. A prepared vehicle can use the Kok-Bel route without returning to Issyk-Kul on the same road. Cyclists need functioning brakes and a reserve of water on the Kok-Bel route.
Regional Cuisine
In the lower part of the gorge, seasonal yurts and simple cafés operate in summer. Menus, hygienic conditions, and payment methods differ among these seasonal yurts and simple cafés. Traditional yurts in the gorge are associated with opportunities to try trout and Kyrgyz dishes. Koumiss and other national beverages are described as being available to try in the gorge.
Other places: Chong-Sary-Oy, Kaji-Say, Tamchy, Ananyevo, Barskoon, Kuturga, Teploklyuchenka, Balykchy.
