A gorge that runs the wrong way
Chunkurchak — you will also see it written Chon-Kurchak — is one of the closest alpine gorges to Bishkek and at the same time one of the most beautiful in the Chui region. It is 45 km from the city, of which the last 16 km are unpaved.
It has an unusual feature: unlike most gorges in the Kyrgyz range, which cut straight down from the ridge, Chunkurchak runs from north to east, as if along it. The gorge is only about 30 kilometres long, but that short distance holds a remarkable amount of landscape — sharp snow peaks standing directly above meadows full of flowers, and spruce forest that is rare in this part of the Tien Shan.
What the day is built around
This is the most varied of our day tours, and the one families ask for most. On the way we stop at the waterfall, tucked into a narrow slot of red rock. Then the Sky Bridge — a suspension footbridge strung across the canyon, with a view straight down.
Up at the resort there is a chairlift to the ridge, and a zipline for anyone who wants it. The chairlift is included in the tour price; the Sky Bridge ticket and the zipline are paid separately on the day, so you only pay for what you actually do.
The Supara resort panorama at the top — a row of white yurts on a green shoulder with the snow peaks behind — is the photograph everyone comes back with.
When to come
Late May to early October is the green season, when the meadows are in flower. In winter the same valley becomes a small ski area and the day is built around the slope and lunch by a fire instead. Both work; they are simply different tours.
