Kyrgyzstan Rafting Tours
Kyrgyzstan offers a lot of potential for kayaking and river rafting, but it’s yet rather undeveloped. It is essential to speak with a travel administrator to learn about your options.
Best Rafting Tour Locations
Djoon-Aryk / Kara-Kudjur / Chu
The Chu is a major large and relatively simple canal that runs along the Bishkek-Issyk-Kul highway with some class 3–4 stretches; it is only a few hours driving from Bishkek.
Looking at the map, it may appear that Chu flows directly out of Issyk-Kul, despite the fact that it simply passes through. Far upstream, there are some class 3–4 parts.
Chong-Kemin
Flowing through a valley to the north of Issyk-Kul Lake. This stream is a popular choice due to its easy access from Bishkek and lovely pine-forested class 4–5 gorges. Chong-Kemin is a legitimate Chu tributary.
Chilik
Chilik is identical to Chong-Kemin, although it flows in the opposite direction (east and into Kazakhstan) along the northern edge of Issyk-Kul. There is no road in Chilik Valley, and the only feasible way to the put-in is to ascend from Issyk-Kul, which includes a difficult to legalise Kyrgyz-Kazakh border crossing.
Charyn
This is an unusual canal on the Kazakh outskirts of Tien-Shan. Unlike other Tien-Shan streams, it lacks an icy mass portion, resulting in no late spring surge. The water level is high in the spring and gradually decreases by July. The stream has a low angle and is mostly made up of single, strong rapids. Almaty is easily accessible by road.
Naryn
The Central Tien-Shan’s powerful Naryn is a notable stream that runs from east to west. Upstream of Naryn, there are two sources: Smaller Naryn and Greater Naryn, both with class 4–5 gorges immediately before the intersection. Upper portions of the two rivers can be reached by road from Issyk-Kul Lake. Despite the presence of some massive bouncing rapids in its lower gorges, the Naryn is a prominent and important level stream.
Kekemeren
This is a right (northern) tributary of the Naryn, accessible via the Bishkek-Toktogul highway. The upper stretch has difficult class 4–5 gorges, whereas the lower half till the Naryn junction is quite simple and level, with occasional class 4 rapids.
Alabuga / Arpa
Arpa is a left (southern) tributary of Naryn near the Chinese border. It is accessible from the Naryn — China road (a borderland permit is required), but it was originally closed due to its remote location and specialised difficulty. It is a completely self-sufficient class 5 undertaking.
Lake Issyk-Kul
The land contains several small rivers flowing into the lake from the south, however due to a lack of water, these rivulets are preferable to run in August rather than September. (regular season for the Tien-Shan).
Kyrgyzstan’s gorgeous river waters provide guests with a thrilling and adventurous journey. Rafting on Kyrgyz waterways can fulfil your wish for an exciting adventure. To schedule your rafting excursion in Kyrgyzstan, please contact us or visit our website. Kyrgyz Guided Tours.
