Kegeti Waterfall

Kegeti Waterfall is located in the Kegeti Gorge, close to the regional road M-006 that leads over the Kegeti Pass to the Karakol River valley. The pass itself, at an elevation of 3,750 meters, is impassable for regular vehicles; however, reaching the waterfall poses no difficulty. Moreover, it is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Chüy Valley, as only about 200 meters of an easy trail separate it from the road.

The shortest route from Bishkek follows the highway through Lebedinovka and Novopokrovka (an extension of Zhibek Zholu Avenue). In the village of Krasnaya Rechka, turn right. The road then passes through Yuryevka, Syn-Tash, and Rot-Front, eventually entering the Kegeti Gorge. Here the road surface gradually deteriorates, with asphalt giving way to a dirt road. Shortly before the bridge over the Kegeti River, there is a checkpoint where you must register your vehicle and pay an environmental fee (a payment terminal accepting cash is available). As of 2024, the fee for a passenger car was about 200 KGS. After crossing to the opposite (right) bank of the river, continue for about one kilometer to a fork. The road straight ahead leads to Kol-Tor Lake; you should turn right, cross the second bridge, and immediately turn left. Then continue up the gorge for about five kilometers until you see a cluster of parked cars and the waterfall on the right side of the road.

This is an excellent option if you want to see a waterfall without going on a long hike. Although the trail from the road is very short, proper footwear is recommended to avoid slipping on wet rocks. Trekking poles can be helpful when climbing to the upper edge of the waterfall. Keep in mind that the area can be quite crowded on summer weekends. For the best lighting, it is preferable to arrive in the first half of the day.

There are no difficulties in finding the waterfall—it is clearly visible from the road. If you wish to reach the forest on the opposite bank of the Kegeti River, there is another small bridge about one kilometer from the main bridge you crossed earlier, allowing you to return to the right (orographic) bank. A dirt road, gradually worsening, continues upstream toward the forest. You can leave your car on the main road and walk, or attempt to drive depending on your vehicle. Driving higher up the gorge beyond the waterfall in a regular city car is a poor idea, but with an off-road vehicle it may be possible. In any case, there is a tire service in Tokmok.