Birch Grove (Kichi-Kemin Gorge)

The Kichi-Kemin Valley, a right tributary of the Chu River, is located in the northern part of the Chüy Region, not far from the border with Kazakhstan. Deep inside the gorge, several dozen kilometers from the Bishkek–Balykchy highway, there is a small reservoir. On its eastern shore, a real birch grove has been planted. For those unfamiliar with the realities of Kyrgyzstan, such a sight may seem unusual. However, forests cover only a few percent of the country’s territory, and continuous birch groves are extremely rare.

When driving toward Issyk-Kul, follow the highway until the turnoff to the village of Boroldoy (just after the monument to Karabek Uulu Jantay Khan). At the entrance to Boroldoy, on the right side of the road, there is a curious landmark: a “tree” covered with a huge number of birdhouses. In the village, turn right and continue along the road through the Kichi-Kemin Valley to the end of the drivable route (stopping a few hundred meters before the reservoir marked as Kichi Kemin Kölu). The entire road up to this point is paved and can be driven with any type of car.

In autumn, usually in late September, the birch grove turns golden — this is the best time to visit. However, the area is worth visiting at any time of the year. It is a great option if you simply want to spend time in a beautiful natural setting without hiking anywhere. A visit to the grove can be combined with a trip to Ak-Tüz, the final destination of the road in the Kichi-Kemin Valley.

The last section of the route shown on AllTrails may also be passable with a regular city car, at least during the dry season. However, the stretch along the left (opposite from the highway) bank of the Kichi-Kemin River is a dirt road where deep ruts and puddles may form. Assess the conditions and your vehicle’s capabilities carefully. If, from the turnoff to the small bridge over the Kichi-Kemin (the end of the drivable route), you continue a bit further along the highway, you can enjoy a view of the lake and the birch grove from the right bank of the river.

In the surroundings of the roundabout (shortly before the Boroldoy turnoff) and along the old section of the highway through Dorozhnoye and Dzhel-Aryk, continuing up to its junction with the main road at the entrance to Boom Gorge, you will find many cafés serving excellent kattama (flatbreads with herbs), kaymak (something between cream and sour cream), and milk tea. Choose a café with the best view and enjoy traditional Kyrgyz food surrounded by mountains.