Dzhuuku Gorge

Dzhuuku Gorge (also Zhukuu, Zauka) is the longest gorge on the Terskey Ala-Too Range, famous for its diverse nature, beautiful views and wide expanse. It is located on the southern shore of the Lake Issyk-Kul, 70 kilometers from the city of Karakol. Today, the Dzhukuu Gorge mainly attracts tourists with its natural beauty, but in the past it was part of the routes of numerous merchants and travelers from different countries. In different epochs Scythians, Chinese, ancient Turks, Nestorian Christians and, of course, nomadic Kyrgyz people found shelter here. Despite the complex relief of the gorge, Juuku is the only way from the Issyk-Kul Valley to China. The gorge also served as a by-pass intermountain route to the western part of the Tien Shan. Dzhuuku Valley was visited by the famous monk Xuanzang, one of the main heroes of the Chinese legend about Sun-Ukun. There was also the famous Russian traveler Petr Semenov-Tyan-Shansky who also visited the area.
The views in the gorge are very picturesque there are: red rocks, thick Tien Shan fir forests, several high-mountain lakes and a rugged river. In the upper part, the gorge turns into a peculiar high-mountainous desert, connecting with the famous plateau of Arabel, abounding in lakes.
A large number of tourist routes pass through the Djuuku Gorge. It is very popular with pedestrian tourists and bicyclists. It is also a great place for a day trip or picnic.

How to get to Dzhukku Gorge?

Entry to the Dzhuuku Gorge is located on the Balykchy-Karakol Road on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, near the village of Saruu. Up to a certain point, the car road in the gorge is quite good, but the higher you drive the worse it becomes.

Dzhukku Gorge on the map

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