The Milky Spring Loop

​Siuttu Bulak is a Kyrgyz name meaning "source of milk".

Nestled between the Jeti Oguz and Chong Kyzyl Suu valleys, lies a picturesque mountain valley that will take your breath away. The valley is adorned with stunning red rock cliffs that stand tall at the bottom of lush green meadows, covered in a sea of delicate edelweiss flowers. But what truly dominates the landscape are the majestic peaks that tower above, reaching heights of up to 3700 meters.

In the summer months, this valley transforms into a verdant paradise, providing ample pastures for Kyrgyz nomads and nature lovers alike. Horse riding and hiking are popular activities, as visitors can explore the valley's pristine natural beauty, and even stay in traditional yurt camps.

A half-day hike will take you to the Kek Jayk meadows in the Jeti Oguz valley, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Alternatively, you can head to the nearby sanatorium of Jeti Oguz, or explore the Chong Kyzyl Suu valley, each offering their own unique charm and natural wonders.

But don't let the winter chill deter you from visiting this magical valley. In fact, it's an ideal spot for ski touring and snowshoeing, as the snow-covered landscape transforms into a winter wonderland, offering unparalleled beauty, overnight under yurt and tranquility.

Whether you visit in summer or winter, the mountain valley between Jeti Oguz and the Chong Kyzyl Suu valley is sure to leave a lasting impression. 

The first hydrographic study of the valley was made by N.G. Kassil in 1914. From 1926, in-depth studies were carried out on the composition of the radioactive thermal waters. And in 1931, the construction of the sanatorium began. 

The sanatorium is located in front of the Jeti Oguz (the seven bulls), magnificent red rocks which attract many tourists throughout the year. The sanatorium until today has kept its Soviet style, and you will immediately feel a return to history. The first meeting between the first Kyrgyz president Askar Akaev and Yeltsin took place in this sanatorium. 

The sanatorium had 250 beds, but today part of the complex is abandoned. You can nevertheless receive treatments if you come from a trek in the region, such as a manual massage or with water, taking a bath in the water radonised in a bathtub or in the swimming pool.

You can reach the sanatorium from Karakol by bus no. 371 or by taxi.

The valley Dzheti-Oguz is located on a northern part Terskey Alatoo and stretches to the southern coast of Issyk Kul.

Dzheti Oguz (from Kyrgyz it is translated - "Seven Bulls") is in the southwest in 25 km from Karakol. Dense vegetation covers red rocks of the gorge. These rocks so wild and delightful that they have been represented on the Soviet stamp in 1968. The name "Seven Bulls" follows from Red Rocks, being on against sanatorium, which known for the medical hot springs.

Also these rocks are called "the Broken Heart" if to look from North side of the rock remind Heart, and are the place for a pilgrimage of lovers. There are sets of legends which are connected with red rocks and the Lake Issyk Kul.

The top of the valley is finished by the Oguz Bashy array - "The Head of the Bull", 5168 m high.

You might think that Jeti Oguz Peak is one of the highest peaks in the Terskey Alatoo, but it is actually at the foot of the mountains, east of the Jeti Oguz Sanatorium. 

In winter it is lonely and can be climbed by ski touring. 

In summer, there is an old trail from the Yrdyk valley to Jeti Oguz on the northern side. There is another trail that goes over the Kumbel Pass, at 3394 metres. These routes can be done on foot or on horseback.

Ak-Tash (which means "white stone" in Kyrgyz) lies at the foot of the great forests of Chong Kyzyl Suu Valley. 

The red rock hills form an incredible contrast between the blue Issyk Kul lake and the large meadows covered with edelweiss. In summer, the Ak-Tash yurt camp provides a stopover for overnight stays if you come on horseback or by foot from the Jukku Valley or Jeti Oguz. 

In winter, yurts become a base camp for ski touring. An ideal place to enjoy the slopes of Siuttu Bulak, Giukiuro, Burgan-Suu, and the mountains overlooking the Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu Gorge. Gradients of more than 1500 meters and descents of more than 6 km are possible in this region. 

The hot springs of Chong Kyzyl Suu are located 4km upstream, before reaching the geophysical station located 4km higher than the springs.

400 km from Bishkek or 60 km from Karakol, the old physical and geological station is situated in the gorge of Chong Kyzyl Suu at 2600 meter alt. It’s very good place for acclimatation or BC before to climb surrounding peaks of the Terskey Alatoo.

How to get there: if you come from lake side, you should arrive by bus or taxi to the little town of Pakrovka (actual Kyzyl Suu), then you follow the Chong Kyzyl Suu river up to 25km, the hot spring water complex is 4km before the refuge. If you arrive from Jeti Oguz valley, you can reach through Archa Toer pass. If you arrive from Kichi Kyzyl Suu valley or Jukku valley, you should cross the Savatar or Karatakkya pass. If you arrive from Kumtor side or Syrthe, you should cross the glacier of Ashu-Toer.

You can also sleep in our refuge and enjoy walks in the middle of edelweiss. The refuge is situated at 2500 meter altitude on the crossroad of the two gorge of Karabatkak and Ashuu Toer. 

Curiosities of the valley are : Jeli Suu hot water springs, refuge of the Geo-physical station, Savator lake, waterfall in Ashuu Toer gorge, Shatali lake, Karabatkak glacier and its lake, peak Kyzyl Suu.

Good place for observing wild nature : wide range of flowers and birds, snow leopard, gypaeth, Tien Shan bear, Ibex, marmott, wolf and ohter more rare species.

Our service:

1 room with four beds, 1 kyrgyz-style sleeping room on the floor, russian sauna, camping, horseback riding program, trekking program, guide, horse-guide, fauna observation, flora observation, glacier observation.

For any reservation or booking, please send an email at office@nomadsland.ch