Barskoon Valley  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  42.0666, 77.5951 Map Page Views:  292. Good page? (1 like)    Administrator:  Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Amadeus on Feb 8, 2012 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Aksal's Beard Lead Ice on Pitch 2

Description 

This wonderful valley has lots of history. Yuri Gagarin (first man ever in space) made his holidays here, the silk road passed right through this area, and lake Issyk Kul is so close that the views are second to none.

Within this valley there are three main waterfalls, with smaller ones hiding in hard to reach spots.

The road to get here is always well maintained because it is the main road to the Kumtor Gold Mine.

Getting There 

Follow along the south side of Issyk Kul. When you get to the village of Barskoon, take the road right, up towards the mountains. 20 Kilometers from the turn-off there will be a statue of Yuri Gagarin on the right hand side of the road. This is a good place to park for both "The Cup of Manas" and "Aksal's Beard". The "Tears of the Snow Leopard" is another 3ish kilometers further up the river from Aksal's Beard. There is even more ice above "Tears of the Snow Leopard" that continues all the way to the top of the mountain. This vally is just loaded with ice climbs.

The Classics

Featured Route For Barskoon Valley

Tears of the Snow Leopard Waterfall WI4+  International : Asia : ... : Barskoon Valley

This waterfall has lots of space to make things as hard or easy as you want. Check out the picture for more info. It is more than 100 meters high and sometimes even has sections of overhanging ice. Incredible waterfall, but also very intimidating....[more]   Browse More Classics in International