Entry to the gorge and parking are free.
How to get there
- Taxi. Yandex Go and other ride-hailing apps work in Bishkek. It's quick and cheap. Just agree in advance who will pick you up for the return: there's almost no signal up the gorge.
- Your own or a rental car. Total freedom, though the last few kilometres of road need care.
- A guided tour. Transfer, route and safety are included, but it costs more and you'll move at the group's pace.
There is no public transport all the way to the gorge.
Where to stay
- At the start of the gorge there are hotels, guesthouses and summer camps, as well as cottages at the Warm Springs sanatorium.
- In a tent. Camping is free. Flat spots near the road are scarce and busy; the further up the gorge you go, the easier it is to find a quiet meadow.
- In Bishkek. If you're coming for a day, it's easier to stay in the city — there's a huge choice of hotels and hostels.
Water
Don't drink from the river: livestock graze further up the gorge. There are several large springs near the sanatorium. For a trek, bring a filter or purification tablets.
Mobile signal
Mobile coverage reaches roughly the first 10 km of the gorge, up to the sanatorium. Beyond that there's no signal. Download offline maps in advance and let someone know when you'll be back.