Why visit Barskoon Gorge
Within a few hours, Barskoon takes you from the dry southern shore of Issyk-Kul to spruce forest, a cool river and waterfalls. The main stops lie in the lower gorge, making it a practical separate trip from Bokonbaevo, Tamga or Karakol.
The main waterfall is commonly called “Tears of the Snow Leopard”. Reaching it requires a climb on foot. Lower cascades and part of the valley are visible from below, so shorten the route if the ascent is too steep. Earth and stones are slippery after rain, and the air beside the water is cold even on a hot day.
Plan Barskoon as a nature walk, not a drive to the high plateau. The upper road serves remote settlements and industrial sites and carries heavy vehicles. Access changes with repairs, snow and avalanche conditions on Söök Pass.
How to get there and where to stop
The turning is at Barskoon village on the southern shore. It is about 90 km from Karakol and 55 km from Bokonbaevo. The road then follows the river uphill. In dry weather, an ordinary car normally reaches the tourist area in the lower valley; rain can create mud and washouts.
Park without blocking the road or local access. Morning is best for the trailhead, as more cars and horses gather later. If taking a horse ride, agree the route, duration and price in advance.
Do not continue towards Kumtor or the Arabel Plateau without a separate purpose and preparation. The visitor waterfalls are much lower. The upper road may have checks, construction machinery, lorries and temporary restrictions.
Barskoon, Barskhan and Yuri Gagarin
Medieval Barskhan was an important settlement on Issyk-Kul’s southern side. The region is associated with Mahmud al-Kashgari, the 11th-century author of a dictionary of Turkic languages. This is the history of the region and settlement, not evidence that today’s visitor areas stand on particular ancient ruins.
A bust of Yuri Gagarin and a Soviet lorry on a plinth stand beside the road. The official Barskoon local-government website says Gagarin rested on Issyk-Kul’s southern shore after his first space flight. The common story that cosmonauts trained in this gorge is unsupported. A short account and waterfall description remain on the municipal website.
What to see in Barskoon
1/4. Barskoon waterfalls 
2/4. Forest in the lower gorge 
3/4. Yuri Gagarin monument 
4/4. Road along the river Waterfall cascade. Several streams descend the slope, and the best-known waterfall is about 24 metres high. Guidebooks differ on the names of individual cascades, so follow the trail and your climbing time rather than trying to collect a complete list.
Spruce forest and river. The lower valley supports a short walk without reaching the upper waterfall. Do not approach the water’s edge for a photograph: wet stones are slippery and the current strengthens after rain.
Roadside monuments. The Gagarin bust and lorry are convenient stops on the way. They explain a Soviet layer of local history but do not require a separate multi-hour visit.
Allow half a day. Wear shoes with a grippy sole and take water and a windproof layer. Seasonal yurts and food stalls may be closed, so bring food and carry your rubbish out.
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