Aksu Gorge

The Aksu Gorge is the dramatic centrepiece of the reserve — a vertical-walled canyon carved by the Aksu river. The standard route is a two- or three-day trek with overnight camping near the rim, descending to the river on the second day. The descent is steep and requires reasonable fitness, but the views from the bottom — looking up at 500 metres of cliff face with snow peaks beyond — are exceptional.

Wildlife inside the gorge includes Siberian ibex on the cliff ledges, golden eagles riding the thermals, and occasional sightings of brown bears feeding on mulberries in late summer. A horse-supported trek is gentler on the knees if a multi-day walk is too much.

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The Aksu river has cut a gorge over 500 metres deep into the Tien Shan — at its narrowest points the walls are only thirty metres apart at the rim but the river runs in shadow far below. The micro-climate at the bottom is mild enough for mulberry trees and wild grapes, while the rim above is alpine.

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