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Kara-Shoro National Park
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The Kara-Shoro National Park is located in the Uzgen district of the Osh region in Kyrgyzstan, situated on the slopes of the Fergana mountain range. Established in 1996, it is particularly famous for its numerous mineral springs, which are believed to possess significant healing properties. The park covers an area of approximately 8,500 hectares and features a diverse landscape consisting of dense coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. The flora is exceptionally varied and includes many rare and protected plant species. Wildlife is also well-represented, featuring brown bears, lynxes, and various species of mountain goats. Kara-Shoro serves as an important recreational area for the local population and is a growing center for ecotourism. The combination of natural beauty and health-promoting mineral waters makes the park a unique gem in Kyrgyzstan's natural landscape.
- Location: Kyrgyzstan
- Nearby: Kazarman (34 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -6 | 0 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 16 | 11 | 5 | -1 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 17 | 25 | 29 | 33 | 26 | 18 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 17 | 27 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is usually via regional roads from major nearby towns; however, hiring a local 4x4 transport is highly recommended due to the rough and unpredictable rural routes.
Best season
Late spring to early autumn is typically the best time to visit, avoiding the harsh winter conditions and ensuring the mineral springs are fully accessible for visitors.
Terrain & paths
The area features dense natural forests and varied elevations, requiring hikers to navigate uneven dirt paths and sometimes challenging natural trails throughout the park.
What to bring
Sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for shifting mountain weather, and a refillable water bottle to safely sample the local mineral springs are typically highly necessary.
Parking
Vehicles can usually be safely left at the park entrance or designated base areas, but facilities in this remote nature reserve are generally rustic and somewhat limited.
Safety
Visitors should always stick to established paths, be mindful of native wildlife in the dense forests, and ensure they have reliable offline maps for general navigation.
Time needed
Exploring the famous mineral springs and the surrounding recreation areas generally takes a full day, though extended multi-day camping trips are also very popular here.
Geography
Facts
- The national park was officially established on August 2, 1996.
- The total area of the park covers exactly 8,450 hectares.
- There are over 20 different mineral water springs in the territory.
- Kara-Shoro mineral water is bottled and sold nationwide in Kyrgyzstan.
- The park is home to more than 50 different bird species.
- The vegetation includes extensive forests of Schrenk's spruce.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Kara-Shoro National Park famous for?
It is famous for its natural mineral water springs, believed to have healing properties, and its alpine meadows.
Can you drink the mineral water?
Yes, visitors can taste the water directly at the springs. It tastes slightly salty and is naturally carbonated.
What activities are offered?
Hiking, horseback riding, and health stays in yurt camps are the main activities during the summer months.
Is there electricity in the park?
Most areas do not have fixed electricity. Yurts often use solar panels or small generators.
How is the access to the park?
Access is from Uzgen via gravel roads. After heavy rains, a 4x4 vehicle is necessary.
Kara-Shoro National Park: where is it located?
Kara-Shoro National Park is located in Kyrgyzstan.
Kara-Shoro National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kara-Shoro National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Kara-Shoro National Park is located in the Uzgen district of the Osh region in Kyrgyzstan, situated on the slopes of the Fergana mountain range.
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Nearby cities
Uzgen
A historic city in the Fergana Valley, which was once a capital of the Karakhanid Empire.
Kara-Suu
A border city near Osh, separated directly from the Uzbek city of Qorasuv by a canal.
Nookat
An agricultural city southwest of Osh that benefits from the fertile soils of the Fergana Valley.
Tulpar-Kol Lake
A stunning high-altitude lake at the foot of Lenin Peak, famous for its deep blue waters and the Pamir mountain panorama.
Sary-Mogol
A high-altitude village in the Alay Valley, serving as the primary base camp for expeditions to Peak Lenin.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
🗺️
Kulun-Ata State Nature Reserve
This protected area in the Fergana Range is known for its untouched landscapes and the beautiful alpine Kulun Lake.
Uzgen Rice Fields
The area around the historic city of Uzgen is famous for the cultivation of a special type of rice called red rice.
Lenin Peak
Lenin Peak in the Pamir Mountains is a popular summit for mountaineers attempting the 7000-meter mark.
Kara-Suu Bazaar
Important market in the Fergana Valley, near the border with Uzbekistan.
Lenin Peak
One of the highest mountains in the Pamir range on the border with Tajikistan, frequently visited by mountaineers.
Alay Valley
A broad, high-altitude valley between the Alay Mountains and the Trans-Alay Range in southern Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyz Ata National Park
This picturesque national park protects extensive juniper forests on the slopes of the Alai Mountains.
Alai Mountains
The Alai Mountains in the south of the country form a massive natural barrier with jagged peaks.