Karavshin Valley
Asian Patagonia
“Asian Patagonia” is a nickname for the breathtaking mountain regions of Kyrgyzstan, specifically the remote Turkestan Range in the Pamir-Alai mountains near the country’s southern border with Tajikistan. This area, known for its wild beauty, has earned the name because of its dramatic landscapes, steep granite cliffs, towering snowy peaks, and pristine valleys, all reminiscent of South America’s Patagonia.
Aksu Valley Surroundings
A particularly famous destination for these activities is the Karavshan valley, which is also called the Patagonia of Central Asia due to the vertical slopes of the mountains in the area. Karavshan is located at the Kyrgyz Fergana Valley, in the Batken region which is located between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Karavshin gorge is more precisely situated in the Turkestan mountain range, in the heart of the Pamir-Alai mountain system, nearby the Ak Su (white water) valley. Turkestan mountain range region is particularly attractive and unique in Central Asia.
Aksu valley is surrounded by several high peaks. The well-known peaks of the valley are Asan Peak (4230 m), Usen Peak (4378 m), Pyramidalny Peak (5509 m), Kotova Peak, Yellow Wall Peak, Slesova Peak etc.
Karavshan valley is resembles the South American Patagonia with the same wilderness, where winds blow through the highly surrounded valley, with mountain streams of pure water, alpine meadows, herds of yaks grazing peacefully and several glaciers surrounded by 5000 m+ peaks as well as the remoteness of the location. There is though one notable advantage of the Kyrgyzstan Patagonia mountains compared to South American ones and that is the comparatively sturdy and warm weather.
Rock Climbing at Karavshan
The Karavshin gorge is one of the most famous (if not the most famous) gorges among mountaineers in the Southern part of Kyrgyzstan. Karavshin rocks are well suited for technically advanced athletes and highly skilled rock climbers. The reason is that Karavshin rocks have a high degree of difficulty. Climbers who come here are often eager to try the newest routes through the rugged mountains.
The Karavshin valley along with the neighboring Leilek gorges, on the Turkestan ridge, attract annually professional climbers from all over the world. The gorges are quite difficult to access as there is no road, a car could manage and therefore it is required to hike for about 70 kilometers to get to this remarkable site.
Trekking tour to Asian Patagonia in Kyrgyzstan
Travel to Karavshin
Karavshin area is politically and administratively situated in the Batkent district of the Osh region of Kyrgyzstan. You can get there by helicopter or on foot in the region. You can get to Karavshin valley from all three countries, although most visitors start their journey from Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Please note that a border permit is also required to enter the Karavshin valley.
As for 23rd of September 2022, it is strictly forbidden to visit this area due to the conflict between Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan. Please double-check the safety condition of the zone before you plan your visit.
Other Sights & Destinations in the Karavshin Gorge
Page updated 28.9.2022
