Jeti-Oguz: The Valley of Seven Bulls and Broken Hearts

Welcome to Jeti-Oguz, one of the most picturesque locations on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. This unique mountain gorge, whose name translates from Kyrgyz as “Seven Bulls” (Жети-Өгүз), is rightfully considered a jewel of the Tian Shan, combining natural beauty, ancient legends, and the healing power of hot springs. The main landmark of the gorge is undoubtedly the fantastic ridge of red sandstone cliffs that gave the place its name: the powerful rock massif “Seven Bulls,” whose crests resemble seven bulls lying on the ground. The fiery red color of the cliffs sharply contrasts with the emerald greenery of the surrounding spruce forests and alpine meadows. Further along the gorge, tourists encounter another iconic cliff, whose outlines resemble a “Broken Heart,” which has become a pilgrimage site for couples in love. The Jeti-Oguz Gorge stretches for 37 kilometers and is located on the slope of the Terskey Ala-Too range, reaching an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level. As you venture deeper, the landscape changes: red rocks give way to granite massifs, and dense spruce forests are replaced by vast subalpine and alpine meadows (jailoos), which are covered with a carpet of mountain flowers in spring and summer.

The local population has known about the healing properties of this area for centuries. The first scientific description of the mineral springs was made by the Russian explorer Pyotr Petrovich Semenov-Tian-Shansky back in 1857. Organized exploitation of the hot waters began in 1910, and in the 1930s, the famous Jeti-Oguz Balneological Resort was founded here and is still operating today. At an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level, geothermal springs are located, known for their unique therapeutic properties. These waters are radon-rich and highly mineralized, belonging to the chloride-sodium-calcium type. The water temperature in the springs ranges from +37°C to +42°C, making them suitable for therapeutic purposes, particularly for treating musculoskeletal, nervous system, and gastrointestinal diseases. The Jeti-Oguz resort is not just a holiday destination but an opportunity to experience natural medicine. The gorge is located approximately 25–30 km west of the city of Karakol and serves as a starting point for numerous trekking routes, including the ascent to the high-altitude plateau of Kok-Jayik (Valley of Flowers). Besides the resort, during the summer season, tourists can experience the nomadic culture and stay overnight in yurt camps, enjoying the starry sky. Jeti-Oguz is a place where geology, history, and legends merge, offering the foreign tourist not just a scenic view but a deep immersion into the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain nature.