Shar Waterfall is a scenic natural attraction located in the Naryn Region of central Kyrgyzstan. It has a vertical drop of about 220 meters, but when its full series of cascades is included, the total height reaches roughly 400 meters, ranking it as the tallest waterfall in Central Asia. It is located at an elevation of around 3,200 meters above sea level, set within the dramatic gorge of the Bash-Kaindy River.
The waterfall flows down rocky terrain, which gives it a dynamic and visually appealing character. During late spring and summer, snowmelt from the surrounding mountains increases the water volume, making the waterfall especially impressive and refreshing. The surrounding area features open alpine meadows, wide valleys, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
How to get there?
Most visitors reach the waterfall from Naryn, which has regular transport connections from Bishkek.
By car
From Naryn, drive west toward Bash-Kaiyndy (about 60 km). Take the right turn off from the main road and head towards the river. You can either park your car here or try to cross on the other side and continue on the dirt road towards the yurt camps. The road is in good condition, and it should be doable in any car in dry conditions.
If you hike from the river crossing, it’s about 10 km one way (3-4 hours), so you certainly need to dedicate the whole day to it. The distance will be about 2-3 km shorter if starting from the yurt camp. You may also take the trip on a horse. If you wish, ask around in the village.
By public transport
Take a shared taxi or minibus from Naryn Bus Station toward Bash-Kaiyndy. If you are lucky, the driver may drop you off just at the river crossing, or you can even negotiate a drop off at the yurt camp.
On the way back, you will most likely need to hitchhike, at least to Ak Bashy, where you can find shared taxis going further to Naryn.
With a tour
Sometimes local companies such as Kettik or Intourist organise day trips there and to other locations around Kyrgyzstan. They can pick you up in Bishkek or en route in Naryn. Check their profiles on Instagram.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit is from June to September, when mountain roads are accessible, and the landscape is green and vibrant.
Where to stay in Naryn?
I spent a few nights at Pamko. The place was spacious and clean. There was also a mini kitchen area, and the owner was very friendly. They kept my luggage safe while I was staying overnight in Tash Rabat.
My experience
I took a shared taxi to the village of Bash-Kaiyndy, the trailhead for Shar Waterfall. Taxi drivers in Kyrgyzstan have a unique charm: they’re somehow both delightful and exasperating at the same time. They drive with wild confidence and are eager to strike up conversations even when it’s painfully obvious that I don’t understand a word of Russian.
The trail itself was long and wonderfully quiet. All the way to the waterfall, I didn’t encounter a single other person. As I got closer and the falls came into view, the weather began to turn, and light rain eventually set in. Nothing too intense, though. The waterfall was stunning, shaped like a rocky amphitheatre with the water cascading down right at its centre. Being completely alone there made the experience feel even more special.
Fortunately, the rain came and went, and before long, the sky cleared, and the sun returned. I was able to fly my drone and capture some truly impressive footage.
On the hike back, I finally crossed paths with other tourists, followed by a group travelling on horseback. By the time I reached the village again, I was exhausted, and it was already getting late, so I started looking for a ride back to Naryn. I first hitched a ride to Ak Bashy village, and from there, a taxi driver dropped me at the exit road, where another shared taxi was waiting for passengers.
In the end, it was just the driver and me. He asked for 200 som, so an unbelievably low price. I couldn’t tell whether he was a professional driver running this route regularly or simply heading that way anyway, but if it was the former, I honestly don’t know how 200 som could cover the time and fuel. Either way, he was incredibly friendly and spoke some basic English, so we chatted the entire way back.
