Just a short drive from the city of Naryn, Salkyn-Tor National Park is one of those places that locals know well but many travellers overlook. The park offers a refreshing mix of forests, rivers, and mountain scenery that feels worlds away from city life.
Established in 2001, Salkyn-Tor was created to protect the region’s natural landscapes and wildlife. The name itself gives a clue to what awaits visitors — “salkyn” means cool or fresh in Kyrgyz, an accurate description of the crisp mountain air and shaded valleys that make this area especially pleasant in summer.
The park covers a rugged terrain of gorges, pine and spruce forests, open meadows, and fast-flowing mountain streams. As you move deeper inside, the sounds of traffic fade, replaced by rushing water and birdsong. Wildlife such as maral deer, roe deer, lynx, and even brown bears inhabit the area, though sightings are rare and usually limited to quieter sections of the park.
One of the park’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Naryn. You don’t need a long expedition to experience mountain nature — within 20 kilometres, you’re surrounded by forests and peaks. Because of this, Salkyn-Tor plays an important role not only as a protected area, but also as a beloved recreational space for the region.
How to get there?
Most visitors reach Salkyn-Tor National Park from Naryn, which has regular transport connections from Bishkek.
By car/taxi
That is basically the only way to get to Salkyn-Tor. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can find taxi drivers hanging out at Naryn Bus Station or just flag one down on the street. It’s about a 16 km trip from the centre of Naryn, and the drive takes about half an hour.
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.
Hiking trails
Easy stroll along the stream
From the park’s entrance gate, simply follow the path as it traces the main stream winding through the valley. The walk is easy, and you can continue for as long as you like before turning back the same way. Along the route, you’ll pass a series of somewhat kitschy bridges and staged photo spots, which add a curious contrast to the otherwise peaceful mountain setting.
Loop trail via Ak Terek Pass
Distance: 12.7 km
Time: 4-6 hours
For hikers looking to explore more than just the lower valleys of Salkyn-Tor National Park, the loop trail via Ak-Terek Pass is one of the most rewarding routes in the area. Be warned, as the trail is challenging and can be difficult to find in some sections. However, it offers a full mountain experience with forested paths, wide alpine meadows, and sweeping views from a high pass.
The route begins by following a river valley that slowly rises through fragrant spruce forests and wide open pastureland. After a right-hand turn, the climb becomes more pronounced, leading steadily higher into the mountains. Because this trail sees few visitors, it isn’t always clearly defined, and losing it is surprisingly easy. Even though my position on Mapy.com appeared correct, I still had to push through sections of brush to reach Ak-Terek Pass, relying more on instinct than on a visible path.
Any uncertainty was quickly forgotten at the top. The panoramic views of surrounding ridgelines were striking, and I didn’t encounter a single other hiker for the entire day.
The descent on the far side of the pass was more straightforward, though navigation still required attention. Numerous parallel tracks created by grazing cattle crisscross the hillside, making it necessary to check the map frequently. Eventually, a clearer trail emerged, which I followed comfortably all the way down to the village and the main road.
Because of the trail’s remoteness and lack of signage, it’s wise to come prepared: download a reliable offline map, let someone know your plans in advance, or consider hiking with a companion.
