The name Jeti Oguz pops up on every list of sights to see in Kyrgyzstan. And if you’ve seen it, you are likely wondering what the name entails. Well, in the foothills of the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, Jeti Oguz is a valley recognisable for its striking, vibrant red earth cliffs.
Most of the fame for this natural attraction comes from the magnificent ‘Seven Bulls’ that stand above Jeti Oguz Gorge. These hills and the options for hiking in a truly stunning valley make Jeti Oguz one of the most popular day trips on any tour of Kyrgyzstan.
The Seven Bulls
The ‘Seven Bulls’ are the rich red rock formations that Jeti Oguz is most famous for. Making out the shape of seven bulls might be stretching the imagination somewhat, but the natural beauty in the gorge itself is one to wonder at. And certainly another beautiful spot in Kyrgyzstan where nature offers such wonders to play with your imagination if you choose…
In a literal description, the Seven Bulls depicts a striking hill of cliffs and rock formations in the heart of the gorge. As you enter the valley and look to your right, the cliffs literally loom right above you. However, the best view of the Seven Bulls is from further into the valley atop a hill overlooking Jeti Oguz village.
Hiking in Jeti Oguz
Hiking is the main attraction in the valley, with many options for short walks, day-long hikes or multi-day treks that will take you right over the Acha-Tor Pass and beyond.
Driving up the valley from the main road there are several short walks (less than 1km) to lookout over the river and small waterfalls at different points not far off the track. Your driver can point these out on the way.
A great short walk option which we found perfect with the kids, was from the base of the Seven Bulls, right inside the valley. From the small settlement there you will see a well trodden path up the central hill. If you don’t have time for a longer day hike I recommend at least a climb to the top of the hill. The best views in the valley are from the top looking out over the settlement and Seven Bulls.
Other things to do in Jeti Oguz valley
The mainstay of Jeti Oguz is the sleepy little village at the entrance to the valley. However, inside the valley there are other things to do as well as hiking.
- Admire Broken Heart hill: Like the Seven Bulls, this rock formation (in the shape of a broken heart) is an iconic fixture of Jeti Oguz. It also has a tale of legend to its formation. The shortened version involving fights between two men over a woman. One man was killed and thus the woman became broken hearted.
- Try Kymyz: This is the national drink of Kyrgyzstan. Kymyz is mare’s milk that turns mildly alcoholic with fermentation. If you catch it at the right time, there is a small roadside stall on entrance to the village with bottles of Kymyz for sale. You do need to try it at least once in Kyrgyzstan!
- Go horse riding: Again if you are there at the right time, there are locals who will offer you a horse ride.
- Stay in a yurt at Kok Jayk valley: Another option is to stay the night in the Jeti Oguz area. There is a yurt camp in nearby Kok Jayk valley some 5 km up the road from Seven Bulls.
Find Jeti Oguz
Jeti Oguz is situated on the southern part of Issyk Kul lake in eastern Kyrgyzstan.
After the turn off from the main road, the village of Jeti Oguz is only a few kilometres. However, the Seven Bulls, Broken Heart rock and Jeti Oguz Resort are a further 15km past the main village.
Getting there
From Karakol it is possible to visit Jeti Oguz by local marshrutka bus. You can take the bus from the Main Bazaar bus station (Ak-Tilek) or the bus stop on Gebze Street.
- Note: Some buses only go as far as Jeti Oguz village and not actually right up to the Seven Bulls. You may need to get a shared taxi the remainder of the way (about 15 km) if this is the case.
From Karakol, a taxi should cost around 600 – 800 som each way. You will likely find a driver who will be happy to wait for you while you explore. Even with waiting the charge is likely to be around 600 – 800 som each way.
We visited with a driver as part of a multi-day tour with Kyrgyz Tourism. If you are looking to start planning for Kyrgyzstan I recommend getting in touch with them.
Driving times to reach Jeti Oguz
- Karakol: 25 min (21.2 km) via A363
- Bokonbayevo: 2 hrs (122.1 km) via A363
- Bishkek: 5 hrs 30 mins (392 km) via A363 and A365
We visited as a stop between Bokonbayevo and Karakol. I would recommend doing this or visiting as a day trip from Karakol.
More about travel planning for Kyrgyzstan and beyond…
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