Away With The Steiners

A Quick Guide To Jeti Oguz And The Seven Bulls, Kyrgyzstan.

DCIM/100MEDIA/DJI_0337.JPG

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.

About The Seven Bulls – Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

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.

It is 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.

How to visit Jeti Oguz in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan.
The Seven Bulls from a hilltop lookout.

Hiking in Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

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.

Beautiful river crossings on the way up Jeti Oguz valley.

Other things to do in Jeti Oguz Valley, Kyrgyzstan

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.

Meeting a local boy and his donkey in Jeti Oguz.

Where exactly is Jeti Oguz in Kyrgyzstan?

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.  

A birds eye view looking back to the central hill from the direction of Seven Bulls.

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.  

From Karakol, a taxi should cost around 800 – 1000 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 800 – 1000 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.

Heading into town in Karakol.

Driving times to reach Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

We visited as a stop between Bokonbayevo and Karakol.

I would recommend doing this or visiting as a day trip from Karakol.

Read more about traveling in Central Asia

Useful links for your travels in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

Exit mobile version