Besh-Tash Nature Reserve

Besh-Tash Nature Reserve is a large nature park located in the Talas mountain range. It is located south of Talas city and includes the Bes-Tash, Korba, Kumush-Tas and Urmalal valleys. The altitude of the protected area ranges from 1100 m to 3500 m. Besh-Tash means ‘five stones’ in Kyrgyz. This special name was given because of the five stones standing in the Besh Tash gorge, where there is an interesting legend that they turned into stones as a result of the cruelty of five bandits.The reserve was created to preserve the natural diversity of the Talas region. The slopes of the reserve’s gorges are densely covered with arche forests and are largely intact. In addition to the arc, the reserve is home to Tian-Shan spruce and fir. There are eight lakes in the reserve, the largest of which is Five Stone Lake in the same gorge.This is an ideal place for trekking and hiking. It takes more than a day to see all the beauty of the nature reserve, but it is worth it.