We further continued our journey to the east along the Issyk-Kul. At Shalba we turn off to the south and drive in the direction of the Tian-Shan mountains. Our destination is the Jeti-Oguz Resort, about 25 km southwest of Karakol.
But before that, we stop at Broken Heart Rock. As soon as we get out of the car, we are surrounded by a group of young lads, each carrying a steppe eagle or a Mongolian eagle on his arms. We could hardly resist the crush, the competition seems to be relentless.
But we clearly expressed that we do not want to hold an eagle and also do not want to take a picture of us with an eagle, the rush is rapidly subsiding. After another banknote changes hands, we could unhurriedly take some pictures. Those who have more time can also go with a falconer and his eagle for hunting.
Now we can inspect the Broken Heart rock. Of course, there is also a story about the naming of the rock. A pretty woman was desired by two men who fought for her. When both meet their dead, it broke the heart of the woman. And the heart can be seen here since then. The rock actually has the shape of a split heart.
We keep driving a short distance and reach the Jeti-Oguz Resort, a small settlement with houses and yurts. Boris Yeltsin, the first president of the Russian Federation met with the Kyrgyz president Askar Akayev here, in 1991.
On the north side of the valley rise the Seven Bulls, in Kyrgyz: Jeti Oguz. These reddish shimmering sandstone mountains rise like a wall.
Again, there is a legend, saying that two rulers, a good and an evil one, lived in the valley. The evil ruler desired the woman of good and kidnapped her. The good one wanted the woman back. However, a friend of evil recommended him to kill the woman and only returning the body.
The evil ruler organized a big celebration and slaughtered seven bulls. In the end, he stabbed into the heart of the woman. Water then came out of the mountain and flooded the village. And the seven bulls turned to stone.
We could not wait to inspect them closer with a drone. In the middle of the valley rises a hill, which is flattened so perfectly at the top, that one thinks it was created artificially. But this is probably not the case.
With the drone, you can easily see the parallel valley, the Dragon Gorge. The Seven Bulls also find their continuation there. Other similarly designed sandstone mountains close the gorge to the west.
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More InformationThe valley invites to beautiful walks. But you can also stay overnight in yurts here.
It is a picturesque landscape, that impresses and gives off a peaceful atmosphere. Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye again and continue our journey.
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Disclosure: Our trip was organized in cooperation with Discover Kyrgyzstan, and made possible by the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). All opinions are our own.
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