The sacred holy place – Shamshykal Ata
About the Salt Mines
The salt mines are located in the Suusamyr range on Mount Shamshykal. They consist of a layer of rock. The inhabitants of the salt mines have used them for domestic purposes since ancient times.
From 1959-60 to 1972, the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic ran the Geological Survey. Geological exploration work was carried out in the field. The total volume of salt mines was estimated at 5589 thousand tons. The mines consist of 6 salt layers. Layers 2-3 and 8-11 range in thickness from a few dozen centimetres to 3-5 metres. The fifth layer contains a large chunk of clay, marble, sandstone and sometimes gravilite. The saline soils along the Toktogul reservoir extend over 5 km, and are only excavated locally.
From 1959-60 to 1972, the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic ran the Geological Survey. Geological exploration work was carried out in the field. The total volume of salt mines was estimated at 5589 thousand tons. The mines consist of 6 salt layers. Layers 2-3 and 8-11 range in thickness from a few dozen centimetres to 3-5 metres. The fifth layer contains a large chunk of clay, marble, sandstone and sometimes gravilite. The saline soils along the Toktogul reservoir extend over 5 km, and are only excavated locally.
Program
At 9 am the guide and the driver will meet you in the hotel.
Drive 30 min until exploration mountains of salt mines. Explore the mountainous salt mines. Enjoy the panoramic view of the salt mountains, possibility to see the people working in the salt quarries.
Then drive to the village to discover the village and its people. Acquaintance with the village and the population. Visit historical sites where people still pray and make sacrifices to this day. Take part in those holy activities.
Try the water from the 9 bulak ( 9 natural hotspring water, which each of them are healthy for each part of the body).
Then we begin our walk through the picturesque mountains (3h - 2.200 altitude) and the waterfalls (take a dip). Lunch at one of the sites offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Descent for 2 hours.
Going back to the village. Meet the driver. Drive back to the hotel or city centre for 30 min.
End of tour at 5pm.
Drive 30 min until exploration mountains of salt mines. Explore the mountainous salt mines. Enjoy the panoramic view of the salt mountains, possibility to see the people working in the salt quarries.
Then drive to the village to discover the village and its people. Acquaintance with the village and the population. Visit historical sites where people still pray and make sacrifices to this day. Take part in those holy activities.
Try the water from the 9 bulak ( 9 natural hotspring water, which each of them are healthy for each part of the body).
Then we begin our walk through the picturesque mountains (3h - 2.200 altitude) and the waterfalls (take a dip). Lunch at one of the sites offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Descent for 2 hours.
Going back to the village. Meet the driver. Drive back to the hotel or city centre for 30 min.
End of tour at 5pm.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Lunch box: 500 soms
- Season: March - November
Price (guide and transport)
- 1 - 3 ppl (1 guide 1 car) = 9.000 soms total
- 4 – 6ppl (2 guides, 2 cars) = 16.000 soms total
- 7 – 10 ppl (3 guides, 3 cars) = 25.000 soms total
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