Shaar Waterfall

Shar Waterfall, also known as a Shaar waterfall or the Bash-Kaindy waterfall, is located in the Bash-Kayunday valley in Kyrgyzstan's Naryn region. The height of the free-falling Shar waterfall is 220 m, but with the cascades it is roughly 400 m, making it the tallest waterfall in Kyrgyzstan, the Central Tian Shan region, and Central Asia. Shaar waterfall is at 3200 m above sea level in the Bash-Kaindy river canyon. Shar waterfall is so large that you can see it from the Naryn-Torugart road, which goes past the At-Bashi settlement and is 20 kilometers distant.

Even on the warmest summer days, this region has temperate temperatures and low humidity, making it a pleasant trekking destination for people who find the lower regions to be too hot. On the hills, fir trees are present, while Asian junipers give off a delicate needle scent. There are more than 270 plant species, including endemics and relics, in the region around the waterfall. The "Red Book of Kyrgyzstan" also has a list of several of this flora.

You should visit Naryn before attempting to climb the tallest waterfall in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. The waterfall and the highest point of the gorge can only be reached on foot or by horseback. It takes around 5 hours to walk there. The waterfall is 20 kilometers from the nearest settlement of Bash-Kaindy. The nearest car road ends at the Bash-Kaindy gorge entrance, and from there you must hike for about 12 kilometers onward and somewhat upwards. The Shar waterfall trek rewards visitors with stunning views of the valley, which is home to grazing yaks, sheep herds, and semi-wild horses. Summer is unquestionably the best time to visit.

Location: Bash-Kayunday, Kyrgyzstan