From my previous post, I've shared about the famous fairytale canyon called Skazka Canyon which is a lovely trip outside Karakol. In this one, it's the Jeti Oguz which is another day trip from Karakol yet reachable in just under an hour (if taken by a private transfer). Want to see what's in this place for you? Let's go!
What is the Jeti Oguz?
Jeti Oguz (usually written as Jeti-ΓgΓΌz) is actually a nearby district from Karakol. In it is a famous rock formation resembling Seven Bulls hence the name.
Why Visit?
Sure it's *only* a rock formation (they said). But let me unwrap the bigger picture. While the rock formation stands proudly in the middle of nowhere, the next door neighborhood sits in perfect tranquility and simplicity. Few simple houses, a sanatorium, a small mosque, a yurt in the making, a raging river and horses quietly grazing around.
On the way, several bee farms were lined up along the road as well. We didn't stopped at one but I heard you can stop and have a look or chat with the local owners of the bee farms.
As much as I'm used to seeing a mosque (in Dubai), I'm not used to seeing colorful ones (I even missed the Dungan Mosque). So to my delight, I saw small yet colorful ones here in Jeti Oguz. Lots and lots of different colors you name it - pink and white, yellow and white, black and white and blue green/green and white. What a fascinating sight that it made me look ignorant whenever I turn my head to catch a glimpse of the mosques.
Past the rock formation, there's also a short trail for those who wants to hike up to the waterfalls. I didn't try this myself but I've seen beautiful photos and that left me with regrets not doing so.
How to Go from Karakol
Thanks to my hostel - Duet Hostel for the instructions on how to reach Jeti Oguz and the nearby tourist attractions from Karakol. I used the instructions when I went to Skazka Canyon, HOWEVER I took a private taxi when I went to Jeti Oguz. It's not very me to take a private taxi but I ended up taking one because I dread hitchhiking in case no one pass by and because I want to go and come back as quickly as possible before the rain comes.
By Marshrutka
Okay enough with excuses and in case you want to take the marshrutka, here's the instructions I got from the hostel. Feel free to use it.
Going back? I have zero information except that you can hitchhike back to Karakol. A lady hitched a ride from our taxi before leaving Jeti Oguz which I assume is the only way to get out/go back to Karakol.
By Private Taxi
While hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan is very common and safe, I'm not used to it (yet). And if you're like me who wants to take a private taxi, by aIl means go ahead. Luckily, my hostel arranged the private taxi for me to go to Jeti Oguz as a day trip from Karakol. If in case you want to take a private taxi, I will suggest you to ask your hostel to arrange it for you too to avoid getting ripped off.
Day Trip Costs
As you probably know, I'm pretty much a budget traveler most of my travel unless there's no other option. There's a budget way (by marshrutka) shared above. And since I took a *comfortable* way of reaching the place, of course, I paid the price.
- Entrance Fee - None
- Private Taxi* (one way/roundtrip costs the same) - SOM 1000.00 + SOM 100.00 per hour as waiting time of the driver
*Costs spent are based on my travel last May 2022. Prices may change according to inflation or your negotiation skills. The cost mentioned above are advised to me by my hostel and paid directly to the taxi driver.
Highlights of Jeti Oguz
Before you even reach the main sight, you'll come across the first sight, the Broken Heart as they call it. A natural-split between the rock formation, The Broken Heart is starting to get known not only by locals but foreigners alike.
Drive a few meters ahead and the Seven Bulls rock formation will reveal itself to you. Stand in the middle of the road and your view is more likely just like this. But still not bad right?
To fully appreciate the rock formation, go to the opposite side of the road and walk towards the hill for a panoramic view at a higher elevation.
Atop the hill, absorb the views of the neighborhood as much as you can.
On the other side of the hill (opposite the rock formation) is yet another stunning view of mountains and endless lines of conifer trees.
Saving the best for last is a photo from the hill without myself obstructing the view.
An hour spent in this hill with this view, I couldn't ask for more. The place is all for myself after the Russian family left and with an amazing landscape in front of me, I was brought into tears of joy. It's *just* a rock formation, yet it moved me in so many ways with no words to express it.
And that's the end of this post! If ever you're looking for a day trip idea from Karakol, look no further and give Jeti Oguz a chance! You never know what you'll find!
