The cave mouth
Water bursting from the wall.
Arina Pan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arina Pan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Arina Pan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dzhusky — CC BY-SA 4.0
Abshir-Ata is a strange sight in the Abshir-Say valley of Osh Region in southern Kyrgyzstan, because the water pours straight out of a hole in a sheer rock wall instead of falling from a river above. It lies at about 1,800 m, and local people come both for an outing and to pay their respects, so you will find many families here in summer. The waterfall is the mouth of an underground river emerging from a small karst cave, and the opening formed naturally through the action of the water. It has been a geological reserve since 1975, in Nookat District. People regard the water as sacred, and one guide says it contains mineral salts, so treat the place with respect. The water bursts from an opening about 1.5 m wide, then drops in two steps that Wikipedia gives as 15 m and 12 m, while other sources give a height of 12 to 15 m from the ground. High brown cliffs surround it, with green moss beneath the flow. The way in follows a narrow gorge that seems to close suddenly before opening onto the falls. It is about 56 km in a straight line from Osh and about 25 km from Nookat. Guides give around 70 km by road from Osh, then around 3 km on foot through the gorge. Bring suitable shoes and water, and visit between spring and autumn, when the road is open and the flow strong. Dress modestly out of respect for other visitors.
Water bursting from the wall.
A narrow way to the falls.
High walls around the water.
Abshir-Say valley, south-west of Nookat, Osh Region
It is the mouth of an underground river, emerging from a small karst cave in the rock wall.
Yes. Guides give around 70 km by road, then around 3 km on foot.