Discover why this breathtaking region of glaciers and crystal rivers is the beating heart of our family life and the future of global travel.
In the east of the Issyk-Kul basin, where the Tien Shan peaks touch the sky, lies the Ak-Suu district—the place our family is proud to call home. For a long time, this region remained in the shadow of popular beach destinations, known only to extreme climbers and wilderness lovers. However, looking at the pace of development today, it is clear that Ak-Suu is preparing to become a major focal point on the global travel map by 2027–2030.
The popularity of Ak-Suu isn't accidental; this land has a powerful "genetic code." Historically, the region served as a vital hub of the Great Silk Road. The majestic Khan-Tengri (7,010 m), the "Lord of the Sky," has been a sacred landmark for caravans and a spiritual symbol for Turkic peoples for centuries. In the Soviet era, the district gained new fame as the unique combination of mountain air and radon thermal springs made our village, Teploklyuchenka (Ak-Suu), a rehabilitation base for the first cosmonauts. Legend has it that Yuri Gagarin himself restored his strength here after his flights, enjoying the silence of the Tien Shan firs.
When we decided to settle in Ak-Suu, we were looking for more than just a place to live; we sought a natural sanctuary and an oasis of silence. The magical energy of these mountains and a history steeped in the spirit of great nomads make every day here special. We are happy to live here and share this pristine beauty with our guests.
Jonathan and Saule.
Founders of Shepherd's House
Today, Ak-Suu is an oasis of eternal freshness, lost among giant glaciers and high-mountain rivers. The air is filled with the scent of the famous Schrenk's Spruce—a long-lived tree that forms the unique landscape of the "Tien Shan Alps." The local hot springs, with temperatures up to 45°C, have a unique chemical composition for recovery and healing, making the whole region a "natural pharmacy."
The transformation of the district is already underway. The village of Jyrgalan has staged a "quiet revolution," transforming from a mining settlement into a world capital of freeriding. International publications and professional riders recognize the local "powder" as world-class, creating a new trend for Ak-Suu among travelers who value authenticity and the absence of crowds.
Ak-Suu attracts those seeking a deep connection with their origins. You will walk the same paths where great tribes migrated for centuries and see landscapes that have remained unchanged since the days of the Silk Road. For the sophisticated traveler, a visit to Ak-Suu is a rare chance to feel the true, untouched beauty of the earth and touch the living heritage of the nomads.