Seven Bulls

Issyk-Köl Oblast


One of Kyrgyzstan's most photographed natural features, the Seven Bulls (Jeti-Ögüz) is an abrupt serrated ridge of ferric-red sandstone cliffs that have been vertically diced into a series of rounded bluffs. The formation isn't especially big, but it looks particularly striking in late spring when the rock's rosy colours contrast with the surrounding green fields and hills. The ridge rises directly north of the Soviet-era sanatorium, Jeti-Ögüz Korort.

For the best view, walk 10 minutes up a ridge-track doubling back behind the pair of shops where the access road's asphalt stops. Seen from the north side, the Seven Bulls ridge appears largely tree-covered with only the deepest crevice of red-rock visible. From this view the ridge goes by the alternative name Broken Heart.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Issyk-Köl Oblast attractions

1. Broken Heart

0.33 MILES

Just before you arrive at the Jeti-Ögüz resort from the north, the partly-wooded back side of the Seven Bulls ridge appears to be a single splintered hill…

2. Karakol River Park

12.63 MILES

Developed under the initiative of the Destination Karakol public association, this area of nicely maintained land alongside the Karakol River has benches,…

3. Karakol History Museum

13.43 MILES

Occupying an archetypal 1887 Russian house, this museum has a few Scythian bronze artefacts, local tools and musical instruments. Taxidermists' victims…

4. Merchant's Home

13.46 MILES

This two-storey home with an ornate balcony is one of the most attractive historic structures in town, but sadly isn't open to the public.

5. Holy Trinity Cathedral

13.53 MILES

Set peacefully amid trees, this hefty wooden structure is topped with green-roofed towers and almost-golden onion domes. The 1872 stone original was…

6. Pedagogical College

13.53 MILES

Attractive historic building just opposite the cathedral, worth a look though they don't welcome tourists wandering in.

7. Tagay-biy Statue

13.63 MILES

Local hero Tagay-biy, renown as a great warrior who lead the Kyrgyz to victory during the 16th invasion of Kalmyk tribes, is memorialised in statue form…

8. Victory Park

13.67 MILES

In addition to the standard monument of Victory on a plinth, memorialising the end of WWII, Karakol's Victory Park also includes an interesting monument…