Engilchek mine

Located in Ak-Suu District, southeast Issyk-Kul Region, in Kyrgyzstan, Engilchek mine was a tungsten, tin, molybdenum and other metals mine, topping out at 3.791m (12,437ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Situated in Sary-Jaz valley, at the confluence of the rivers Saryjaz and Engilchek mining started here in the beginning of 1980. With the closure of the mine now it’s one of the most isolated areas on our planet, a depressed and almost deserted tin-mining town. Due its location close to the border with China, it is a restricted military zone and one needs permission to visit the area.

The road to the mine is unpaved and steep. Starting from Engilchek, a ghost town, the ascent is 19.1 km long with 27 sharp hairpin turns. The elevation gain is 1.273 meters. The average gradient is 6.66%. It is very narrow with dangerous drop offs. 4x4 required. The road is collapsing slowly. Extreme risk of rock slides.
Pic: SnakeSolid Krg

 

• The Wild Road to Uch-Chat Ashuu Pass
• A very bumpy, grueling road to Mingtur Pass