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Waterlevels: The river has a large catchment area and seems to be rain fed. Either way, it still had plenty of water in at th beginning of september, and I suspect is good throughout the entire season.
Accessibility: Good. Road runs alongside throughout.
Upper Kerkermeren
Medium volume grade four, with some nice must make moves.
Length: 14km
Grade: III/IV
Put in/Get out: Driving southwards from the turn-off from the Bishkek to Osh main road, put in 2km above the road bridge as the river starts to look interesting. Take out at the small village downstream.
Description: The river starts with some nice grade 3, some bigger grade 4+ rapids requiring inspection after 4km or so, all happily with alternative chicken lines. The river flattens out as it approaches the village.
Last Paddled: 25-Aug-2005
Middle Kerkermeren
Medium volume grade four (with a plus?). Scouted only.
Length: 15km
Grade: III/IV
Put in/Get out: Put in at the village used as a takeout for the upper section. Take out at the first bridge after the major confluence approx 15km downstream (ish).
Description: Flat for the first few km after the village, Two gorge sections, the first ~500m long, the second slightly longer, with a large almost-river-wide hole hidden within it.
Last Paddled: Scouted only.
Lower Kerkermeren
Not paddled or scouted, but the river has the potential to be medium/large volume all the way to the confluence with the Naryn.
Length: ?
Grade: ?
Put in/Get out: Put in at the bridge after the confluence (i.e. the takeout of the middle section). Take out either after 15km, or continue on down to the Naryn confluence. This may require a multidayer, not sure if the road continues all the way to the Naryn.
Description: We didn't paddle this, but is likely to be twice the volume of the above sections and from maps appears to have some nice gorgelike sections.
Last Paddled: Just guessing!