Jardy Kayyngdy

The Jardy Kayyngdy (Kyrgyz: Жардыкайыңды or Жарды Кайыңды) is a river in Panfilov District, Chüy Region, Kyrgyzstan. It originates from glaciers on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too and belongs to the Chu River basin. The river is 31 km (19 mi) long, and its drainage basin covers 191 km² (74 sq mi).

Course and basin

The Jardy-Kayyngdy flows through Panfilov District. It rises from glaciers in the central part of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, and its flow ceases approximately 3 km (2 mi) south of Orto-Aryk. The mean elevation of the drainage basin is 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level.

Tributaries and lakes

The river has 28 tributaries with a combined length of 72 km (45 mi). Its basin contains small glaciers covering approximately 4 km² (1.5 sq mi) and six lakes with a combined area of 0.14 km² (0.054 sq mi).

Hydrology

The river has high water from May to September and low water from October to April. Its long-term average discharge is 1.64 m³/s (58 cu ft/s). Flow peaks in July, when the average discharge reaches 4.30 m³/s (152 cu ft/s). In some years, the river dries up during winter.

Human use

The Jardy-Kayyngdy is used for irrigation. The Kaptal, Kumaryk and Say canals draw water from the river and have a combined conveyance capacity of approximately 10 m³/s (350 cu ft/s). Villages in the valley include Kaptal-Aryk, Orto-Aryk and Kürpüldök.

Protected area

The river basin contains the Jardy-Kayyngdy Game Reserve, established in 1976 on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too. Covering 8,700 ha (87 km²), the reserve protects wildlife including roe deer, wild boar, ibex, chukar partridges and pheasants.

References