[1] The origins of the river Pskem are in the glaciers of the Talas Alatau range in Kazakhstan.

In the upper reaches of the river it flows through a narrow rocky gorge, and then travels more than 40 km (25 mi) through the Pskem Valley.

On the banks of the river in the valley are thickets of shrubs and apple, pear, apricot and plum trees, along with small groves of walnut.

The river banks are home to notable populations of porcupine, fox, marmots, wild pigs and brown bear, as well as many species of birds.

[2] Tourism has increased in the area in recent years with rafting and kayaking on the river.