The Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve (Kyrgyz: Сары-Челек мамлекеттик коругу, Russian: Сары-Челекский государственный заповедник) is located in Aksy District, Jalal-Abad Region in western Kyrgyzstan. Established in 1959, it currently covers 23,868 hectares. In 1978 it was designated as a World Biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The Reserve is located at altitudes from 1,200–4,247 metres (3,937–13,934 ft) above sea level. The name of Sary Chelek translates as "Yellow bucket" from Kyrgyz language.