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19 Day itinerary in Kyrgyzstan, Asia

Jewels of the Tien Shan & Pamirs: Sary-Chelek & the Fann ...

This tour offers an intense trekking experience across two of Central Asia’s most spectacular mountain ranges—the Tien Shan and the Pamirs. These regions differ vastly in their landscapes and character, but both will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions and earn a place among your most cherished tr... Read More

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Olga

By Olga

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Light
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish, French, German, Russian

GUIDANCE

Tour Guide

starting point

Bishkek

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Walking tour

Explorer Trips

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Emerald Sary-Chelek Lake shimmering in alpine meadows.

2

Nomadic horseback ride at Karakamysh’s Kara-Suu Lake valley.

3

Historic wonders of Tashkent & Samarkand along the Silk Road.

4

Turquoise Kulikalon & Alaudin Lakes framed by jagged Fann peaks.

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Arrival in Bishkek. Domestic flight Bishkek – Osh.

Arrival in the international airport “Manas” (Bishkek). Domestic flight to Osh. Meeting at the airport of Osh. Transfer and check in at the hotel after 14:00. Leisure time.

Osh, known as the "southern capital", is the second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, located at an altitude of 963 meters above sea level, on the southeastern edge of the fertile Ferghana Valley, right at the foot of the Pamir-Alai mountains.

Depending on your arrival time, we recommend taking a self-guided walk through the city center. You can visit the local bazaar or the shopping street filled with dozens of shops and street food options. If you’d like, you can also pick up a tourist SIM card with an Internet package or take the stairway trail up to the sacred Suleiman-Too Mountain, which takes about half an hour to reach the viewpoint at 1092 meters. From there, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the entire city of Osh. At this viewpoint, you'll find a massive flag of Kyrgyzstan waving and a small mosque called Babur's house (15th-16th centuries), who was the grandson of Tamerlane. The setting of this mountain right in the city center adds to its appeal, and if you go closer to sunset, you'll catch the most breathtaking views.

Overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Day 2

place Osh – Aflatun (350 km, 7 h).

Transfer from Osh to Aflatun river valley, which is located in the eastern part of the southern slope of the largest range in the Western Tien Shan – Chatkal Range. We set up a tent camp in a picturesque place, right at the confluence of the Aflatun and Utur rivers, in the shade of walnut trees.

Travel time: 7 hrs; altitude difference: +340 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1300 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

place South Aflatun River – Uyalma Gorge (19 km).

Start of the trekking route. Trekking up along the South Aflatun river valley, leading to its confluence with the Uyalma Gorge. A rather good dirt road runs along the canyon of the river among the picturesque spruce forests, it perfect fits for the first day of the route.

Lunch in the birch forest by the river. Then we continue the trekking up along the gorge to the confluence of the rivers, which forms a wide valley covered with green lawns and spruce forest.

Travel time: 7 hrs; altitude difference: +630 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1930 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

place Uyalma Gorge – Kuldambes Pass (2946 m) – Lake Sary-Chelek (12,4 km).

Trekking over Kuldambes pass (2946 m) and then descent to Lake Sary-Chelek via Ashuu pass (2551 m).

Easy trekking over Kuldambes pass is done at the background of picturesque landscapes of Uyalma Valley and the Chatkal Ridge. After crossing Kuldambes pass we continue the way to Ashuu pass – the viewpoint with stunning views of lake Sary-Chelek and the valley. 

Descent from Ashuu pass to the lake Sary-Chelek valley. Lake Sary-Chelek is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes and the third deepest lake in Central Asia. Sary-Chelek resulted from an enormous landslide blocking the eponymous river, which happened about 10000 years ago.

Travel time: 8 hrs; altitude difference: +1016 m; -1016 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1880 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

place Lake Sary-Chelek – Makmal Pass (2654 m) – Kara-Suu River Valley (17 km).

We leave lake Sary-Chelek shores and trek upstream the Sary-Chelek river to its confluence with the Makmal river. A path along the river will lead us first to alpine meadows, and then to the wide saddle-point of Makmal pass (2654 m). From the saddle of the pass it is possible to make a simple ascent to the nearby summit. Lunch at the pass.

Descent along the Kurumdu river to the Kara-Suu river valley.

Travel time: 7–8 hrs; altitude difference: +774 m; -804 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1850 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

place Kara-Suu River Valley – Lake Kara-Suu (3 km).

After two intense previous days, the descent along the river valley to the lake Kara-Suu (Karakamysh) is very light and slow. The lake is incredibly beautiful and is located in a very picturesque gorge. The main highlight is the stunning view from the shores of the lake to the Min-Teke mountain range.

After lunch, horseback riding, acquaintance with the life of nomads.

Travel time: 3-4 hrs; altitude difference: -50 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1800 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

place Kara-Suu River Valley – Kuturma pass (2446 m) – Lake Kyla-Kol (12 km).

After trekking along lake Kara-Suu we start an easy ascent to Kuturma pass (2446 m). A picturesque path runs between juniper trees and rocks. From the pass there opens a stunning panorama of southern part of lake Sary-Chelek. Descent from the pass is quite steep, but not too long, and soon we pass through the flowering fields and reach the banks of the lake Iri-Kol. We proceed our way to the place of overnight stay, which is located between picturesque lakes Tuyuk-Kol and Kyla-Kol.

Travel time: 6 hrs; altitude difference: +646 m; -546 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (1900 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

place Lake Kyla-Kol – Lake Sary-Chelek (1,5 km). Transfer to Osh (320 km).

Trekking to the southern part of the lake Sary-Chelek. The route runs through apple orchards along numerous turquoise lakes. Along the way, magical landscapes of the most beautiful mountains of Kyrgyzstan continue to open at each new turn.

Transfer to Osh, hotel check-in. Free time without transportation or guided excursions.

We recommend a self-guided walk through the city center. You can visit the Osh Bazaar to shop for souvenirs or take the stairway trail up to the sacred Suleiman Mountain, a UNESCO-listed site. The hike to the viewing platform at 1,092 meters takes about 30 minutes and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Osh. At the top, you’ll find Kyrgyzstan’s massive national flag and the historic Babur’s House (15th–16th centuries), built by the grandson of Tamerlane. The mountain’s central location within the city adds to its striking presence, and if you visit around sunset, you’ll witness some of the most stunning views.

Travel time: 9 hrs; altitude difference: -940 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at a hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9

place Osh – Tashkent (415 km, 7 h).

Transfer to the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, customs formalities.

Transfer to Tashkent via the scenic Kamchik Pass (2285 m), a route of vital importance for the country as it serves as the main transport and passenger corridor between the capital and the Fergana Valley.

Arrival in Tashkent, check-in at the hotel. Free time.

Tashkent is the multifaceted capital of modern Uzbekistan. Tashkent’s architecture is a fascinating blend of different eras and styles. The city boasts archaeological sites dating back over 2,200 years to the Zoroastrian era, magnificent medieval landmarks, grand 19th-century structures, and one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world. Alongside its rich historical heritage, Tashkent is also home to cutting-edge modern architecture, reflecting the dynamic growth of Uzbekistan’s capital.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10

place Tashkent (sightseeing). Tashkent – Samarkand (330 km, 5 h).

Sightseeing in Tashkent (Old City):visit to Hast-Imam Square, the spiritual center of the city, where the original manuscript of the Uthman Quran and a strand of the Prophet Muhammad’s hair are preserved; the Barak-Khan Madrasa and Kafal-al-Shashi Mausoleum, among the oldest architectural monuments in the Uzbek capital.

Visit to Chorsu Bazaar, the most famous and historic market in Tashkent. Under its massive domed structure, you can find local products, fragrant spices, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. In the Old City, beyond its traditional oriental architecture, you will see authentic mahallas—historic residential quarters with adobe houses, narrow streets, and a timeless atmosphere.

Lunch at the famous Central Asian Plov Center "Besh Qozon", where 10 tons of delicious plov are cooked daily in giant cauldrons.

Transfer to Samarkand, the ancient capital of Sogdiana, once known as Marakanda. One of the oldest cities in the world and the former capital of Tamerlane's vast empire, Samarkand is a living museum and a historic hub of the Silk Road. To this day, it retains the unique aura of medieval Asia.

Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11

place Samarkand – Mountain camp “Artuch” (60 km, 2 h)

Transfer to “Jartepa” Uzbek-Tajik land border, customs formalities. Further transfer to the Zeravshan river valley and the mountain camp “Artuch”.

Here our trekking in the Fan Mountains starts. This region is an incredibly beautiful corner abounding in alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks, situated at the junction of two major mountain ranges in the Pamir-Alai system – the Hissar and Zeravshan Ranges.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in the mountain camp “Artuch” (2200 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

place Mountain camp “Artuch”– Kulikalon Lakes (7 km, 5 h).

Well-trodden trail takes us up to Kulikalon lakes along the scree slope of the western part of the Kulikalon basin. We steadily climb up and enjoy a view to three peaks – Adamtash (4579 m), Mirali (5106 m) and Maria (4790 m) which making the famous Kulikalon Rock Wall. At the foot of the wall there are turquoise necklace of amazing Kulikalon Lakes. Our camp is located on a green meadow, on the shore of one of the lakes, Bibidjanat Lake.

Travel time: 5 hours; altitude difference: +642 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (2842 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

place Kulikalon Lakes – Alaudin Pass – Alaudin Lakes (7 km, 6 h).

While ascending to the Alaudin Pass (3757 m) we enjoy a bird-eye view of Kulikalon Wall, Dushaha Lake and the entire Kulikalon Lake system at its foot. From the pass there's a grand view of amazing Alaudin Lakes, as well as the snow-&-ice-clad 5000+m peaks of the Fan Mountains: Chapdara Peak (5049 m), Bodkhona Peak (5152 m) and Zamok Peak (5020 m).

Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: +915 m; –971 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (2786 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

place Alaudin Lakes – Mutnye Lakes (5 km, 4 h).

Today our point of destination are Mutnye Lakes, they got their name because of the deep gray color of the water. The trail passes by the small lake Piala named for its round-shape bottom, and then takes us to the Mutnye Lakes located in the very heart of the Fan Mountains and surrounded by the most beautiful 5000+m peaks: Chimtarga (5489 m), Energiya (5120 m), Mirali (5106 m), Zamok (5020 m), Bodkhona (5152 m). They are especially beautiful after sunset, when the surrounding peaks are reflected in the water as in a mirror.

Travel time: 4 hours; altitude difference: +700 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (3490 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

place Mutnye Lakes – the cirque of Chimtarga pass (4 km, 6 h).

The ascent to the cirque of Chimtarga pass is not difficult technically, but the altitude difference between Mutnye Lakes and the place of our next tent camp is more than 1000 m. Efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views of the dominant peaks – Chimtarga (5489 m) and Energiya (5105 m). Our camp is located at a height of 4500 m, that is the highest point of overnight stay on the entire route. The weather is quite cold there, and warm clothes will be required.

Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: +1010 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in a tent (4500 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

place Chimtarga pass – Bolshoje Allo Lake (12 km, 8 h).

Today we will ascent to the highest point of the entire route – the Chimtarga pass (4780 m). Stunning views open from the pass: from the both sides of the pass there are Energiya Peak and Chimtagra Peak, and on the opposite side – the peaks of the Mutnye Lakes circle: Zamok (5020 m), Bolshaya (Big) Ganza (5306 m), Malaya (Small) Ganza (4946 m), Krasnye Zori Peak (4746 m) and others. Quite far away, on the south there seen the peaks of Hissar Range and on the North – the peaks of Zeravshan Range. Undoubtedly, most of us feel these moments as a climax of the trek. From the pass we descend to the Zindon Praviy (Right) River valley and get to the Bolshoje Allo Lake. Lake Bolshoje Allo was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1912, in a hollow between huge vertical rock walls.

Travel time: 8 hours; altitude difference: +280 m; –1670 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight in tents (3110 m).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

place Bolshoje Allo Lake – Archimaidan River (10 km, 6 h). Transfer to Penjikent (70 km; 1,5 h).

Descent along the Zindon River valley to the Archimaidan River valley. We overcome a giant blockage that collapsed in the earthquake of 1912 and formed Bolshoje (Big) Allo Lake. We overcome a giant blockage that collapsed in the earthquake of 1912 and formed Lake Bolshoje Allo. Then we will see the emerald-turquoise Maloje (Small) Allo Lake, located at an altitude of 2340 m. Visiting the shepherds' dwelling and tasting ayran – a healthy and refreshing fermented milk homemade product.

After descending to the Archimaidan River valley – transfer to Penjikent and check-in at the hotel.

With a history spanning 5,500 years, Penjikent is one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia and was a major cultural and artisanal hub of Zoroastrian Sogdiana. Often referred to as the "Pompeii of Central Asia," the city was renowned for its extraordinary beauty. On its outskirts, you can still find well-preserved Sogdian murals, offering a glimpse into the artistic and spiritual world of this once-thriving civilization.

Travel time: 6 hours; altitude difference: –1146 m.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

place Penjikent – “Jartepa” land border – Samarkand (60 km, 2 h).

Transfer to “Jartepa” Tajik-Uzbek land border, customs formalities; further transfer to Samarkand.

Samarkand is probably the best-known Uzbekistan’s historic city. Over 2,750 years of age, it has a rich history and boasts world-famous masterpieces of medieval Islamic architecture, most of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Accommodation at the hotel after 14:00. Free time without transportation or guided excursions.

We recommend a self-guided walk through the city center. You can visit Registan Square, the most famous and iconic square of Samarkand, as well as the Siab Bazaar, where you will find the Samarkand bread, known for its unique texture and flavor. The market is bursting with fresh fruits, vegetables, and an array of aromatic spices, offering a true taste of the Silk Road’s rich culinary heritage.

Meals: breakfast.

Overnight at the hotel.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Day 19

place Samarkand (departure).

Transfer to the airport. The end of the tour program. Departure from Samarkand.

Meals: breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (18)
  • Lunch (15)
  • Dinner (13)

Transport expand_less

  • "Mercedes-Benz Sprinter"
  • "Hyundai Grand Starex"
  • "Chevrolet Lacetti"
  • "Hyundai Grand Starex"
  • "Toyota Hiace" / "King Long"
  • "Eurise"
  • "Golden Dragon"

Activities expand_less

  • Meeting and seeing off at the airport, group transfer airport – hotel – airport.
  • Comfortable transport for transfers according to the program.
  • Air ticket Bishkek – Osh (Economy class, weight limit for luggage is 15 kg).
  • Accommodation in hotels 3* on twin/double sharing basis with breakfast
  • First-aid kit (group).
  • Lunch at the Central Asian Plov Center "Besh Kozon".
  • Guided group sightseeing tour in Tashkent according to the program.

Not Included expand_less

  • International flights.
  • Cost of meals in cities (other than specified in the program).
  • Medical costs and insurance.
  • Personal equipment.
  • Entrance fees at museums and monuments in Tashkent.

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