10 Day itinerary in Kyrgyzstan, Asia
Trekking to lake Sary-Chelek
The Western Tien-Shan Mountains are fraught with the real treasure of spectacular lakes including the grandiose lake Sary-Chelek. This adventure trekking tour takes you through the picturesque mountain passes, deep gorges, along the torrents of mountain rivers. In addition to the lake Sary-Chelek, y... Read More
By Olga
Overview
Physical Difficulty
Average
Recommended Age
Everyone
Operated in
English, Spanish, French, German, Russian
GUIDANCE
Tour Guide
starting point
Bishkek
trip type
Private
trip attributes
Hiking
Adventure
Walking tour
Explorer Trips
Start
Night
End
Highlights
Hike along crystal-clear Sary-Chelek Lake surrounded by lush spruce forests.
Cross scenic Kuldambes and Ashuu passes with stunning Tien Shan mountain views.
Trek through a biosphere reserve with rare plants and diverse wildlife.
Stay in remote villages and experience warm Kyrgyz hospitality.
Hike along crystal-clear Sary-Chelek Lake surrounded by lush spruce forests.
Cross scenic Kuldambes and Ashuu passes with stunning Tien Shan mountain views.
Trek through a biosphere reserve with rare plants and diverse wildlife.
Stay in remote villages and experience warm Kyrgyz hospitality.
Itinerary
Accommodation Categories
Day 1
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.
Overnight at the hotel.
Guide: Included for the day
Day 2
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
South Aflatun – Uyalma (19 km).
Start of the trekking route. Trekking up along the South Aflatun river valley to its confluence with the Uyalma tract. 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
Uyalma River – 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
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
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).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
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
Lake Kyla-Kol – Lake Sary-Chelek (1,5 h). Transfer to Osh.
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. Time for walking around the city.
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
Domestic flight Osh – Bishkek.
Transfer to the airport. Domestic flight to Bishkek. Meeting at the airport of Bishkek. Transfer and check-in at the hotel after 14:00. Leisure time.
Meals: breakfast.
Overnight at the hotel.
Guide: Included for the day
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10
Departure from Bishkek.
Transfer to the airport. The end of the program.
Meals: breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
Meals
- Breakfast (9)
- Lunch (7)
- Dinner (6)
Transport
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Activities
- Meeting and transfers at the airport, group transfer from the airport to the hotel and back for each
- Comfortable transportation for the entire route.
- Accommodation at a hotel 3* on twin/double sharing basis with breakfasts in Osh (2 nights) and Bishk
- Domestic flight Bishkek – Osh – Bishkek (Economy class, weight limit for luggage is 15 kg).
- Arrangement of necessary documents
Not Included
- Cost of international flights;
- Cost of meals in cities;
- Medical insurance.
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
Let’s regenerate the planet together
We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.
$1,641.00 USD