An absolutely fantastic trekking comes through the untouched Talas and Chatkal Ranges, located in the South-West Tien-Shan. The route lies on different altitude above sea level beginning from Talas Valley tract of Urmaral River at an altitude of 2500m. During the trekking we will go up and down from 700m in the valley up to the zone of sown and glaciers. Trekking starts in a picturesque birch grove mouth of Chiim-Tash River (left confluent of Urmaral River). Every day of trekking brings new emotions and impressions. You will see nice moraine lakes, relict forests, beautiful waterfalls falling down from steep slopes against a background of rocks and mountains peaks. The culmination of the route is biosphere reserve of Sary-Chelek and the heart of the area is Sary-Chelek Lake which is located at an altitude of 1873 m above sea level. The Sary-Chelek Lake is appeared is the result of crumbling of two ranges. The blockage closed a river and made natural dam supportive the lake.

The best time for trekking in the area: May - June / September - October  

Programme:

Day 1. Meeting at the airport, transfer to Bishkek, hotel accommodation. Excursion to Ala-Archa Natural Park in the afternoon (40 km from Bishkek). Walk un the Aksai Waterfall back to Bishkek, hotel.

Day 2. Transfer: Bishkek - Talas. The road comes through Tuya-Ashu Pass, Susamyr Valley. Visit historical-architecture complex of "Gumbez Manas". Arrival to the trekking beginning point. Setting up camp near to birch grove on the bank of Urmaral River. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3. Trekking towards confluence of Shor-Alysh and Chiim-Tash rivers (about 15km). The route lies through the good path along the river. The group will get to next camp approximately to lunch time. Small local walk to the valley of Urmaral River after lunch. Coming back to the camp, tents.

Day 4. Moving towards Chiim-Tash Pass. Camp near two moraine lakes under the pass.

Day 5. Crossing the Chiim-Tash Pass (3600m). We will see the wonderful panorama of Karakulja Valley from the pass as well as Talasky Range. Walking down to the valley of Karakulja River. Moving towards Karakulja Pass. Camp on altitude summer pasture which is located more than 3000m above sea level.                       

Day 6. Crossing the Karakulja Pass (3161m). Hauling down to Karasuu River Valley. After we cross the pass, we will see all the slopes covered by fir trees forests. Camping near to the confluence of Kashkasuu and Karakulja rivers at an altitude of 2800m.               

Day 7. Passage towards Kashkasuu Pass. Further via the pass (3300m) to the valley of Karasuu River. Sometimes during the hauling down along Karasuu River we may observe the local prospectors of their tools. During the trekking we may see the houses of local shepherds as well. There are no any roads for cars in the regions, that is why, local people getting to the small villages by horses. Camping near to Karasuu Lake.

Day 8. Rest day. Local walk to Karasuu Valley.

Day 9.  Moving towards Kuterme Pass (2446m). The route comes through the steep rocky lakeside of one of the most beautiful Karasuu Lake. Trekking up to the pass along the picturesque path among Archa trees. From the Pass we may see three lakes: Sary-Chelek, Karasuu and Irikel. Moving to Sary-Chelek Lake, caming near to the lake.

Day 10. Excursions around the lake, preparation for transfer Sary-Chelek - Osh city. Transfer takes about 5 hours. We may visit ancient town of Uzgen en route. Guest House accommodation in Osh.

Day 11. Sightseeing in Osh. Sightseeing of Osh. According to the facts of archeologists, they say Osh is very ancient city about 3000 years old. But the city is not only unique by its old age, the city is located from ancient times on the Great Silk Road. There were a lot of caravans crossing Central Asia and Osh city was one of the main trade centers on the Great Silk Road. The Osh oriental Bazaar is located on the same place on the bank of Ak-Buura River during many centuries. A lot of different goods are coming to Osh Bazaar from all Central Asia. A very interesting sight in Osh is Suleiman Too (holy mount). Local people are coming to the mountain very often; they believe if you climb the mountain it brings you ablution and health. That is why, we can see old and young people climbing the mountain every day.

Day 12. Air flight to Bishkek. Hotel accommodation. Free time in the city.

Day 13. Transfer to the airport, flight home.