In the southwestern Tien-Shan

Trekking to Lake Sary-Chelek
(In the southwestern Tien-Shan )

Trekking over three mountain ranges - Talas, Chatkal and Atoynok, which are located in the Southwestern Tien Shan. The route passes at various heights and begins in the Talas Valley, in a picturesque birch grove, at the mouth of the Chiyim-Tash River (left tributary of the Ur-Maral River), at an altitude of 2,500m. You will see moraine lakes, petroglyphs, relict forests, waterfalls, breaking down from steep slopes against the backdrop of spectacular cliffs and peaks.

The culmination of the route is the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, and the heart of the reserve is the beautiful Lake Sary-Chelek. It is located at the altitude of 1,873 meters above sea level and appeared as the result of the two ridges collapse. The blockage blocked the river, forming a high natural dam propping up the lake. The lake itself is surrounded by a necklace of mountain peaks, sparkling with snow white. The banks of Sary-Chelek are extremely picturesque. Steep and almost sheer, they go into the depths of the lake, reaching 234 meters. In addition to the main lake, there are six other small lakes within the reserve, which are located in its central part, scattered between forest valleys. Stone cliffs provide an attractive view to the landscape. Spectacular Peak Castle (4,200 m) hangs by a rocky horn among them.

Available dates:

Sept 01 - Sept 12, 2019 | 6 places Book
Individual dates are also available. Contact the program manager.

Trip details

Level 3

Season Summer, Autumn

Begins in Bishkek

Ends in Bishkek

Airport Airport Manas (FRU)

Airport out Airport Manas (FRU)

Wildlife Mountain goats, Marmots, Birds, Predator birds, Rodents, Yaks, Hares, Wolves, Foxes

Price: $ 1,765 (≥ 8 people)

≥ 6 people in the group: $ 1,765 per person

≥ 4 people in the group: $ 2,055 per person

≥ 2 people in the group: $ 2,775 per person

Great for

The trekking to Sary-Chelek Lake is unique as you will meet moraine lakes, petroglyphs, relict forests , waterfalls, breaking down from steep slopes and rushing to the bottom. The route will run over mountain passes, from which you will observe beautiful views of surrounding mountains. Inspired by the journey you will not noticeable find yourself by Lake Sary-Chelek. It is located in the biosphere reserve at the altitude of 1,873 meters above sea level and was formed by the two ridges collapse.

Join us

What's Included:

Meeting and seeing off at the airport
Accommodation in 3* hotels according to the program (double, twin)
Trekking tents for accommodation
FB during whole program, including trekking days
Transport according to the program
Trekking guide and cook during trekking
Porters for carrying of camping equipment and client's staff. (Porter carries 7-8 kg of client's staff. If you have more luggage, please let us know in advance, so we could hire extra porters)
Entrance fees to all excursions according to the program
Flight tickets Osh-Bishkek

What's not included:

International airfare to and from Bishkek
Gear rental
SGL supplement
Cost of visa and consular services (for Russian citizens there is no need in international passport)
Personal expenses in hotels: bar, international calls, and etc.
Insurance
Any changes to the program

Day

Meeting at the airport. Transfer to Bishkek (30 km, ~ 40 - 50 minutes). Hotel accommodation. After rest, transfer to the Ala-Archa Nature Park, located 40 km from the city (~ 1 hour). Hiking to the waterfall. Return to Bishkek. Overnight in the hotel.

Day

Transfer to the Talas Valley to the start of the trekking, about 365 km. The road runs through the Too-Ashu Pass and Suusamyr Valley. On the way, upon wish, you can visit the historical and architectural Gumbez Manas Complex. Arrival, setting up a tent camp on the bank of the Urmaral River in a birch grove. Overnight in tents at an altitude of 1,500 m.

Day

Trekking to the confluence of the Shor-Alysh and Chiyim-Tash rivers (15 km, ~ 4-5 hours). The path runs along a good beaten path along the river. The group will reach the camp site by dinner. Installing the camp. Dinner. Hiking to the valley of the Urmaral River. Return to the camp. Overnight in tents (~ 2100 m).

Day

Trekking to the foot of the Chiyim-Tash Pass (~ 12 km). Setting up a tent camp on the shore of two moraine lakes under the pass. Overnight in tents (3150 m).

Day

Crossing the Chiyim-Tash Pass (3601 m). You can see a magnificent panorama of the Karakuldzhin Valley and the Talas Range from the pass. Descent to the valley of the Karakuldzha River. Going to the camp site, under the Karakuldzha pass. Stop for the rest. Setting up the camp at an altitude of about 2,850 meters, in a picturesque place (alpine pasture). Overnight in tents. ~ 10 km

Day

Crossing the Karakuldzha Pass (3,161 m). Descent along the wooded slopes into the valley of the Kashka-Suu River. Setting up the camp near the confluence of the Kashka-Suu and Karakuldzha rivers, at an altitude of 2,150 m. ~ 14 km

Day

Trekking to the foot of the Kashka-Suu Pass. Then walking over the pass (3,390 m) and descend to the valley of the Kara-Suu River. On the way to the Kara-Suu River one can see local minbers or their tools on the banks of numerous small streams that feed the Kara-Suu River. Then the river flows into the same name lake. On the way there are summer houses of local shepherds and small villages. There are no roads there. Locals get there on horseback. Rest stop near Lake Kara-Suu. Setting up the camp. Overnight in tents (2,000 m). ~ 15 km

Day

Rest day. Optional hiking along the Kara-Suu Valley to the same name lake (1,810 m, ~ 6 km). We will enjoy the extraordinary wildlife views. Return to the camp. Overnight in tents.

Day

Trekking to the foot of the Kuterme Pass (2,446 m). The path approaches the steep, rocky shore of Lake Kara-Suu, which is one of the most beautiful lakes of this area. Climb to the pass along the scenic trail between the juniper trees. From the pass you can see three beautiful lakes: Sary-Chelek, Kara-Suu and Irikel. Walking to Lake Irikel. Setting up the camp on the lake shore (1,950 m). ~ 10 km

Day

Transfer to Osh city. After breakfast exploring the area around the camp. Packing and departure to Osh. It will take us about 5 hours. On the way, you may visit the ancient city of Uzgen. Accommodation in a guest house in Osh.

Day

Osh city tour. Visiting the bazaar. Osh Bazaar is one of the largest in Central Asia. A variety of products will surprise even the most fastidious buyers. The ascent to Suleimanka sacred mountain. The mountain is located in the heart of the city. Many people make pilgrimages to it during the day. The observation deck and the house of Babur are located at the very top of Suleimanka. You can take a break after climbing the mountain in the shade of the planted trees. Flight to Bishkek.

Day

Departure home. Transfer to the airport. End of the program. We hope you enjoyed this trip! Share your photos, leave feedbacks!