Trekking to Sary-Chelek lake - In the southwestern Tien-Shan
Trekking to Sary-Chelek lake

In the southwestern Tien-Shan

Trekking to Sary-Chelek lake
(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:

  • 23.08-03.09.2025 | 10 places Book
  • 06.09 - 17.09.2025 | 10 places Book
  • Individual dates are also available. Contact the program manager.

Trip details

Intensity 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: $ 2,000 (≥ 6 people)

Great for Families Couples Individuals

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.

What's Included:

  • Meeting and seeing off at the airport
  • Transport according to the program
  • Accommodation in hotels in Bishkek and Osh (twin/ double)
  • Registration of the necessary documents
  • Entrance fees to all sites according to the program
  • FB during trekking days
  • Tents for accommodation/ 2-people in one tent
  • Trekking guide
  • Cook on trekking days
  • Horses. Horses will accompany us throughout the program
  • Each member of the group can load 12 kg of personal equipment onto the horse. If your load exceeds 12 kg, then you can employ an additional horse, by informing us in advance
  • Flight tickets Osh-Bishkek

What's not included:

  • The cost of an international air flight to Bishkek and back
  • Rent of personal equipment
  • Meals in cities
  • Supplement for single occupancy. Hotels $80 per program. Single accommodation in tents $60
  • The cost of visa and consular services
  • Personal expenses in the hotel: bar, international calls, etc.
  • Insurance
  • Any changes in the program
Day
1

Meeting at the airport. Meeting with the guide. Transfer to the hotel in Bishkek, rest. Lunch. Then an excursion in Bishkek - the capital of Kyrgyzstan. We will visit the central square Ala-Too, green parks of the capital, an open-air art gallery of local painters, a historical museum, and other places of interest. Accommodation at the Asia Mountains Hotel or similar 3 *.

Day
2

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 we can visit the historical and architectural Gumbez Manas Complex. Arrival, setting up a tent camp near the confluence of the Chiyim-Tash and Urmaral River. Overnight in tents at an altitude of 1,500 m/+700 m.

Day
3

Trekking to the confluence of the Shor-Alysh and Chiyim-Tash rivers. Our way will run along a good trail along the river. Setting up tents at an altitude of ~ 2100 m. On the way 4 - 5 h/~15 km/+600 m.

Day
4

Trekking under the Pass Chiyim-Tash. Setting up a tent camp on the banks of two moraine lakes, under the pass. Rest is upon arrival at the camp. After resting, we can walk to the nearest lake in the neighboring gorge. Overnight in tents at an altitude of ~ 3150 m. On the way ~ 4 - 5 h / 12 km / + 1050 m.

Day
5

Crossing the Pass Chiyim-Tash 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. Setting up a camp under the Karakuldzha pass ~ 2,850 m, in a picturesque place (alpine pasture). On the way 4- 5 h/10 km/+451 m/- 751 m.

Day
6

Trekking over the Pass Karakuldzha (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. On the way 5 - 6 h /~ 14 km/+ 311 m/~1011 m.

Day
7

Trekking to Kara-Suu valley. First, we will approach the Kashka-Suu pass. Further, we will cross the Kashka-Suu pass 3390 m, and then make a descent to the valley of the Kara-Suu river. The route is picturesque and interesting. Along the way we will meet summer houses of local shepherds and small villages. Overnight in tents at an altitude of ~ 2,000 m. On the way 5 - 6 h / ~ 15 km / + 229 m / -1390 m.

Day
8

Trekking to the Lake Kara-Suu. Today we have an easy trekking along the Kara-Suu valley to the lake of the same name. Lunch is upon arrival at the camp. We can make a walk to the end of the lake and visit a beautiful waterfall afternoon or to stay at the camp and enjoy your free time and rest. Overnight in tents on the shore of the Lake Kara - Suu at the altitude of 1,810 m. On the way 2 - 3 h / ~ 6 km / - 190 m.

Day
9

Trekking to the Lake Irikel . First, we will go under the pass, then we will cross the Kutermyo pass 2446 m. From our camp the trail will pass along the steep rocky shore of the Kara-Suu lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in this region. Further ascent to the pass along a picturesque path between juniper trees. From the pass you can see two beautiful lakes: Sary-Chelek and Irikel. Descent to the Lake Irikel . Setting up a tent camp on the shore of the lake at the altitude of 1950 m.On the way 4 - 5 h/~ 10 km/+636 m/ - 496 m.

Day
10

Hiking to Sary - Chelek Lake, then transfer to Osh 255 km 4 - 5 h. After breakfast trekking to Sary-Chelek lake. Enjoy views of the beautiful lake and nature around it. Trekking part will take 1,5 hours. Then we will move to Osh. Lunch is on the way. If there is enough time we will visit the ancient city Uzgen on the way. Accommodation in a 3 * hotel.

Day
11

City tour in Osh. We will visit the famous Osh Bazaar. Osh bazaar is one of the largest in Central Asia. The variety of products will surprise even the most fastidious buyers. Every person in Osh should visit a Sacred Mountain - Suleiman Too. Many people make pilgrimages to it during the day. At the top of Suleiman Too there is an observation deck and you will see a panoramic view of the city. After the trip to the mountain we will drive to the airport.

Day
12

Departure. End of program.

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720021, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Lineinaya str. 1a