Advanture To Sary-Chelek
About this tour
Route: Bishkek-Arkyt Village-Aflatun Village-Oialma Campsite-Sary Chelek Lake-Kyzyl-Suu Gorge-Karakamysh Lake-Iri Kol Lake-Arkyt village- Bishkek
Meet local herders to experience their traditional way of life and discover this mysterious land where people's lives are shaped by breathtaking sheer peaks, lush valleys and majestic lakes. Explore the lonely beauty of Sary Chelek and Kara Kamysh Lakes located on a ragged mountain plateau with its verdant meadows used by shepherds in the summer months. Looking for an unforgettable experience exploring a remote place of blue lakes and green valleys with high evergreen trees, this is the adventure for you! Overnights are in tents and campsites.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: bishkek to arkyt
We are going to the Arkyt village, which is located inside the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve, and which is located near the beginning of trekking (510km - 10 hours). Along the way, the photo stops at the Too Ashuu pass, and in the Suusamyr valley. Lunch in the Chychkan gorge. Arrival in the village of Arkyt, which is located inside the reserve, accommodation in a guest house and dinner.
Day 2: arkyt to aflatun
After breakfast we head for Aftalun settlement (2 hours) and further to the confluence of Aflatun and Utur rivers where we set up our camp(1300m). Short walk around the area to enjoy nature’s beauty. Campsite (1250 m): N41° 44.165' E71° 51.669'
Day 3: aflatun to southern alfatun river
We trek up along the southern Aflatun river. The first day always overwhelms with new sensations, fascinating landscaped vistas. Lush multicolored alpine vegetation contrasts the austere grandeur of mountains. The Aflatun valley is covered with the world-famous Caravanserai blue spruce along the fast mountain river following the trail. After 12-km easy ascent, we set up our camp (1700m). Trekking time: 5-6 hours Trekking Distance: 12 km Max Elevation: 1593 m Min Elevation: 1231 m Total Gain/Loss: +536 m / - 174 m Campsite (1589 m): N41° 50.014' E71° 51.594'
Day 4: southern alfatun river to oialma
After breakfast, we continue the trekking up along the gorge to the confluence of Aflatun and Oialma river. The trail goes on unpaved road along the gushing river. The scenic views of spruce trees covering the mountain is something you enjoy looking at. During the ascent, we will see beekeepers looking after their honeybees, not recommended to come close, you might get stung by a bee. Trekking further upstream, we reach the place where our camp is to be set on the bank of Oialma river (2100m). Trekking time: 5-6 hours Trekking Distance: 7 km Max Elevation: 1860 m Min Elevation: 1580 m Total Gain/Loss: +303 m / - 44 m Campsite (1859 m): N41° 53.015' E71° 51.042'
Day 5: oialma to sary-chelek
We start the day by ascending the Kuldambes Pass (2750m), 2 hours. Hiking up the pass is not too demanding as the route follows a narrow path with zigzag ascent. The rail pass by the tents of shepherds tending their sheep. From the top of the pass, enjoy the panoramic views of beautiful Chatkal Mountain range surrounded with dense spruce forest. Our path continues over the verdant ridge towards Ashuu pass (2551m) where it descends down to Sary Chelek Lake. Arrival at bank of the lake and rest gazing at the beauty of the nature. Trekking time: 6-7 hours Trekking Distance: 12 km Max Elevation: 2833m Min Elevation: 1849 m Total Gain/Loss: +1080 m / - 1090 m Campsite (1882 m): N41° 55.019' E71° 55.985'
Day 6: sary-chelek to kyzyl-suu gorge
Hike starts along the Sary Chelek river with scenic views of spruce trees growing around these rocky slopes. After 1 km, the river narrows and turns north. The slopes become steeper. Later the trail will ascend Makmal Pass (2654m) where will get the most scenic view of Mustor Mountains that will never come anymore. Have lunch with this panoramic view. Descent to the Kyzyl-Suu river along the shepherd’s camps. Be invited for a tea and try the fresh cream of cow’s milk. Arrive at the campsite. Trekking time: 6-7 hours Trekking Distance: 12 km Max Elevation: 2658m Min Elevation: 1879 m Total Gain/Loss: +838 m / - 763 m Campsite (1944 m): N41° 57.468' E71° 58.745'
Day 7: kyzyl-suu gorge to karakamysh lake
We hike down along the Kara-Suu river towards another alpine lake Karakamysh fed by Kara-Suu river. Depending on the light, the lake’s water constantly changes its colour. It can be emerald green, turquoise green with reflections of white clouds, light green or dark grey, even black. This turquoise lake is a nice spot even for locals to spend a time. There are quite a few people running accommodation. We camp near their camps. Take a walk to get along with local life of this jailoo (summer camp). Trekking time: 4–5 hours Trekking Distance: 10 km Max Elevation: 1964 m Min Elevation: 1794 m Total Gain/Loss: +215 m / - 334 m Campsite (1819 m): N41° 54.082' E72° 02.080'
Day 8: karakamysh lake to iri kol lake
Today we ascent to Kotormo pass (2446m). Slightly demanding but rewarding ascent to the pass: from the pass opens the wide panorama of huge southern head of Sary-Chelek Lake. There are in fact other smaller lakes including this Iri Kol Lake where we camp after descending the pass. One hour’s descending brings us to the campsite. Here we set up our camp (1800m). Short walk around to get the full view of the lake. Trekking time: 5-6 hours Trekking Distance: 8 km Max Elevation: 2446 m Min Elevation: 1813 m Total Gain/Loss: +734 m / - 613 m Campsite ( 1942 m): N41° 51.198' E72° 00.371'
Day 9: iri kol lake to osh
Today we explore other smaller lakes following the path that leads through the woodland and across the gushing rivers to the jewel of the lakes Sary Chelek. We will enjoy walking on the shade of various trees including wild apple, cherry and walnut trees. We arrive at the Sary Chelek Lake and marvel at its unique beauty. Here, we say goodbye to this untouched nature and head towards the pickup point and get transferred to Osh city. Spend overnight in a long-awaited comfortable hotel. Trekking time: 2-3 hours Trekking Distance: 5 km Driving time approx: 6 hours Driving Distance: 350 km Max Elevation: 2016 m Min Elevation: 1876 m Total Gain/Loss: +171m / - 226 m
Day 10: osh to bishkek
Osh, famous for the warmth and hospitality of its townsfolk, is the biggest city in southern Kyrgyzstan. It welcomes the visitors with streets lined by green trees, numerous open-air cozy cafes, bright boisterous bazaar and the main point of interest - Suleiman Mountain that rises in the middle of the city. Lunch at a local teahouse. Departure by evening flight to Bishkek. Transfer to your hotel. End of the tour. Thank you for choosing us!
What's included
Tour guide, Mountain guide, Guide's assistant and Cook, Transportation, Meals, Accommodation: 2 overnights at the quest house and 8 overnights at the campsite, Equipment.
Personal expenses, tips
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
bishkek to arkyt