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Southern Kyrgyzstan Lakes & Forests Trekking - 10 Days

Quick Details:

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Departure Location: بيشكيك، قيرغيزستان
Arrival Location: بيشكيك، قيرغيزستان
Ages: 16+ recommended
Availability: June – September
Activities: Trekking, hiking, camping, walnut forest walks, mountain lakes, village visits, cultural experiences and photography
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highest Point: Approximately 2,700–2,900 m depending on the selected route
Group Type: Private tour — 1 to 24 guests
Locations: Arslanbob • Kara-Suu Lake • Sary-Chelek • Iri-Kol • Aram-Kol • Kyla-Kol

Itinerary

1 DAY: Arrival in Bishkek

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek

Arrival at Manas International Airport.
Meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in Bishkek.
After check-in, meet your trekking guide for a briefing and preparation for the journey south.
If arrival time permits, enjoy a short city walk through central Bishkek.

Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Bishkek to Arslanbob

Early morning departure from Bishkek toward southern Kyrgyzstan.
Travel through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Suusamyr and Fergana regions before reaching Arslanbob, one of the most famous walnut-growing regions in Central Asia.
Arslanbob is surrounded by extensive walnut and fruit forests and dramatic mountain scenery.
After arrival, check into a local guesthouse.
In the afternoon, take a short acclimatization hike through the forest and surrounding hills.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Arslanbob
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Driving: Approximately 7–9 hours

Day 3: Arslanbob Waterfalls & Walnut Forest Trek

Begin the adventure with a full-day hike around Arslanbob.
Trek through ancient walnut and fruit forests, visiting viewpoints and the famous Arslanbob waterfalls.
The route combines forest trails, mountain paths and open viewpoints overlooking the surrounding valleys.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the mountains before returning to the village.
Optional horseback riding can be arranged.
Overnight: Guesthouse in Arslanbob
Trekking: Approximately 12–15 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Arslanbob to Kara-Suu Valley to Kara-Suu Lake

After breakfast, transfer toward the Kara-Suu Valley, the gateway to the Sary-Chelek trekking region.
Begin hiking along the mountain valley through forests and pastures.
The trail gradually climbs toward Kara-Suu Lake, an alpine lake surrounded by mountain slopes.
Set up camp near the lake and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment.

Overnight: Tent camp near Kara-Suu Lake
Trekking: Approximately 12–15 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Kara-Suu Lake to Mountain Pass to Iri-Kol Lake

After breakfast, continue deeper into the mountains.
Trek along the Kara-Suu River and ascend toward the mountain pass.
Cross the pass and descend toward Iri-Kol Lake, surrounded by alpine meadows and forested slopes.
This is one of the most scenic sections of the journey, combining mountain passes, rivers and remote lakes.

Overnight: Tent camp near Iri-Kol
Trekking: Approximately 12–15 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Iri-Kol to Aram-Kol to Kyla-Kol to Sary-Chelek

Today is dedicated to the spectacular chain of lakes surrounding Sary-Chelek.
Continue trekking through the reserve toward Aram-Kol and Kyla-Kol, before reaching the main Sary-Chelek Lake.
The area contains several smaller mountain lakes scattered among forests and alpine valleys. Depending on trail and reserve conditions, the exact lakes visited may be adjusted by the guide.
Arrive near Sary-Chelek and establish camp.

Overnight: Camp near Sary-Chelek
Trekking: Approximately 15–18 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Sary-Chelek Lake Exploration

Spend a full day exploring Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve.
Hike along the forest trails around the lake and visit viewpoints overlooking its deep blue waters.
Depending on local conditions and access permissions, explore additional small lakes and viewpoints around the reserve.
Optional boat excursion may be available depending on seasonal operating conditions.
Sary-Chelek is approximately 7.5 km long and surrounded by steep, forested mountain slopes.

Overnight: Camp / guesthouse near Sary-Chelek
Trekking: Approximately 10–12 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Sary-Chelek to Arkit Village

After breakfast, begin the descent toward Arkit Village.
The trail passes through beautiful forest and mountain meadows.
Arrive in Arkit and check into a local family guesthouse.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon and experience local village life.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Arkit
Trekking: Approximately 8–12 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Arkit to Toktogul / Chychkan

Leave the Sary-Chelek region and begin the journey back toward northern Kyrgyzstan.
Travel through dramatic mountain valleys and along the route toward the Toktogul/Chychkan area.
Stop at scenic viewpoints and local villages along the way.
Relax after the trekking adventure.

Overnight: Guesthouse/hotel in Chychkan or Toktogul
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Chychkan to Bishkek to Departure

After breakfast, continue toward Bishkek.
The road passes through spectacular mountain landscapes and high passes.
Depending on your flight schedule, arrive in Bishkek and transfer to Manas International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

End of the 10-Day Southern Kyrgyzstan Lakes & Forests Trekking Adventure.

✅ Tour Inclusions:

10-day private trekking adventure
9 nights accommodation
Airport transfer
Private transportation
Professional English-speaking trekking guide
Arslanbob walnut forest trekking
Arslanbob waterfall excursion
Kara-Suu Lake trekking
Iri-Kol Lake
Aram-Kol Lake
Kyla-Kol Lake
Sary-Chelek Lake
Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve
Mountain pass crossings
Mountain camping
Camping equipment
Guesthouse accommodation
Yurt accommodation where available
Meals as specified
Picnic lunches during trekking days
Entrance/reserve fees
Local cultural experiences
Drinking water during trekking
First-aid kit
Local taxes

❌Tour Exclusions:

International flights
Travel and medical insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Personal trekking clothing
Personal sleeping bag, if required
Trekking poles
Personal camping equipment
Optional horseback riding
Optional boat trips
Additional hotel nights
Any service not specifically listed under inclusions

The tour map

Note

Best season: June – September. Local trekking operators commonly list June–September as the main season for Sary-Chelek trekking.

Trekking difficulty: Moderate to Challenging. Guests should be comfortable hiking approximately 5–8 hours per day on uneven mountain terrain.

Important: The exact sequence of the smaller lakes may change according to weather, trail conditions, reserve regulations and local access. Some routes in the Sary-Chelek area are remote and mobile coverage can be limited.