Quick Details:
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Departure Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Arrival Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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Ready to experience the beauty of Kyrgyzstan? Secure your spot today and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
