Trekking tour: Sary-Chelek lake Kyrgyzstan

The main attraction and the ultimate goal of our trekking tour will be one of the oldest and the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Kyrgyzstan – Sary-Chelek (1878 m). The beauty of the lake is so pristine and unique that captivates travelers from the first sight. Sary Chelek lake - is the point of destination for those, who want to acquire a taste of trekking in Kyrgyzstan, nomad trekking, and mountain trekking.

Son-Kol lake was formed about 10 thousand years ago as a result of a landslide. During its existence, its banks are overgrown with pine and walnut forests and apple orchards. Now the area of Sary-Chelek lake is protected because it is part of the international network of biosphere reserves of UNESCO.

Trekking tour: from Talas to Sary-Chelek

The path to the lake is not simple, we have to overcome the mountain passes of Chiim-Tash (3600 m.), Kara-Kuldzha (3150 m), Kashka-Suu (3400 m), Kuturma (2437 m) passing through the many gorges and valleys. You will be pleasantly surprised by the local landscape. You can enjoy the fragrant coniferous forests, slim birch trees and thick bushes of wild, juicy raspberries.

The cultural program of nomad trekking tour also includes "Manas - Ordo" complex. Here you will learn everything associating with the greatest epic in the world "Manas", which in 2013 was included in the list of masterpieces of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. In addition, you will find spectacular hunting foxes with the Golden eagles, falcons and the Kyrgyz greyhounds (taigans) and the demonstration of national nomads games.

If you are looking for Central Asia travel agency, Kyrgyzstan trekking tours, trekking trips or want to travel in Central Asia – you are in the right place!

Baibol Travel –  explore the soul of nomads!

Book now from $ 1160

Tour characteristics

July - September
11 days
85-87 km
+5400 m  -4850 m
900 km, 18 h
Complexity: 

You are going to love it

 
  • A sportive trek in a wild nature
  • A unique itinerary far from the tourist main circuits
  • The discovery of the Sary-Chelek Park, classified by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage for its exceptional biodiversity
  • Program
  • Sights
  • Conditions and Recommendations
  • Track map
  • Book now

1 Day. Bishkek-Talas

Meeting at the airport. Moving to the Talas guest house "baibol". According to your wishes  we can go to the national complex Manas-Ordo complex. Here you will learn everything that is associated with the greatest epic in the world "Manas", which was also included in the list of masterpieces of the intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

The uniqueness of the epic includs orall transmission from generation to generation for several centuries. The complex has many historical monuments that will attract you: the mausoleum of Manas, a 14th-century stone sculptures of balbals, Saka-wusun burials (mounds), catacomb monuments Kokolikoko burial. After the excursion, you will have  dinner and stay overnight in the guest house "Baibol".

Accommodation

Locations

Talas
Bakay-Ata District
Bishkek
Hiking
300 km, 6 h
B L D

2 Day. Radial hike to the Echkiluu-Too mountain

In order to acclimatize we will have a  horse riding to the mountain nearby Accrue-Too (2400 m.). The mountain is located near the guest house, so by lunchtime we will be in the guest house. In the afternoon, you will see a very entertaining cultural programme  foxes hunting with Golden eagles, falcons and the Kyrgyz greyhounds (taigans) in a mountain valley.

And after hunting, some of you will have a chance to watch the national games of nomads, where you can cheer for a well-aimed archers, wrestlers on belts (kuresh) and riding (er - enish), one of the teams in horse games ulak - tartysh (goat) and the horse racing kyz - kuumai (catch the girl). After a tiring but eventful day, you will have dinner and overnight in the guest house "Baibol".

Accommodation

Sights

Mountain Echkiluu-Too

Locations

Bakay-Ata District
Horse walking
Kyz kuumai
Archery
Er enish
Hunting with eagle
12 km
3-4 h
+1060 m  -680 m
B L D

3 Day. Guest house "Baibol" - the confluence of the Shor-Alysh and Chiim –Tas

After breakfast, we  will drive to the place where  we are going to start our trekking tour. Then travel to the Urmaral canyon along the river and go between the high green mountains to the confluence of the Shor – Alysh and Chiim–Tash (the Painted stone). The same name of the gorge, river and pass of this area came out of the petroglyphs on the rocks, which you can see further.

Next piont is the camp (2100 m) where we will have dinner and spend the night. This day you will not get tired, because almost all the way you are going to follow the well trodden path of the gorge Chiim –Tash along the same river.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Sights

Petroglyphs and Pass Chiyim-Tash

Locations

Bakay-Ata District
Hiking
15-16 km
4-5 h
+700 m  -250 m
50 km, 1 h
B L D

4 Day. Ur-maral gorge - Chiim –Tash lake

The fourth day of our route starts with the ascent to the Chiim-Tash pass. Unlike the previous day which includes trail pass, this day will be more exciting, because we will have to pass the rocky bottom of the river because of the extremely dense prickly shrubs that are overgrown its banks. Further you will see a huge stones with petroglyphs.

We will have a picnic break near the pastures of the shepherds (chaban). There you can find the yurt – nomads dwelling, also you can try the national drinks and freshly baked bread. After lunch, we will keep moving, after a few miles we set a camp on the banks of two moraine lakes at an altitude of 3160 m.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Sights

Petroglyphs and Pass Chiyim-Tash

Locations

Bakay-Ata District
Hiking
12 km
4-5 h
+1360 m  -50 m
B L D

5 Day. Chiim-Tash Lake - Kara-Kuldja valley

Today we gonna pass Chiim-Tash (3600 m.). The lifting speed totally depends on the season, because it can be covered with snow. While the passing we can enjoy beautiful views of Western Tien-Shan ridges and the green valley of Kara - Kuldzha. After descending from the pass we stop for lunch, and then continue the path to a place of breakdown of camp (2850 m). Following the plan we should pass 11-12 km.

 

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Sights

Petroglyphs and Pass Chiyim-Tash

Locations

Bakay-Ata District
Hiking
12 km
3,5-4 h
+700 m  -930 m
B L D

6 Day. Kara-Kuldja pass- confluence of Kara-Kuldzha and Kashka – Suu rivers

The passage through the Kara-Kuldzha pass (3150 m.) It will take little time and effort, but the descent on the contrary, its recommended not to rush and be careful as it is quite steep. The local landscape is very diverse. The Alpine meadows give way to fragrant pine forests, slim birch trees and thick bushes of wild, juicy raspberries. After the  encamp (2150 m.) near the confluence of the Kara-Kuldzha and Kashka-Suu, everyone will kave time for walking, relaxing and preparing for new achievements.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Toktogul District
Hiking
13 km
3,5-4 h
+330 m  -1150 m
B L D

7 Day. Kara-Kuldja – Kashka-Suu valleys

After Breakfast, we are  starting  the two-phase ascent to  Kashka-Suu (3400 m.) pass. Keep in mind that elevation above sea level on this day are very large. Lunch we will organize  under the pass, then to reach the ascent and continue the descent to the  Kashka-Suu gorge.

Colorful, flowering Alpine meadows of the Kashka-Suu valley comes to beekeeping, so here we'll meet local residents who live in mud houses and produce the delicious and healthful honey. In general we should pass 15-16 km, and at the end of the route will be accommodated in the camp on the green carpet of the valley, dinner and tea with a sweet honey.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Toktogul District
Hiking
13 km
6-7 h
+1300 m  -1400 m
B L D

8 Day. Kashka-Suu Valley-Kara-Kamysh lake

This hiking day will be one of the easiest , because before the next overnight place we have to go only 5-6 km. From the valley Kashka-Suu mountain descend to the lake Kara-Kamish and set camp (1820 m). After lunch you can walk to a gorgeous mountain waterfall. In the end of the day we will make a fire and have a delicious dinner.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Bazar-Korgon District
Hiking
6 km
2-3 h
+90 m  -280 m
B L D

9 Day. Kuturma pass – Iiri-Kel lake

After Breakfast we gonna pass Kuturma (2437 m). The trail streches through the dense vegetation of spruce forests. The passsge opens a great view to the edge of the famous lake Sary-Chelek (Yellow bowl), which is part of the Sary - Chelek biosphere reserve. On the territory of the reserve the are located 6 lakes: Kyla-Kel, Aram-Kel, Chacok-Cal, Bakaly-Kel, Tuyuk-Kel, Iry – Cal. On the banks of the latter, surrounded by beautiful birch trees, we will set a camp (2030 m), where we will spend the night.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Bazar-Korgon District
Hiking
8,5 km
3-4 h
+770 m  -630 m
B L D

10 Day. Sary-Chelek Lake – Bishkek city

This is the last day of our amazing journey through the mountains of South-Eastern Tien Shan, to the end point of the route, one of the oldest and most beautiful freshwater lakes in Kyrgyzstan - Sary – Chelek (1878 m). The deepest point of the lake reaches to 246 meters. The water temperature in summer (August) is +19,8 S0, and in winter ranges from +4 to 0 S0. If you have a desire to go  by the boat, we are glad to fulfill it. After walk around the lake, back to Bishkek. To a nice and cozy hotel and delicious  warm dinner.

Locations

Bazar-Korgon District
Bishkek
Hiking
6 km
2-2,5 h
+160 m  -220 m
510 km, 10 h
B L D

11 Day. Tour around Bishkek

We will have a walk around the central square Ala-Too, will visit a monument dedicated to hero of national epic "Aikol Manas" Manas the Magnanimous, the exhibits of the State historical Museum, monument of the Soviet political leader Vladimir Lenin.

Also we will  have a chance to see the changing of the guard at the flagpole with a height of 45 m, and then go to see the government house and the monument to the leader of the Alai Kyrgyz Kurmanjan Datka are located. After walk we will go to Central Department store (TSUM), where you can buy Souvenirs. On return, you will have a farewell dinner with the "baybol travel" team.

Create your own group and travel profitably!

If you have been waiting for the right time to go on a journey in the footsteps of the ancient nomads of Central Asia, it has come! For the first time in Kyrgyzstan, "Baibol Travel" gives you a unique opportunity to travel at affordable prices, collecting a group of travelers from your relatives, friends, colleagues, as you are hungry for new experiences and incredible discoveries! We are happy to adapt our services to your requests and requirements, so we suggest you choose the conditions of travel with the comfort and conditions that suit you. The more people in your group, the greater the benefits will be received by all its participants!

Tour cost

The prices are indicated according to the classification of the tour and the number of people.

Number of persons / Class Economy Standard VIP
1-2 $ 1970 $ 2630 $ 2995
3-4 $ 1420 $ 1790 $ 2250
5-6 $ 1345 $ 1620 $ 2050
7-8 $ 1230 $ 1460 $ 1975
9-10 $ 1160 $ 1370 $ 1855

Conditions

 Suite of services

VIP

Standard

Econom

Transport (all transfers according to the program)

premium class SUV

High-end SUV

class 4x4  minivan

Accommodation (in hotels, guest houses and yurts according to the program)

Guide

Guide assistant (for groups over 6 people)

Cook

Cook's assistant (for groups over 6 people)

Equestrian guide

Grooms

Horses

Porter of personal belongings

Up to 15kg. Personal things

Up to 8kg. Personal things

Up to 0kg. Personal things

Three meals a day (+ snack for trekking trips)

Four meals a day

Three meals a day

Three meals a day

Tents for accommodation

Kitchen and dining room tent (for groups over than 6 people)

Portable restrooms

Sleeping bags

Camping mattress

Kitchen things

Satellite communication

National games

National equestrian games

Master classes

Excursions

Folklore concert

 

Trekking recommendations:

It may be difficult to decide what to bring, especially considering that you need to carry equipment for extreme cases and weather conditions. Here is the list of things we suggest you bring, it is almost universal for trips in Kyrgyzstan (changing only in the case of a complex tour).

Please use the following as a guide:

  • tent, sleeping bag and ground pad (if not included in the list of things provided by the company)
  • expeditionary backpack;
  • a windbreaker from the wind and the rain (or a windbreaker + plastic raincoat);
  • tight draft-proof pants, preferably synthetic and quick-dry;
  • waterproof trousers (optional);
  • shorts or summer pants;
  • high waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle + sandals/sneakers;
  • a hat;
  • thermal underwear;
  • a couple of t-shirts and a long-sleeved t-shirt;
  • gloves;
  • at least 2 pairs of wool and 2 pairs of ordinary socks;
  • personal first aid kit;
  • alpenstocks / gaiters;
  • sunglasses;
  • camera with batteries;
  • headlamp and extra batteries;
  • handbag for documents (if any);
  • watch, an altimeter (optional), portable charger (power bank);
  • personal hygiene items;
  • sunscreen.