Exploring Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve on Horseback
Explore the stunning mountain landscapes of the Chatkal Mountains and Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve by horseback. This horse trek introduces you to authentic local culture as you ride through shepherd and other summer camps with an opportunity meet and engage with locals. Take in the beauty of pristine alpine lakes fed by glacial runoff. This 3-day horse trek provides so many natural highlights of Jalal-Abad region. Overnights in tents.
Destination: Sary – Chelek Natural Reserve, Jalal – Abad Region, south-western Kyrgyzstan
Season: June – early September
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Trekking Distance: 48 km
Maximum/Minimum Elevation: 2,446 meters / 1,116 meters
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,301 m+ / 2,321m-
Difficulty: Medium
Starting/Ending Point: Kyzyl-Köl village
Day 1. Kara-Suu Gorge to Kara Kamysh Lake
After choosing your horses in Kyzyl-Köl village, begin the horse trek with a ride through the narrow Kara-Suu Gorge and take in the slopes covered by silver fir forest. The trail continues below a waterfall and the over mountain pass to reach Kara-Suu Lake (1,800 meters), our campsite area for the night. You’ll have time in the afternoon to ride around meet local people who spend their summers up in these hills making honey and tending to their animals.
Day 2. Kotormo Pass and Iri Kol Lake
Begin the day with an ascent up to Kotormo Pass (2,446 meters) over a winding trail. Enjoy stunning views of Sary-Chelek Valley and the peaks of the Chatkal Mountains in the distance. The descent is very steep, so we’ll walk down with the horses for safety reasons. Then, we’ll continue riding until we reach the shores of Iri Kol Lake where we’ll set up camp for the night. After lunch you’ll have an opportunity to continue riding to explore five other alpine lakes of Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve.
Day 3. Walnut Forest and Kyzyl-Köl Village
Enjoy a relaxing morning ride through the towering trees of the walnut forest followed by a green valley that is often used for making hay, farming, grazing animals and beekeeping. You’ll have an opportunity meet local people here and see local village life once we reach Kyzyl-Köl where a family guest house will welcome you with a home cooked meal.
Price in USD
| # of people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| price per person | 890 | 650 | 450 | 350 | 300 |
Included:
– Transfers to/from Sary Chelek
– Horses
– Horsemen
– Meals
– Accommodation
– Tents, mats,
– Entrance tickets
Not included:
– Alcoholic beverages
– Other costs out of the itinerary
– Sleeping bags
