Sary-Chelek Trekking Adventure

Day 1. Osh city to Aflatun village, 6-7 hours

Early arrival to Osh city. Meet at the airport. Transfer from Osh to Aflatun settlement – at the confluence of the Aflatun and Utur rivers. 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, a bright boisterous bazaar, and the main point of interest – Suleiman Mountain which rises in the middle of the city. We head for the Aftalun settlement and further to the confluence of the Aflatun and Utur rivers where we set up our camp(1300m). A short walk around the area to enjoy nature’s beauty.

Driving time/distance: 350km / 7 hours,
Accommodation: tents

Day 2. Hike to the southern Aflatun River, 5-6 hours 

We trek up along the southern Aflatun River. The first day is always overwhelming with new sensations and fascinating landscaped vistas. Lush multicolored alpine vegetation contrasts the austere grandeur of mountains. The Aflatun valley is covered with the world-famous Tian Shan blue spruce along the fast mountain river following the trail. After a 10-km easy ascent, we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we continue trekking up along the gorge to the confluence of the Aflatun and Oialma rivers. The trail goes on unpaved roads along the gushing river. The scenic views of spruce trees covering the mountain are something you enjoy looking at. During the ascent, we will see beekeepers looking after their honeybees, not recommended to come close, as 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 the Oialma River (2100m). 

Trekking time/distance: 18 km /  8+ hours
Max/Min Elevation: 2100 m / 1231 m
Total Gain/Loss: +839 m / – 218 m
Accommodation: tents

Day 3. Hike to the northern head of Sary Chelek Lake over the Kuldambes Pass

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 passes by the tents of shepherds tending their sheep. From the top of the pass, enjoy the panoramic views of the beautiful Chatkal Mountain range surrounded by dense spruce forests. Our path continues over the verdant ridge towards Ashuu Pass (2551m) where it descends down to Sary Chelek Lake. Arrive at the bank of the lake and rest gazing at the beauty of nature.

Trekking time/distance: 12km / 7 hours
Max / Min Elevation: 2833m / 1849 m
Total Gain/Loss: +1080 m / – 1090 m
Accommodation: tents

Day 4. To Kyzyl-Suu gorge over Makmal Pass

The 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 the 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 tea and try the fresh cream of cow’s milk. Arrive at the campsite.

Trekking time/distance: 12km / 7 hours
Max / Min Elevation: 2658m / 1879 m
Total Gain/Loss: +838 m / – 763 m
Accommodation: tents

Day 5. Trekking downstream the Kara-Suu River to Karakamysh Lake

We hike down along the Kara-Suu River towards another alpine lake Karakamysh fed by the Kara-Suu river. Depending on the light, the lake’s water constantly changes its color. It can be emerald green, turquoise green with reflections of white clouds, light green or dark grey, or even black. This turquoise lake is a nice spot even for locals to spend time. There are quite a few people running accommodation. We camp near their camps. Take a walk to get along with the local life of this jailoo (summer camp).

Trekking time/distance: 10 km / 5 hours
Max / Min Elevation: 1964 m / 1794 m
Total Gain/Loss: +215 m / – 334 m
Accommodation: tents

Day 6. Trek to Iri Kol Lake over Kotormo Pass

Today we ascent to Kotormo Pass (2446m). Slightly demanding but rewarding ascent to the pass: from the pass opens the wide panorama of the 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 descent brings us to the campsite. Here we set up our camp (1800m). A short walk around to get the full view of the lake.

Trekking time/distance: 8km / 6 hours
Max / Min Elevation: 2446 m / 1813 m
Total Gain/Loss: +734 m / – 613 m
Accommodation: tents

Day 7. Trekking from Lake Iri-Kol to the southern part of Lake Sary-Chelek

Today we explore other smaller lakes following the path that leads through the woodland and across the gushing rivers to the jewel of the lake Sary Chelek. We will enjoy walking in 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 head towards the pickup point, and get transferred to Osh city. Spend overnight in a long-awaited comfortable hotel.

Trekking time/distance: 5km / 3 hours
Driving time/distance: 35okm / 6 hours
Max / Min Elevation: 2016 m / 1876 m 
Total Gain/Loss: +171m / – 226 m

Price in USD

# of people	1	2	3	4	5
price per person

Included:
Transfers to/from Sary Chelek
Guide
Cook
Luggage horses
Horsemen
Meals
Accommodation
Tents, mats
Entrance tickets

Not included:
Alcoholic beverages
Sleeping bags
Other costs out of the itinerary