Chong Kemin Valley to Issyk Kul Lake Trek

Explore this spectacular valley famed for its natural beauty

Destination:  Chong Kemin valley, Yssyk Kol region

Time: 4 days / 3 nights

Distance: 31 km by trekking

Max Elevation/ Min Elevation: 3347 m/1719 m

Total Gain/Loss: 2413m+ / 1333m-

Months Possible: June – September

Difficulty: Moderate (1 pass at 3 400 m)

Accommodation & meals: 2 nights in homestays, 2 nights in a tent

Group size: any

Day 1: Bishkek – Chong Kemin valley

Morning transfer from Bishkek to Karool-Dobo village (Watch Hill) in Chong-Kemin Valley. On the way, visit the Burana Tower architectural complex (10-11th century, an important point on the Great Silk Road), 15 km from the main road. Upon your arrival, lunch at friendly home stay. After lunch, short hiking around the village to the Watch Hill and Orto-Kaindi Gorge. Return to the village and overnight in homestay with dinner.

Day 2: Hike to Toru-Aigyr camp site

After breakfast transfer along Chong-Kemin River to the starting point at Bai-Kishi Jailoo (“Jailoo” is a mountainous summer pasture). Slopes of this area are covered by fir forests. Lunch. Continue the tour through the forest till Toru-Aigyr. Set up the camp, dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Trek time: 6-7 hours.

Day 3: To Kol Konur Lake

After breakfast continue the tour till Kol-Konur Lake at 2 500 meters. This mountainous lake has an unique trapezoidal shape. Set up the camp. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent. Trek time: 5-6 hours.

Day 4: Kol Tor lake – Tamchy pass – Achyk-Tash Jailoo – Tamchy Village

Breakfast. Start last day of the tour from Kol-Tor Lake to Tamchy Pass and cross the pass (3 400 meters a.s.l.). Short break for a lunch. Continue to Achyk-Tash Jailoo, where a car from Tamchy Village picks you up. Transfer to the lakeshore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy the lakeside and swim in refreshing waters of Issyk-Kul Lake after the trek. Dinner and B&B in a local home stay. End of the tour.

Requirements: trekking boots, weatherproof warm clothes, hat, sunscreen, sleeping bag, sunglasses, rain coat

Remarks: Tents, sleeping bags and mats are available upon request

  • Gorgeous Fir Tree Forests
  • Friendly Home Stays
  • Scenic Alpine Lakes
  • Chong Kemin National Park