Ultimate Arslanbob Trekking Adventure
Explore the spectacular Babash Ata mountain range on this 4-day trek from Arslanbob village to Kyzyl Unkur Valley. Marvel at crystal clear glacier fed lakes and streams, giant boulders and alpine meadows filled with herds of grazing sheep and cattle. Immerse yourself in the shepherd’s culture for the ultimate local experience.
Destination: Arslanbob village, Jalal – Abad Region, southern Kyrgyzstan
Season: June – early September
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Trekking Distance: 40 km
Maximum/Minimum Elevation: 3,670 meters / 1,761 meters
Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 3250m+ / 3240m-
Difficulty: Medium-Difficult
Starting/Ending Point: Arslanbob / Kyzyl Unkur Valley
Day 1. Holy Rock with panoramic views
Leave the village behind as the trail takes you to Toguz Bulak (9 Springs) for a relaxing lunch spot by the river. After climbing up a steep slope through the high pastures filled with grazing cattle and sheep, set up camp for the first night near Holy Rock. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Arslanbob valley and the walnut forest.
Trekking distance / time: 7km / 6 hours Max/Min Elevation: 3130 m / 1765 m Total Gain/Loss: 1365 m
Day 2. Friendship (Dostuk) Pass and Kolkupan Lake
After a difficult climb up scree and on a challenging path you’ll reach Friendship Pass (3,600 meters) where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch with panoramic views of dramatic glaciers and Arslanbob valley. As you descend from the pass you begin to see turquoise Kolkupan Lake emerge below. The campsite on the 2nd night is along the lake shore. This is a holy lake for locals to visit and pray so you may have a chance to meet local families as you walk around and explore the lake.
Trekking distance / time: 9km / 7 hours Max / Min Elevation: 3676 m / 2829 Total Gain/Loss: +696 m / – 990 m
Day 3. Kerei Pass and Valley
Follow a wild scree trail along the north eastern side of the lake into Kerei Gorge. As you leave the lake behind, you’ll begin the long and gentle ascent to Kerei Pass (3500m) for around 4 hours. From the pass, enjoy the wonderful views of the nearby gorges and craggy Babash Ata peaks in the south over lunch. Then begins the descent (2 hours) into Kerei Valley where we’ll set up tents for the night.
Trekking distance / time: 14km / 7-8 hours Max / Min Elevation: 3600 m / 2829 m Total Gain/Loss: +1123 m – 772 m
Day 4. Kerei Valley and Kenkol Gorge
Continue descending from the Kerei Valley along the stream and through a vast valley surrounded by dramatic towering mountain peaks. Meet shepherds and their large flocks of sheep as you continue walking through the grassy pastures towards the spruce forest at Kenkol Gorge and Kyzyl-Unkur Valley. Your transport will await you there and take you to Jalal-Abad city.
Trekking distance / time: 11km / 7 hours Max / Min Elevation: 3200 m / 1790 m Total Gain/Loss: +70 m / -1503
Price in USD
# of people | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
price per person | 1100 | 750 | 550 | 450 | 400 |
Included:
Transfers to/from Arslanbob
Guide
Cook
Luggage horses
Horsemen
Meals
Accommodation
Tents, mats
Entrance tickets
Not included:
Alcoholic beverages
Sleeping bags
Other costs out of the itinerary