Alay Trek & Sary-Chelek Horseback Tour

9 days Alay Trek & Sary-Chelek Horseback tour

TOUR DETAILS

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A tour of southern Kyrgyzstan is an unforgettable adventure that combines natural beauty, rich culture, and ancient historical landmarks. Starting your journey in the ancient city of Osh, you will head to the Laglan Canyons, followed by the Chiyyrchik Pass (2400m), the Taldyk Pass (3600m), the majestic Ayu-Tapan Gorge, and the Achik-Tash Gorge, where you will be greeted with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains and Lenin Peak. You will visit Tulpar-Kul Lake, the jewel of the mountain lakes. Uzgen will amaze you with its ancient minarets and mausoleums, while Arslanbob will captivate you with its magnificent walnut forests. 

At the end of the tour, you will visit the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve—one of the most picturesque corners of Kyrgyzstan, where the pristine lake is surrounded by dense forests and mountain peaks. The tour will conclude with a return to Osh, filled with vivid impressions and new discoveries.

Arslanbob walnut forest
Horse riding tour in Sary Chelek

KYRGYZSTAN TOUR ITINERARY

Arrival in the ancient city of Osh, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. After transfer to the hotel and some rest, the group heads to the Laglan Canyon for a small picnic. Here, amidst picturesque mountains and tranquil waters, one can relax and get acquainted with the incredible nature of Kyrgyzstan. After the picnic, the group returns to Osh for rest at the hotel.

Meals: -/picnic/-
Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, the journey continues along the famous Pamir Highway (Route No. 41), with a stop at the Chiyyrchik Pass (2400m), where travelers can enjoy breathtaking views.

The next stop is the Ayutapan Gorge, where, optionally (for an additional fee), local folklore and workshops on bread-making in a cauldron and creating the Kyrgyz carpet “Shirdak” are offered. Lunch in a yurt by the river. Afterward, the group crosses the Taldyk Pass (3600m), with photo stops along the way, and in the evening, arrives in the village of Sary-Tash at 2200 m in the Alai Valley, where you will see the Pamir Mountains from your window. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

The morning starts with breakfast, then the group heads to the yurt camp at Tulpar-Kul Lake, located at the foot of the majestic Lenin Peak (7134 m). From here, a hike begins to the high-altitude international camp of Achik-Tash (4 km), where you can enjoy unique views of the mountains and glaciers.

After the hike, lunch in the camp, rest, and the opportunity to learn about the life of local mountain herders. In the evening (optional, for an additional fee), a small Yak show is organized, followed by dinner and overnight in traditional yurts under the starry sky.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Today, the group heads back to Osh. On the way, a visit to the Kurmanjan-Datka Museum (Queen of Alai) and lunch. After arrival, rest and a walk to the sacred Sulayman-Too mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The excursion on the mountain and a visit to the museum will leave unforgettable impressions and provide insight into the cultural significance of Osh. The evening is free.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/-
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, the journey begins to the ancient city of Uzgen. Here, the group will visit the historical and architectural complex famous for its medieval mausoleums and minaret dating back to the Karakhanid period.

After the tour, the trip continues to the village of Arslanbob, known for its walnut forests. Travelers will take a walk to the large waterfall and through the famous walnut forests of Arslanbob, where they can inhale the fragrance of century-old trees and see how unique wild walnuts grow. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by greenery.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, a morning walk to the small Arslanbob waterfall—one of the most popular natural landmarks in the region. Next, the group heads to Kara-Kamish, a small village known for its hospitality and peaceful atmosphere. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 1: Breakfast, briefing, and selection of horses, followed by departure north to the Kara-Suu Gorge, crossing a turbulent mountain river via a wooden bridge. The gorge becomes quite narrow, and the slopes are covered with a beautiful fir forest. The route then passes under a waterfall before ascending to the Kara-Suu Lake (1800 m, 17 km, 4 hours). After lunch, rest at the mountain pasture (jayloo). Dinner by the open fire. Overnight in yurts.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Day 2: Continuation of the horseback ride over a pass at 2446 meters. After crossing the pass, a stop at the Iri-Kol Lake, where there will be free time for a walk and rest. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the tranquility, sit by the water, and appreciate the beauty of Sary-Chelek. Lunch and then descend to the village of Arkyt, where dinner and overnight in a guesthouse await travelers to recover from the intensive journey.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

In the morning, the group will visit the high-altitude Sary-Chelek Lake, have a picnic, and then return to Osh. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and some free time for relaxation or last-minute sightseeing in the city to end the trip on a positive note.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/-

TOUR INFORMATION

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If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by the tour operators.

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Page updated 11.11.2024

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