Sary-Chelek Horseback Tour

9-Day Horseback Tour through Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve

TOUR DETAILS

Season
from mid-May - September
Tour length
9 days 8 nights
Level of Difficulty
moderate level of physical fitness
Altitudes range
900 to 2,750 meters above sea level
Price from 1104 USD per person (group of 10 pax)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

An unforgettable horseback adventure awaits on your Sary Chelek Kyrgyzstan tour, exploring the pristine trails of the Sary Chelek Nature Reserve, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve famous for its alpine landscapes, dense forests, and sparkling mountain lakes. Ride through scenic valleys and peaceful meadows, surrounded by towering Tien Shan mountains and vibrant wildlife.

One of the highlights is Kara-Kamysh Lake, a deep, clear alpine lake set in a dramatic gorge with the Min-Teke mountain range mirrored in its waters. Along the way, you’ll pass emerald-green Semenov firs and blue Tien Shan spruces, spot fish swimming near rocky lakebeds, and hear the soft sounds of nature all around. This horseback journey also offers a glimpse into local nomadic traditions, with the chance to interact with herders and their flocks. Combining adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery, this horseback tour in Sary Chelek Kyrgyzstan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature and riding enthusiasts alike.

KYRGYZSTAN TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 Osh - Uzgen - Arkit, 330 km drive

Arrive at Osh Airport and enjoy breakfast upon arrival. Travel to the historic town of Uzgen and explore its 12th-century architectural complex, including the minaret and mausoleums from the Karakhanid era.

Visit a local rice farm along the way, then continue to Arkit Village. Enjoy lunch en route, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality.

Arkit - Horseback to Kyzkorgon pass, 8 km

After breakfast, meet your guide and begin horseback on the western side of the Kyzkorgon Pass (2,400 m), offering breathtaking mountain scenery and panoramic views.

Enjoy lunch during a scenic break along the way. In the evening, settle in for dinner and an overnight stay in tents at Aristanbuka Camp (1,800 m), surrounded by the beauty of the high-altitude landscape.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in tents

Day 3: Horse riding along the South Aflatun River, 20 km

Today, trek along the South Aflatun River, following a good dirt road through a scenic canyon lined with Tien Shan spruce trees.

Stop for lunch during a break along the way. After lunch, continue ascending the gorge of the South Aflatun River up to its confluence with the Uyalma River (2,100 m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in tents

Day 4: Horse riding from Kuldambes Pass to Sary Chelek 10 kmLake

Today, cross Kuldambes Pass (2,750 m) and continue toward Sary Chelek Lake via Ashuu Pass (2,551 m). After reaching the saddle of Kuldambes Pass, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Uyalma Valley with the Chatkal Range rising above it.

The route then continues to Ashuu Pass, offering a breathtaking first view of Sary Chelek Lake. Descend from Ashuu Pass into the valley of Sary Chelek Lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in tents

Day 5: Sary Chelek Lake – Makmal Pass – Kara-Kamysh Lake by horse 20 km

Leave the shores of Sary Chelek Lake and follow the river upstream to its confluence with the Makmal River. A narrow trail winds along the river, leading first through alpine meadows and then up to the wide saddle of Makmal Pass (2,654 m). From here, descend along the Kurumdu River into the Kara-Suu Valley (2,000 m), reaching the beautiful Kara-Kamysh Lake.

Along the way, experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle and learn about local customs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in tents
Optional: Overnight stay in a traditional yurt

Day 6: Kara-Suu Lake – Kuturma Pass – Sary Chelek Lakes horsebacking, 16 km

After walking along Kara-Suu Lake, begin a gentle ascent to the saddle of Kuturma Pass (2,446 m). The trail follows a scenic path between juniper trees and rocky outcrops. From the pass, enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the southern end of Sary Chelek Lake.

Descend from the pass and stop for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk around the six lakes of Sary Chelek, surrounded by pristine mountain scenery. Dinner and overnight stay on the shore of Iri-Kol Lake (1,300 m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Camping in tents

Day 7: Iri-Kol Lake – Kyzyl-Kel Village, 18 km

From Iri-Kol Lake, follow a good trail heading south. Along the way, pass through a walnut forest, one of the region’s natural treasures. In the evening, arrive in Kyzyl-Kel Village, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Guesthouse

Day 8: Kyzyl-Kel – Osh | City Tour, 320 km drive

Transfer to Osh. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour, including an экскурсия to Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Museum of Spiritual Culture, located inside a natural cave on the mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hotel accommodation in Osh

Day 9: Osh, departure

Breaksfast and transfer to Osh airport

TOUR INFORMATION

Included

Transfers in a Toyota Land Cruiser throughout the tour
Accommodation as per the program
Meals as outlined in the itinerary
Drinking water: 1 liter per person per day
Guided tours in Uzgen and city tour in Osh
Entrance fees: Uzgen and Osh
Tour escort/guide for the entire trip

No included

Sleeping bag with foam mat, and helmet (You can rent during the tour)
Visa support
Medical insurance and related expenses

Optional Activities & Extras:

Inflatable boat rides on Kara-Kamysh Lake
Traditional sports games at Kara-Kamysh Lake
Single supplement in Osh: +$15 per person

Price 2026

Pax / Vehicle	Price per person (USD)
2 pax – 1 Jeep	1921
3 pax– 1 Jeep	1472
4 pax– 1 Jeep	1369
5 pax – Minibus	1277
6 pax – Minibus	1242
7 pax – Minibus	1185
8 pax – Minibus	1150
9 pax – Minibus	1104

Included

Accommodation in double occupancy
- Osh – Sunrse hotel
- Arkit – Guesthouse “U Musy”
- Kyzyl-Kel – Guesh<ouse “U Bazarkul”
- Tents
All meals during the tour
- Breakfasts and Lunches:
  - Porridges, cheese, eggs, muesli, biscuits, sweets.
  - Fresh vegetables, canned fish, bread.
  - Tea and coffee
- Dinners:
  - Soups such as rice soup, vegetable soup, shorpo, lentil soup, and more.
  - Main dishes including lagman, dymdama, plov, stuffed peppers, stuffed cabbage, and other local specialties.
  - Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, dried fruits, bread, jam, honey. Tea and coffee

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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.