Trekking to Sary-Chelek lake

700 $

Price starts from

5 Day

Duration

MAY-SEP

Available

Kyrgyzstan

Country

Sary Chelek Lake is situated inside the boundaries of the Sary Chelek State Biosphere Reserve, 500 kilometers from Bishkek and 300 kilometers from Osh. The lake is 1940 meters above sea level and is on the edge of the Chatkal and At-Oinok mountains. The lake is 7.5 kilometers long, 234 meters deep, and takes up 507 hectares of land. In Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, it is the second and third deepest lake, respectively. There are rocky spots and thick trees all along the beach. Many mountain rivers feed Sary Chelek.

In the summer, the water’s temperature doesn’t get over 19 °C, while in the winter, it varies between 0 and 4 °C. In Kyrgyz, Sary Chelek translates to “yellow barrel.” An ancient beekeeper once made the springtime decision to build hives around the edges of an exceptionally lovely lake, according to tradition. When it came time to harvest, the beekeeper was so enthralled by the golden hue of the honey that he gave the lake the name Yellow Barrels, alluding to the barrels of honey that were piled up along the shore. Furthermore, there exists an other interpretation for the lake’s name. When fall arrives, the water’s reflection of the golden hue of the coastal trees creates an amazing, all-golden scene.

Trekking to Sary-Chelek Lake is a unique experience since it takes you past petroglyphs, waterfalls, relict woods, steep slopes, and rushing water that falls to the bottom. There will be incredible views of the neighboring mountains from the mountain passes that the path passes. Inspired by the journey, you won’t even realize that you’ve arrived at Lake Sary-Chelek.

Places You’ll See

No data was found

Itinerary

Day 1: BIshkek - KaraSuu village

Bishkek-Kara-Suu is 15 hours away, so If you are starting trip from Bishkek, take an extra day. Or you can fly from Bishkek to Osh.

Driving it take through scenic road Bishkek - Osh (Here you can see)

 

Day 2: Kara-Suu Gorge

Breakfast, setting off northwards to Kara-Suu Gorge, crossing the river by wooden bridges. The gorge becomes rather narrow and the slopes are covered with a beautiful silver fir forest. Further on the track passes below a waterfall and then climbs over a pass to Kara-Suu Lake (1,800 m, 13 km, 4 hours). Have lunch and then relax and experience the real way of life on the jailoo (mountain pasture). Enjoy supper by an open fire.

Day 3: Kotormo Pass

Breakfast, then continue the trek to Kotormo Pass-2446m. On the descent from the Pass, stop for a picnic lunch in a field. (7km, 3 hours) After lunch cantinue the trek and see the 5 lakes of Sary-Chelek. Have supper and camp overnight in tents (10km, 3 hours). 

Day 4: Sary-Chelek

Breakfast and relax near Iri-Kol Lake, followed by lunch at 11.00. After lunch continue trekking among the nut forests and get a panoramic view of Sary-Chelek. Descend from the Pass to Kara-Suu or Arkyt village for dinner in a guesthouse (20 km, 5-6 hours).

Day 5: Bishkek

Breakfast. Morning departure.

Price Info

  • 1600$ - 1 pax
  • 1300$ - 2 pax/person
  • 1100$- 3pax/person
  • 1050$ - 4pax/person
  • 1000$ - 5-10pax/person
  • Transportation Bishkek - Starting Point and Back
  • Full board Meal
  • Accommodations
  • Entrance fees
  • English Speaking guide
  • Airport transfer
  • Travel Insurance
  • Flights
  • Extra activities
  • Horse rent

Additional Info

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Our dear clients about our guides and tours.

dylanddd33
dylanddd33
USA, Videographer
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Islam was awesome! Very friendly and knowledgeable guy that we enjoyed being around. I highly recommend using him on your trip in Kyrgyzstan.
Raffaele F
Raffaele F
Plastic free ride
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We fell in love of kyrgyzstan. The landscapes are amazing, The mountains are so incredible, the nature is pure and all the people are so kind and lovely. The guide, Islam, is so kind and he speak an amazing english...
greet_ieven
greet_ieven
Aartselaar, Belgium
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I contacted Islam 4 years ago as we wanted to visit Kyrgystan; unfortunately we had to cancel due to COVID; two weeks ago we eventually could make this wonde...
Sheena S
Sheena S
Singapore
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We had such a great time and experience . We rode is a v8 4wd which was really comfortable and spacious. Islam was always there to help and explain to us intere...

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