From Toktogul to Sary-Chelek Lake

See the video from this tour at  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=113632520538480

Category: trekking (horse riding option is available)

Duration: 6 days

Level of Difficulty: moderate (2 passes above 3 600m)

Best season: late July-early September

Accommodation: overnights in tents

Group size: best size from 4 to 10

Requirements: trekking boots, weatherproof warm clothing, hat, sleeping bag with mat

Itinerary:                              Bishkek (Osh)- Suusamyr Valley – Chychkan Gorge – Toktogul Village – Kol gorge- Kara-Kulja River – Tuz-Ashuu Pass- Achyk-Alma Pass – Kok-Dobo Gorge – Under the Kogoy-Tuz Pass – Kogoy-Tuz Valley- Lake Kara-Kamysh – Kotormo Pass – Sary-Chelek National Reserve – Lake Iri-Kol – Kyzyl-Kol Village – (Bishkek, Osh)

What is special about this tour?

Join us for an exciting 6-days trekking (optional horseback) adventure to the legendary Sary-Chelek Lake, for stunning views of lakes and gorges.

Day 1: Bishkek (or Osh)– Chychkan Gorge – Kol Gorge

The tour will begin with departure from Bishkek to Jalal-Abad region, to the beautiful Kol Gorge. On the way, we will pass the Too-Ashuu Pass (3180m above sea level), the Suusamyr Valley, and the Ala-Bel Pass (3175 m above sea level). We will stop for lunch in the Chychkan Gorge, where we will taste delicious fried trout. Before reaching the village of Toktogul, we will turn off the main road towards the Toktogul Reservoir. On the way, we will see the grave of the famous Kyrgyz Akyn Togolok Moldo. Upon arrival at the tent camp, a hot dinner will be prepared and overnight stay in a tent.’

Tourists may alternatively choose to begin the tour from Osh

Distance Travelled: 350 km, approximately 6-7 hours drive

Elevation: Overnight at 1400m above sea level. The highest point is 3180m above sea level

Day 2: Kara-Kulja River – Tuz-Ashuu Pass

After breakfast, you will receive instructions on horseback riding. Afterwards, we will take a short drive towards the Kara-Kulja River, where we will cross the river and change to horseback. Half of the day’s distance runs to Lake Alatau, and the Kara-Kulja River flows along the way, where we will also see many bushes of wild raspberries. We will arrive at Lake Alatau for lunch and a rest break, before continuing further to the Tuz-Ashuu Pass. After lunch, we will follow the gorge through tall grass and flowers. We will spend the night under the Tuz-Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 2900m above sea level. By the time we arrive at the destination, the tent camp will have already been set up and the cook will be preparing dinner. There will be free time to relax while we wait for dinner to be served.

Distance Travelled: 15km (Kara-Kulja-lake Alatau lake-under the Tuz-Ashuu pass – the length of the route is 10 km. and 5 km.

Elevation Differences: from 1400m to 2200m to 2900m

Trekking time – 6-7 hours (Riding Time: 5-6 hours)

Day 3: Tuz-Ashuu Pass – Achyk-Alma Pass – Kok-Dobo Gorge

After a hearty breakfast, we will conquer the Tuz-Ashuu Pass, which sits at 3354m above sea level. We will have a short rest stop at the top of the pass. As we descend the pass, on the right side, we will see Kak Jailoo. We will continue on our way under the Achyk-Alma Pass, where we will have lunch beside the spring. After lunch, we will continue to the Achyk-Alma Pass, at 3416m in elevation., After descending from this pass, we make our way to an already established campground in the Kok gorge -Dobo, at an altitude of 3000m. The panoramas experienced at each pass is uniquely beautiful. For example, if the Tuz-Ashuu Pass is greener with more grass, then the climb to the Achyk-Alma Pass will be rocky. After the Achyk-Alma Pass, we will descend to the Kok-Dobo Gorge for an overnight in tents, next to the shepherds.

Distance Travelled: 15km

Elevation Differences: from 2900m – 3354m – 3416m – 3000m

Trekking time – 6-7 hours Riding Time: 5-6 hours

Day 4: Kok-Dobo Gorge – Under the Kogoy-Tuz Pass – Kogoy-Tuz Valley

After breakfast we will go down the Kok-Dobo Gorge, where on the way we will see a lonely house situated on a hill. Local shepherds called this house “Swiss”, because a fascinating panorama of the entire gorge opens up. Having reached the end of the gorge, we will have lunch under the Kogoy-Tuz Pass. The height of this pass is small, allowing for a fairly easy climb. If we are lucky, we will view how the shepherds drive their cattle. Overnight will be behind the Kogoy-Tuz pass in the valley. After descending from the pass, dinner and a tent camp will already be prepared, awaiting for our arrival.

Distance Travelled: 15km

Elevation Differences: from 3000m – 2200m – 1750m

Trekking time – 6-7 hoursRiding Time: 5-6 hours

Day 5: Kogoy-Tuz Vally – Lake Kara-Kamysh

This will be an relaxing day with only half-day of travel. We will make our way to Kara-Kamysh Lake, to which we will arrive by lunchtime. The rest of the day will be free to enjoy!

Distance Travelled: 12km

Trekking time – 4-5 hours (Riding Time: 3-4 hours)

Day 6: Lake Kara-Kamysh – Kotormo Pass – Sary-Chelek National Reserve – Lake Iri-Kol

We will start the day traveling the low but steep Kotormo Pass, the height of which is 2870m. After tackling this pass, we will descend to Lake Iri-Kol, where we will have lunch and a short rest. After lunch, we will embark on a small excursion to the mountain lakes of the Sary-Chelek National Reserve.  We will see various beautiful lakes such as Churok-Kol, Aram-Kol, Kyla-Kol, and finally, the stunning Sary-Chelek. In the evening, we will reach Iri-Kol, where dinner and a tent camp will already be awaiting us.

Distance Travelled: 20km

Trekking time – 7-8 hours (Riding Time: 6-7 hours)

Day 7: Lake Iri-Kol – Kyzyl-Kol Village

After breakfast, we will travel through beautiful and peaceful walnut forests, before reaching our overnight guesthouse in the village of Kyzyl-Kol, where we will have lunch and accommodation for the night.

Tourists may discuss options for tour ending location and transport back to Osh or Bishkek.

Distance Travelled: 16km

Trekking time – 4-5 hours