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Two stone statues stand among boulders on a dry site at the foot of mountain slopes.
24/09/2023 · Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn and Karakol

Cholpon-Ata → Kyrchyn → Karakol, 1 day

Petroglyphs, Kyrchyn valley and a night in Karakol

  • 1 day, 1 nightNight in Karakol
  • ≈173 kmof map context sections
  • Transfers and walks
  • Cholpon-AtaFinish in Karakol
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

In order

5 stages in one day

The map shows separate sections, rather than the entire trip. Numbers mark known landmarks; agree exact stops before travelling.

  1. Animal figures carved on a large grey boulder, surrounded by stones and dry grass.03.06.2008

    Day 51 / 5

    Optional petroglyphs

    Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs

    on foot

    Optionally visit the open-air museum and view the rock carvings.

    Next: To Kyrchyn valley →
  2. A row of white yurts stands on a green mountain meadow, with slopes rising behind under thick clouds.03.09.2026

    Day 52 / 5

    To Kyrchyn valley

    by car

    Travel from Cholpon-Ata to Kyrchyn valley by minibus.

    Next: Valley walk →
  3. Two stone statues stand among boulders on a dry site at the foot of mountain slopes.24.09.2023

    Day 53 / 5

    Valley walk

    on foot

    Walk through the valley with mountain meadows and wooded slopes.

    Next: Onward to Karakol →
  4. A broad town street with pavements and low houses, with a snowy mountain range in the distance.28.04.2023

    Day 54 / 5

    Onward to Karakol

    Karakol

    by car

    After the walk, continue your journey to Karakol.

    Next: Night in a guesthouse →
  5. A carved wooden church facade, with green roofs and golden domes above a lawn.

    Day 55 / 5

    Night in a guesthouse

    Karakol

    overnight stay

    Stay at a guesthouse in Karakol.

    Next: Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn and Karakol: four seasons ↓

Seasons

Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn and Karakol: four seasons

  1. Based on a photo by Adeenn, CC0, modified

    Spring

    March–May
    • March
    • April
    • May
  2. Based on a photo by Adeenn, CC0, modified

    Summer

    June–August
    • June
    • July
    • August

  3. Autumn

    September–November
    • September
    • October
    • November
  4. Based on a photo by Adeenn, CC0, modified

    Winter

    December–February
    • December
    • January
    • February

Before you go

Getting there and what to know before you go

How to get there

  • From Cholpon-Ata

    Minibus; ask departure time

    Optional open-air museum visit, then drive to Kyrchyn valley for a walk.

  • Onward to Karakol

    Minibus; ask departure time

    After the walk, travel to Karakol and spend the night in a guesthouse.

Money, SIM cards and help

  • Cash. Ask the organiser about the price and included services

What to bring

Keep with you

Ticks are saved in this browser only.

Check before departure

  • Weather, access and meeting point Ask the tour organiser
  • Guesthouse address Ask the tour organiser
  • Walk duration and limits
  • Drop-off location and guesthouse address
  • Price and included services
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

All photos

Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn and Karakol in photos

Real photos, each with the date it was taken. Tap or click to enlarge.

  2. 03.06.2008
  3. 28.04.2023
  4. 24.09.2023
  5. 24.09.2023
  6. 03.09.2026

Places on the route

Cholpon-Ata, Kyrchyn and Karakol on the map

≈173 km of map context · 5 stages

© OpenStreetMap

Separate mapped sections and known landmarks are shown. The full route has not been confirmed; agree exact stops before travelling.