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A turquoise lake among wooded slopes, with a long snowy ridge rising behind.
30.05.2026 · Sary-Chelek

Kara-Suu → Sary-Chelek, 5 days

Over the pass to lakes and walnut forests

Place: Sary-Chelek

  • 5 days, 4 nightsTwo nights in the village
  • ≈42 kmof map context sections
  • On foot or on horsebackOn foot or on horseback
  • June–Septemberpossible May–October
  • Kara-Suu LakeVillage by the reserve
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

In order

9 stages over 5 days

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

  1. Ice at the foot of spruce-covered slopes on a mountain lake, with low mist over the water.01.05.2024

    Day 11 / 9

    Arrival in Kara-Suu

    overnight stay

    Check in at the guesthouse and have dinner.

    Next Kara-Suu Lake →
  2. Green water of Kara-Kamysh Lake beside rocky slopes.11.07.2022

    Day 22 / 9

    Kara-Suu Lake

    ≈4 h

    Through the gorge to the lake; lunch and a rest on the jailoo (high summer pasture).

    Next Kotormo Pass →
  3. Summer panorama of the Sary-Chelek valley: wooded slopes, small lakes and distant rocky ridges.

    Day 33 / 9

    Kotormo Pass

    ≈3 h

    Climb to the pass and have lunch on the descent. The image illustrates the neighbouring valley; it is not a photo of the pass.

    Next Five lakes →
  4. A small green lake among flowering shrubs at the foot of rocky mountains.09.06.2024

    Day 34 / 9

    Five lakes

    ≈3 h

    After lunch, the route passes among the reserve’s lakes.

    Next Tent camp →
  5. Ice at the foot of spruce-covered slopes on a mountain lake, with low mist over the water.01.05.2024

    Day 35 / 9

    Tent camp

    overnight stay

    Dinner and overnight in tents.

    Next By Iyri-Kol →
  6. A small green lake lies amid dense forest at the foot of mountain slopes.10.07.2022

    Day 46 / 9

    By Iyri-Kol

    Rest by the lake and have lunch before continuing.

    Next Lake panorama →
  7. Wooded hills, several small lakes and distant mountains seen from above.15.06.2023

    Day 47 / 9

    Lake panorama

    on horseback5–6 h

    Ride through walnut forests with views of the lakes.

    Next Return to the village →
  8. Ice at the foot of spruce-covered slopes on a mountain lake, with low mist over the water.01.05.2024

    Day 48 / 9

    Return to the village

    overnight stay

    Descend to Kara-Suu and have dinner at the guesthouse.

    Next Departure →
  9. Ice at the foot of spruce-covered slopes on a mountain lake, with low mist over the water.01.05.2024

    Day 59 / 9

    Departure

    by car

    After breakfast, depart towards Bishkek or Osh.

    Next Sary-Chelek: four seasons ↓

Seasons

Sary-Chelek: four seasons

Season: June–September. Monthly temperatures at the destination: averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.

  1. Spring

    March–May
    • Marchout of seasonat the destination +4° / −2°
    • Aprilout of seasonat the destination +10° / +2°
    • Maypossibleat the destination +16° / +6°

  2. Summer

    June–August
    • Juneseasonat the destination +20° / +10°
    • Julyseasonat the destination +23° / +13°
    • Augustseasonat the destination +22° / +12°

  3. Autumn

    September–November
    • Septemberseasonat the destination +18° / +9°
    • Octoberpossibleat the destination +10° / +2°
    • Novemberout of seasonat the destination +2° / −5°
  4. Based on a photo by Elaman.toktoshev, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Winter

    December–February
    • Decemberout of seasonat the destination −2° / −7°
    • Januaryout of seasonat the destination −3° / −9°
    • Februaryout of seasonat the destination −1° / −7°

Where it is

Location
Jalal-Abad Region
Elevation
1,880 m
Coordinates
41.90° N, 71.96° E
Open in Maps

Before you go

Getting there and what to know before you go

How to get there

  • To Kara-Suu

    Taxi or connections

    Arrange your arrival in Kara-Suu village in Aksy District in advance.

  • After the trip

    To Bishkek or Osh

    Depart after breakfast on the last day. Agree transport and departure time in advance. check for your date

What to bring

Keep with you

Ticks are saved in this browser only.

Check before departure

  • Walking or riding option for every day With the organiser
  • Location and type of overnight stay near Kara-Suu With the organiser
  • Entry, camp rules and open trails With reserve administration
  • Entry and tent-pitch fees
  • Transport timetable to the village
  • Mobile reception and help in the mountains
  • Type of the second overnight stay
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

All photos

Sary-Chelek in photos

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

  1. 24.09.2020
  2. 10.07.2022
  3. 11.07.2022
  4. 15.06.2023
  5. 01.05.2024
  6. 01.05.2024
  7. 01.05.2024
  8. 01.05.2024
  9. 01.05.2024
  10. 09.06.2024
  11. 30.05.2026

Places on the route

Sary-Chelek on the map

≈42 km of map context · 9 stages

© OpenStreetMap

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