Map
A grey river branches across a broad valley, with snowy mountains beyond the dry slopes.
30 August 2023 · Ak-Chunkur/Echkili-Tash

Karakol → Sary-Jaz → Karkara, 2 days

A driving loop via Sary-Jaz and Karkara

Place: Sary-Jaz valley

  • 2 days, 1 nightTent in Karkara
  • ≈52 kmof sections shown on the map
  • Transfers and walks
  • June–Septemberpossible May–October
  • Karakol4WD
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

In order

7 stages over 2 days

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

  1. Stony mountain ridges with bands of snow surround a broad valley beneath clouds.30.08.2019

    Day 11 / 7

    Chon-Ashuu Pass

    by car

    Morning departure from Karakol by 4×4, over a high pass into Sary-Jaz valley.

    Next: Ak-Chunkur/Echkili-Tash →
  2. A grey river branches across a broad valley, with snowy mountains beyond the dry slopes.30.08.2023

    Day 12 / 7

    Ak-Chunkur/Echkili-Tash

    Sary-Jaz valley

    Visit Ak-Chunkur cave and take in the views near Echkili-Tash. Ask the trip organiser about access conditions.

    Next: Via Turuk to Karkara →
  3. A long green valley with a winding river and conifers between mountain slopes.28.06.2025

    Day 13 / 7

    Via Turuk to Karkara

    by car

    After lunch, drive over Turuk Pass into Karkara valley.

    Next: Night in Karkara →
  4. A rushing river among green and golden grass, with a conifer forest beyond the bank.01.08.2021

    Day 14 / 7

    Night in Karkara

    overnight stay

    An overnight stay in a tent in Karkara valley. Ask the organiser about the camp location and overnight arrangements.

    Next: Karkara forest →
  5. The Karkara valley in summer, with a fast-flowing river, spruce forest and mountainsides.Based on a photo by Maryliflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Day 25 / 7

    Karkara forest

    on foot

    Morning walk in the forest. Ask the trip organiser about the trail and duration.

    Next: San-Tash stones →
  6. A broad brown valley before snowy peaks beneath low dark clouds.25.09.2021

    Day 26 / 7

    San-Tash stones

    by car

    After the walk, drive to the stone mound of San-Tash.

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

    Day 27 / 7

    Return to Karakol

    Karakol

    by car

    Return via Basharin Pass. Ask the trip organiser about the road conditions.

    Next: Sary-Jaz valley: four seasons ↓

Seasons

Sary-Jaz valley: four seasons

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

  1. Based on a photo by Aidar Em, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified

    Spring

    March–May
    • Marchout of seasonat the destination −2° / −12°
    • Aprilout of seasonat the destination +3° / −6°
    • Maypossibleat the destination +8° / −2°

  2. Summer

    June–August
    • Juneseasonat the destination +12° / +2°
    • Julyseasonat the destination +16° / +5°
    • Augustseasonat the destination +14° / +4°

  3. Autumn

    September–November
    • Septemberseasonat the destination +10° / −1°
    • Octoberpossibleat the destination +2° / −9°
    • Novemberout of seasonat the destination −4° / −15°

  4. Winter

    December–February
    • Decemberout of seasonat the destination −9° / −18°
    • Januaryout of seasonat the destination −10° / −19°
    • Februaryout of seasonat the destination −7° / −17°

Where it is

Location
Issyk-Kul Region
From the base
≈82 km from Karakol as the crow flies
Elevation
2,950 m
Coordinates
42.35° N, 79.37° E
Open in Maps

Before you go

Getting there and what to know before you go

How to get there

  • From Karakol

    by 4×4 via Chon-Ashuu Pass

    By 4×4 via Chon-Ashuu Pass. Ask the trip organiser for the meeting time and place. check for your date

  • Back to Karakol

    Karkara, San-Tash, Basharin

    Via Karkara, San-Tash and Basharin. Ask the organiser about road conditions and arrival time. check for your date

Money, SIM cards and help

  • Cash. Ask the trip organiser about the price and fees.

112all emergencies

What to bring

Keep with you

Ticks are saved in this browser only.

Check before departure

  • Weather and road conditions Trip organiser
  • Cost and return transport Trip organiser
  • Border-zone permit for your chosen stops and citizenship Trip organiser
  • Camp location in Karkara
  • Access conditions for Ak-Chunkur cave
  • Road via Turuk and Basharin
  • Meeting time and place
  • Prices, border-zone permit and road conditions
Kyrgyz SeasonsPlanning a trip?Ask about a trip

All photos

Sary-Jaz valley in photos

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

  1. 30.08.2019
  2. 01.08.2021
  3. 25.09.2021
  4. 28.04.2023
  5. 30.08.2023
  6. 28.06.2025

Places on the route

Sary-Jaz valley on the map

≈52 km of sections shown on the map · 7 stages

© OpenStreetMap

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