Sary-Chelek
Sary-Chelek is a lake amid the reserve’s lakes and walnut forests. It is in Jalal-Abad Region.
- 1878 mElevation
- Jalal-Abad RegionRegion
- LakeType
- June–SeptemberSeasons
Seasons
Four seasons
Season: June–September. Monthly temperatures at the destination: averages for 2016–2025, not a forecast.
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Spring
March–May- Marchat the destination +4° / −2°
- Aprilat the destination +10° / +2°
- Mayat the destination +16° / +6°
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Summer
June–August- Juneat the destination +20° / +10°
- Julyat the destination +23° / +13°
- Augustat the destination +22° / +12°
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Autumn
September–November- Septemberat the destination +18° / +9°
- Octoberat the destination +10° / +2°
- Novemberat the destination +2° / −5°
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Based on a photo by Elaman.toktoshev, CC BY-SA 4.0, modified Winter
December–February- Decemberat the destination −2° / −7°
- Januaryat the destination −3° / −9°
- Februaryat the destination −1° / −7°
Seasons
The main season for visiting the lake is June–September. In May and October, check weather and road conditions; access may be unavailable in winter.
Photo roll
Real photos, each with the date it was taken. Tap or click to enlarge.
- 24.09.2020
- 10.07.2022
- 11.07.2022
- 15.06.2023
- 01.05.2024
- 09.06.2024
- 30.05.2026
Getting to the base
Access to the main lake is via Arkit village. From Jalal-Abad to Arkit takes about 6 h by marshrutka; the April 2026 guide price was 450 som per person. From the reserve gates in Arkit to the lakeside car park is about 14–17 km and 40–60 min by car. The April 2026 guide price was 1,500 som for a private taxi from Arkit, return with waiting; entry costs extra. Kara-Suu remains the start of a separate walking programme.
