Trekking Tours in Jalal-Abad Region
The best way to explore Jalal-Abad regional nature and culture.
For some of the best trekking in Kyrgyzstan, look no further than Jalal-Abad region's trekking tours in the western Tian-Shan Mountains. These treks offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and in the beauty of its mountains, alpine lakes, wild forests and gorges. Our trekking trails and mountain paths take you over mountain passes, through valleys and forests, and around lakes and rivers that are still relatively undiscovered. Let us help arrange an unforgettable trekking experience in Kyrgyzstan for you.
Below you will find our most popular day and multi-day trekking tours around Arslanbob and Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve in Jalal-Abad region. All of our trekking tours are fully supported, meaning we take care of all the guiding, camping gear, food, entrance fees, transport and other logistics so you can just focus on enjoying the trek and the stunning nature around you.
To arrange any of these trekking tours, get in touch with Destination Jalal-Abad. We can also help you arrange transport and transfers from Osh (closest international airport) or Bishkek.
Note: Pricing charts below indicate the tour costs for groups of up to six people using two-person tents and one horse porter per two trekkers (15 kilos/person) when needed. For groups of one to three people, the trekking guide also serves as the cook. For groups of four or more trekkers, a separate cook is needed. Groups of six or more require an assistant guide and cook. This allows us to maintain a high level of quality and safety on every tour.
All Trekking Tours Include
- Local guide
- Food
- Transport
- Camping gear (if needed)
- Horse porter (if needed)
- Entrance fees (if needed)
The price depends on the tour design. We are happy to organize your individual tour and to give you a customized price. Travelers are responsible for their own insurance.
Green tours accross Jalal-Abad region
Tour to Chat-Karagai Tract
(TREKKING TO SPRUCE FORESTS) (3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)
Highlights:
- Enjoy an amazingly beautiful view of MOUNT JANGALACHBUGU with a height of 4,099 m!
- Find yourself in a stunning virgin place surrounded by huge fir trees called CHAT-KARAGAI!
- Explore this adventurous trek and enjoy a breathtaking scenery!
Green tour Shakh Fazil - Padysha Ata
(3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)
Highlights:
- Visit a popular historical and architectural complex of Central Asian architecture Shah-Fazil and KUMBOZ "PADYSH ATA", a place of pilgrimage for Central Asian muslims!
- Experience the GORGE OF SEVEN BRIDGES to pass the river Padysha-Ata!
- See PADYSHA-ATA STATE RESERVE and an amazingly beautiful alpine lake Padysha-Ata at an altitude of 2,970 m!
Tour to Alatai lake
(EMERALD LAKE WITH ICEBERGS) (3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)
Highlights:
- Discover ALATAY NATURE PARK and its unique endemic flora and fauna!
- Enjoy pure nature and breath in the fresh mountain air!
- Visit the magic ALPINE LAKE ALATAI at an altitude of 2,220 m above sea level.
Tour to Kol-Kupan lake
(3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)
Highlights
- Visit KYZYL-UNKUR VILLAGE, immerse yourself into the local life and nomadic culture!
- Ride along KEREY RIVER VALLEY through alpine meadows, mountain waterfalls and red-rock canyons!
- See CHON-KEREY WATERFALL (40 m.) fed by snowfields and glaciers in the upper reaches of the gorge. Make a pilgrimage to a sacred high-altitude Lake Kol-Kupan (Kutmanköl).
Our Most Popular Trekking Tours Around Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve
Day Trip around Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve: 7-Lakes Trek
Explore the many turquoise alpine lakes of Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve by visiting seven lakes in the course of this day hike. Enjoy off-the-beaten trails through lush valleys and dense forest, and along rushing mountain rivers. Transport will take you to the start of the trail at Sary-Chelek Lake and pick you up from Irikol Lake.
Highlights:
- Panorama Hill: Enjoy a panoramic view of Sary-Chelek Valley, a green, lush and diverse grassland area.
- Sary-Chelek Lake: Spend some time exploring the biggest and most famous of the alpine lakes at the Nature Reserve. Sary-Chelek Lake is fed by the glaciers of the nearby Muztor Mountains, which is one of the reasons it has such a deep blue color.
- Alpine Lakes: Hike up through the green valley to visit other crystal clear turquoise alpine lakes that dot the landscape. This area is known for its rich flora and fauna biodiversity. You’ll find meadows where the wild grass grows as tall as humans and fragrant plants and flowers will accompany you along the trail.
- Iri Lake: Relax at the final lake and stop of the day and keep your eyes open for wild goats that often play on these mountain hills. Transport will meet you to return to Arkit village.
Sary-Chelek Trekking Adventure (8 Days)
Meet local herders to experience their traditional way of life and discover this mysterious land where people's lives are shaped by breathtaking sheer peaks, lush valleys and majestic lakes. Explore the lonely beauty of Sary Chelek and Kara Kamysh Lakes located on a ragged mountain plateau with its verdant meadows used by shepherds in the summer months. Looking for an unforgettable experience exploring a remote place of blue lakes and green valleys with high evergreen trees, this is the adventure for you! Overnights are in tents and campsites.
Highlights:
- Aflatun Valley and Oi-Alma River: Enjoy the visual beauty of Aflatun Valley with its multi-colored lush alpine vegetation contrasted with the austere stone peaks of the surrounding mountain. Take in the world-famous Tian Shan blue spruce trees and continue to follow the trail along the Oi-Alma River. This area is famous for its bees and honey, but don’t get too close to the beekeepers as they collect the honey.
- Kuldambes Pass and Northern Edge of Sary-Chelek Lake: Ascend to Kuldambes Pass (2,750 meters) via a zigzag trail where you’ll pass the tents of local shepherds who stay in the mountains with their animals for the summer months. From the top of Kuldambes Pass, enjoy the panoramic views of beautiful Chatkal Mountain range surrounded by dense spruce forest. Then, the path continues along the ridge towards Ashuu pass (2,551m) before it descends to the northern edge of Sary Chelek Lake.
- Makmal Pass to Kyzyl-Suu Gorge and Kara Kamysh Lake: Take in the most scenic view of the Mustor Mountains from Makmal Pass (2654m) and enjoy lunch with this beautiful panoramic view. The descent takes you to the Kyzyl-Suu River and you’ll pass several shepherd camps along the way so you can see how they live up in the jailoo (high pastures) with their animals for the summer. Follow the Kyzyl-Suu River where it feeds into the beautiful Kara Kamysh alpine lake that changes colors and mood with the light and weather throughout the day. It’s never the same lake twice!
- Kotormo Pass to Iri Kol and Sary-Chelek Lakes (Southern Edge): After a slightly demanding climb up to Kotormo pass (2446m) enjoy the panoramic view over the southern edge of Sary-Chelek Lake. On the descent you’ll see other smaller alpine lakes and will spend the night near Iri Kol Lake. The last day takes you past other alpine lakes to the shore of Sary-Chelek Lake where your transport will meet you.
Our Most Popular Trekking Tours Around Arslanbob
Day Trip Around Arslanbob: See All The Highlights in One Day
Explore this charming ethnic Uzbek village surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and the world’s largest walnut forests. In the evening, experience the local culture while staying with a local family at one of the village's beautiful garden homestays.
Highlights:
- Arslanbob Small Waterfall: At the entrance to the waterfall, you will see local souvenir shops lined up along the road selling beautiful handmade wooden souvenirs. They also sell dried apples and apricots. Descend to the waterfall on a rocky trail so you can take photos of the waterfall from below and meet other locals also enjoying the view.
- Panorama Hill: Enjoy a panoramic view of Arslanbob village, its famous walnut forest and surrounding mountains. This perspective also provides a good view of the valley opening up. After a short lunch break here, we begin our hike through the walnut forest.
- Walnut Forest: Walk under the shadow of 20-meter-high walnut trees in the biggest wild walnut forest in the world. Some of these trees are hundreds of years old. You'll be accompanied by birdsong through the forest and enjoy the scent coming from the meadows below. You'll see local people collecting walnuts from the forest if you travel in autumn. As you leave the forest behind you'll have amazing views of Babash Ata Range towering among the clouds.
- Arslanbob Big Waterfall: Climb up a slippery scree slope (around 30 minutes) to the 80-meters high Arslanbob Big Waterfall. The steep trail brings you to a hill where you will see a waterfall splashing out from the rock. Enjoy this panoramic view and look back to see the amazing view of the whole valley below you. Return to the entrance and your driver will be waiting for you to take you back to the village.
Note: This tour can also be done as a horse trek. Please get in touch with Destination Jalal-Abad for pricing information.
Mountain Sunset Trek from Arslanbob (2-Days)
A beautiful 2-day trek from Arslanbob to enjoy a magical view of the sun setting over the Babash Ata mountain range. Explore the mountains along with alpine meadows filled with herds of grazing sheep. Experience a taste of local life while walking through villages and meeting people along the way. Overnight in tent.
Highlights:
- Arslanbob Village and Chaar Archa Gorge: Enjoy a relaxing walk through Arslanbob village to admire its traditional houses and beautiful gardens before walking through Chaar Archa Gorge with its dense juniper forest. Enjoy lunch along a stream near a shepherd’s tent.
- Chakmak Tash Pass: A steep climb of almost four hours will take you to Chakmak Tash Pass (3,270 meters), but then you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the rolling green hills and surrounding gorges filled with sheep and cattle. The campsite is near the pass and provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
- Panoramic views of Arslanbob Valley: As you descend from Chakmak Tash pass the next morning you’ll have vast panoramic views of Arslanbob Valley with its walnut and cherry tree forests.
Note: This tour can also be done as a horse trek. Please get in touch with Destination Jalal-Abad for pricing information.
Tour to the waterfalls of Arstanbap
(3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)
Highlights:
- Capture the beauty of the BIG AND THE SMALL WATERFALLS, shop for souvenirs and meet locals!
- Hike through the WALNUT AND FRUIT FOREST and smell the fresh air!
- Visit JAILOO, a distant pasture on ARSLANBOB MOUNTAIN, and experience traditional hospitality!
Arslanbob to Holy Lake Trek (4-Days)
Enjoy this moderately difficult 4-day trek over Friendship (Dostuk) (3,670 m) and Ontomo (3262 m) mountain passes. This multi-day trek features a diversity of stunning landscapes -- alpine lakes, glaciers, the dramatic Babash Ata Mountains, lush meadows and valleys. You’ll have a chance to meet local shepherds tending to their livestock along the way. Overnights in tents at campsites.
Highlights:
- Holy Rock with panoramic views (Day 1): After a steep climb through high pastures filled with grazing animals, enjoy camping the first night near Holy Rock with panoramic views of Arslanbob valley and the walnut forest.
- Friendship (Dostuk) Pass and Kolkupan Lake (Day 2): After a challenging climb up scree to reach Friendship Pass (3,600 meters) enjoy a relaxing lunch at the pass with panoramic views of dramatic glaciers and Arslanbob valley below. As you descend from the pass you begin to see turquoise Kolkupan Lake below, the location of the campsite for the 2nd night. This is a holy lake for locals to visit and pray so you may meet local families as you walk around and explore the lake.
- Ontomo Pass, Tash Korgon and Tulpar Tash Gorge (Day 3): Pass by a crystal-clear alpine lake on the way to Tash Korgon, a deep gorge that ends with a shepherd’s hut and dramatic views of the Babash Ata Mountains and green valleys. Climb up to Onotomo and Chakmak Tash mountan passes before descending into Tulpar Tash gorge where the campsite is located for the night.
- Chaar Archa Gorge and Arslanbob Valley (Day 4): Start your morning walking through dense and fragrant juniper trees in Chaar Archa Gorge on the way to Arslanbob Valley. The scenery in the valley will switch to walnut trees and lush grasslands. After lunch near a shepherd’s hut, enjoy an easy walk towards Arslanbob village, passing shepherds and beehives along the way.
Ultimate Arslanbob Trekking Adventure (4-Days)
Explore the spectacular Babash Ata mountain range on this 4-day trek from Arslanbob village to Kyzyl Unkur Valley. Marvel at crystal clear glacier fed lakes and streams, giant boulders and alpine meadows filled with herds of grazing sheep and cattle. Immerse yourself in the shepherd’s culture for the ultimate local experience. Overnights in tents at campsites.
Highlights:
- Holy Rock with panoramic views (Day 1): Leave the village behind as the trail takes you to Toguz Bulak (9 Springs) for a relaxing lunch spot by the river. After climbing up a steep slope through the high pastures filled with grazing cattle and sheep, set up camp for the first night near Holy Rock. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Arslanbob valley and the walnut forest.
- Friendship (Dostuk) Pass and Kolkupan Lake (Day 2): After a difficult climb up scree and on a challenging path you’ll reach Friendship Pass (3,600 meters) where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch with panoramic views of dramatic glaciers and Arslanbob valley. As you descend from the pass you begin to see turquoise Kolkupan Lake emerge below. The campsite on the 2nd night is along the lake shore. This is a holy lake for locals to visit and pray so you may have a chance to meet local families as you walk around and explore the lake.
- Kerei Pass and Valley (Day 3): Follow a wild scree trail along the north eastern side of the lake into Kerei Gorge. As you leave the lake behind, you’ll begin the long and gentle ascent to Kerei Pass (3500m) for around 4 hours. From the pass, enjoy the wonderful views of the nearby gorges and craggy Babash Ata peaks in the south over lunch. Then begins the descent (2 hours) into Kerei Valley where we’ll set up tents for the night.
- Kerei Valley and Kenkol Gorge (Day 4): Continue descending from the Kerei Valley along the stream and through a vast valley surrounded by dramatic towering mountain peaks. Meet shepherds and their large flocks of sheep as you continue walking through the grassy pastures towards the spruce forest at Kenkol Gorge and Kyzyl-Unkur Valley. Your transport will await you there and take you to Jalal-Abad city.
