Youll have to look for a mashrutka that has a sign with Kurort Ak-Suu ( ) from the main mashrutka station. What is special about Bishkek? He speaks fluent English, is very knowledgeable and is highly passionate to show people the incredible features of his hometown. There will be plenty of taxi drivers greeting you upon arrival at the airport. The only way to get there by local transport is by shared taxi. If youre not up for the moderate 4-hour hike, you can ask at your hostel or guesthouse in Karakol to arrange a special taxi for you. The Arslanbob walnut forest is estimated to be 50 million years old and is also home to 130 varieties of other nut and fruit trees. Read the following posts for more information: As Bishkek is Kyrgyzstans capital city, youll find nearly in every big town or city a marshrutka (minibus) or a shared taxi going directly to Bishkek. The easiest way to get to Issyk Kul Lake from Bishkek is by marshrutka (minibus). The entrance fee to visit the canyon is 50 som. Apply for this permit at least 14 days in advance and include a copy of your passport with your application. It was thriving at first under the Soviet regime but things changed after the fall of the empire. Most of the destinations are located in the mountains, which are only accessible when the snow has cleared. Otherwise, youll have to search for available taxis or try to hitchhike back. When it comes to Jyrgalan valley, the question isnt whether or not you should trek there but rather which day-hike or multi-day trek will inspire you the most. Be careful walking on slippery rocks! You might meet some mountaineers who are preparing for the climb to Lenin Peak. Youll be driving next to the border of Kazakhstan, close to Jyrgalan. Tulpar Kol is one of the several small alpine lakes in the Alay Valley in the south of Kyrgyzstan. This destination is also part of my 11-day Kyrgyzstan Trekking Adventure and 13-day Kyrgyzstan Culture Tour! The road betweenBishkekand Osh is a long one (10 to 12 hours!)

You can participate in a culinary or felt-making workshop in Bokonbaevo, one of the biggest towns on Issyk Kuls Southern Shore. In the Kyrgyz language, Ala-Archa means bright juniper and it grows in abundance over the mountain slopes. Reaching this lake requires a border permit that you can get by contacting the local CBT office in Naryn. This destination offers a good quantity ofbudget hostelsfor backpackers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. If you want to go to the north shore of Issyk Kul, you have to take the marshrutka to Cholpon Ata. None of these homestays can be booked online in advance but you can find their location on the maps.me app or ask around in the village. While Bishkek is a modern and continuously evolving cosmopolitan, it still preserves the essence of the Kyrgyz culture and Soviet architecture. Just outside the town is a rocky outcrop known as Solomon's Throne. Many young people came to work here in the early 1980s when the mining industry in the region was developing. The accessibility to the village is limited during the winter due to large amounts of snow blocking the road and mountain passes. These hot springs consist of two open-air pools. Click to check out rates and availability for Alakol-Jyrgalan Guest House. If you want to drive yourself, you need to be a confident driver and know how to handle a 44 vehicle well. Its a valley in which I have hiked many times while in Kyrgyzstan. Theyre wedged between the Sary Jaz River and a cliff, about 15 minutes driving from Engilchek town towards At Jailoo.

Where to go in Kyrgyzstan? One hour is more than enough to visit the whole site.

The hills around these lakes consist of red soil, then you have the green grass growing around and the white snowcapped peaks of the Trans-Alay mountain range in the background. The dense forest with its wild fruit and walnut trees and the valleys surrounding the lakes are a habitat for thousands of plant species, hundreds of birds, and around 40 species of mammals, such as bears and lynx. The marshrutka will bring you for 25 som all the way to Kash- Kasuu, the nearest village to Ala Archa. It is better to get the border permit through the CBT office instead of through a travel agency because most travel agencies will tell you that you have to organize an official tour there with them to get the permit which is absolutely not the case. I was left breathless by the vastness of the mountains surrounding it and by how pristine and untouched the area around the lake was! On top of being the perfect place to rest for travelers, it was also a place where the various animals transporting the wagons along the silk road could be well fed and taken care of. You can stop there on your way from Bishkek to Karakol (see How to get to Issyk Kul Lake in the section above). Its so beautiful that the locals often refer to it as the pristine diamond of the Karakol Canyon and its absolutely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan! Some of the hiking trails are just one hour away from Osh in theKichik Alay, which means lower Alay Mountains. You cant book your stay in advance as theres no cellphone or wi-fi reception. There are now many guest houses in Jyrgalan. Theres no public transport going directly from Osh to Tulpar Kol Lake. My recommendation would be to combine it with a visit to the old USSR mine town Engilchek (see below) and make it into a 2- or 3-day trip. Highlights include the sanatorium, the Christian/Muslim cemetery and the petroglyphs. The first part of the trek will take you along the beautiful Arashan river. Measuring 182km long by 58km wide, the lake is heated from below by thermal activity and never freezes even in the depths of winter.

Theres a hiking trail in the park that allows you to visit almost all the lakes in one day. From Karakol, you can take a mashrutka or a shared taxi to Ak-Suu.

Here are some suggestions where to say on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

The ancient walnut forest isnt the only reason why you should visit Arslanbob. From there, youll need to catch mashrutka 355 to Jeti-Oguz Korort. You can read how to reach this valley from the alpine lakehere. Arslanbob is a village tucked in the eponymous valley in the Chatkal mountain range in the south of Kyrgyzstan. You definitely wont get bored here! Its located right on the main street, three minutes from the bus station and five minutes from the bazaar. Its wilder than the northern side and has some very unique sights (which I mention below). You could also combine a visit to Burana Tower with a trip to another site near Bishkek.

From one side of the pass, you can admire Chichkan Valley and from the other side, you can see the Susamir Valley. Song Kol lake is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyrgyzstan! In summer, youll also come across plenty of beekeepers in the area who bring their beehives to the valley filled with flowers around the protruding rocks. This is a place that would fit very well the description of untouched nature. Despite the rugged terrain, the Central Tian Shan has been inhabited since ancient times and numerous rock drawings and burial sites testify to this fact. There were around 5000 people living here when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. What was once a booming center quickly became a ghost town. https://www.journalofnomads.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_6488-1.jpg Id love to use it as my laptops wallpaper. Kyrgyzstan Trekking The Complete Guide to hiking in Kyrgyzstan including 14 of the most beautiful hikes of the country! If you want to stay longer near the lake, you can also sleep in a mountain hut owned by the Trekking Union of Kyrgyzstan. Keep in mind that this minibus will only leave once its completely full so this option wont be the best one if youre in a hurry to get to the park.

I immediately fell in love with Kyrgyzstan. If you like horseback riding, you can always rent a horse from the local shepherds. Since this lake is not completely closed off, its water level tends to vary considerably throughout the year. It is also definitely possible to rent a car as a woman! Dont undertake this trek by yourself as the terrain is rough and dangerous! The valley is part of the Khan-Tengri National Park, the largest national park of Kyrgyzstan.

There are just so many beautiful places to visit within the Alay Mountain region that its hard to point out just a couple. Youll first have to get to Sary Mogul Village. The largest lake in Naryn province is Song Kol lake. The whole area becomes buried under big layers of snow and looks like a vast white desert. Theres a variety of things to do and you dont have to go far to visit the waterfalls, walk to the panoramic viewpoint, have a picnic in the forest or enjoy the village life and the picturesque mountainous views. I stayed at the family-ownedLenin PeakYurt Camp. But what makes a trip into these mountains so special isnt just in the views, it lies in the fact that here you really feel as though you are among them, a part of them, not simply staring up at far-away peaks. They are oddly proportioned, with strange heads and short torsos. Heres my (current) list with an overview of the most beautiful and best places in Kyrgyzstan to visit. Now converted into a national park, it offers scores of walking and trekking possibilities, including hikes to glaciers and for serious mountaineers, climbs to some of the region's highest peaks. I only recommend products and services that I like and trust. The town of Engilchek (Inylchek) was once a prosperous mining town during the Soviet Union. Read: Whats in my Camera Bag Travel Photography Cameras and Essentials. Hell drop you off 2km from the entrance of the canyon. The Engilchek Valley lies right next to the Sary Jaz Valley and borders China so youll need a border permit to get there. I stayed a couple of nights in a yurt camp on the shores of this lake during my trek towards Lenin Peak Basecamp and Travellers Pass (see next best place to visit in Kyrgyzstan below). The Sary Jaz Valley is a restricted area and border zone so you need to have a border permit.

You can also try to hitchhike from the village to the trailhead. Its still possible to access the lake throughout the rest of the year and its lovely in winter. However, many people underestimate this climb. You canbook some online in advanceor you can go to the CBT office to help you arrange your stay. All Rights Reserved. Several powerful rivers cut the valley and bring water from the mountain glaciers, the main source of freshwater in Kyrgyzstan. If youd like to do this trek by horse and with a small group of like-minded travelers, check out myAdventure Tours in Kyrgyzstan! A taxi going there should cost, at most, around 150 som per person. They are known for being some of Central Asias most beautiful and dramatic mountains with their green and alpine landscapes. This app works like Uber and has fixed rates so no need to waste time and energy on negotiating prices. Im at a lack of words when it comes to describing the beauty of lake Ala Kul, located at an altitude of 3500m in the Terskey Alatau mountains. They also offer meals at an additional price as there are no restaurants in the village. Since Peak Lenin is located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, getting there requires a border permit. Osh is definitely worth visiting for a couple of days and Id highly suggest taking a guided tour around the city as theres so much history and places to be explored. Jeti Oguz is the name of a valley but also of a stunning sandstone rock formation about 25 km southwest of Karakol. It was also a main caravan route on the Silk Road and one can visit the beautifully preserved 15th century Tash Rabat caravanserai. Required fields are marked *. The first small waterfall can easily be reached by following the uphill path behind a small yurt camp. The Burana Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Kyrgyzstan. Reading Tip: Bishkek Travel Guide The Top 13 Things to do in Bishkek. It covers 284 km and has an average depth of about 215 m. Toktogul is also home to Kyrgyzstans biggest hydro-electric station. The only way to spend a night near the lake(s) is by camping.

Read the full description of this hike here. Remember that these yurt camps are only there from the end of May/ beginning of June until mid-September! If you need camping material, you can always rent it through Destination Karakol. The cost of a ticket from Karakol to Jyrgalan is about 80 som per person. We are planning a trip end of March/early Apr but looks like its not the right time to be visiting Kyrgystan. Once youve reached the top of the ridge of Travellers Pass and see the magnificent view of glaciers tumbling off the majestic Lenin Peak, I guarantee that you wont stop smiling for a while! Bishkek is located at an altitude of 800 meters and borders the Central Asian Tian Shan Mountains. Since the road between the two cities is really winding and quite narrow in certain areas, its inappropriate for large vehicles, even for marshrutkas. but it takes you through some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the country. You can also book your stay at theCBT Yurt Camp. Youll need a border permit to get here. A shared taxi picks up other people and baggage, meaning you may have to be stuffed in with several other people and their bags. You could also visit Tash Rabat by joining one of myKyrgyzstan Adventure Tours! Its located in a valley called Kok-Kiya at an elevation of about 3,520 meters altitude and not too far from the Chinese border. There are now a few guest houses in town and new hiking trails, some horse treks, and even mountain biking routes are being developed. Ive seen people hurting themselves on the trail to the waterfall on more than one occasion as they werent wearing proper footwear. Ask the driver to let you out at the Skazka Canyon. Reading tip: Everything you need to know about traveling in Kyrgyzstan The Complete Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide. > You can also book a day tour to Ala Archa with Kyrgyz Nomad. Along the way to the hot springs, you might come across mountain goats, horses and groundhogs. Located at an altitude of 1887 meters and created by a landslide, the lake covers almost 500 hectares. Here at Wild Frontiers, we have highlighted the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan, maximise your time in the country, so lets jump into it. The province of Naryn is a territory of wild beauty with alternating white peaks, valleys and gorges and an abundance of wildlife. In 1825 the Khan of Kokand established a clay fort here called Pishpek. There youll have the first military checkpoint where you need to show your passport and border permit. There are many yurt camps spread around the lake, operated by different travel organizers and families. The Chon Kemin National Park, located 150km east of Bishkek, covers an area of 500 hectares and is home to many species of plants and animals, including the snow leopard. There are no accommodation options at the canyon itself but you can stay either in Bokonbaevo (30 minutes), Kaji-Say (10 minutes) or Karakol (1,5 hours). So much that I decided not to continue my overland journey and live here for nearly 11 months. Great article!

This natural gem is considered to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular mountain lakes in the Kyrgyz Republic and its also one of the highest lakes in the world. I highly recommend Atabek from Best of Osh as your guide. On clear days, the view of Lenin Peak, one of the highest mountains in Central Asia, is reflected on the surface of the lake. You also wont see any skyscrapers here. Lake Son Kul is an alpine lake and the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. The deep turquoise color of the water is a stunning contrast to the red hills surrounding the reservoir. This 7134 meters tall mountain, straddling the border of Kyrgyzstan andTajikistanin the Pamir-Alay mountains, is on a clear day almost always visible from a distance. If youre there in summer, there will be a lot of cars with tourists and locals passing by and theyre likely to give you a lift for free. Once you have reached the park, you can follow theday-by-day instructions on how to hike to the lake here. This is where currently all international flights (with a connection in Istanbul, Dubai, or Moskow) arrive.

WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? People go there to see a few other rock formations apart from the seven bulls such as one called the Broken Heart which is the source of many tragic love stories.

The owners made everyone feel welcome and after long days of hiking in the mountains, we would return to the guest house to be treated to the most sumptuous meals. Youre even allowed to swim in certain permitted locations in the reservoir (the water is around 28C in summer!). Cheers! The lake is renowned for its biodiversity and as the sight of an ancient metropolis. There are about 16000 people living in Arslanbob and the main population is mainly ethnic Uzbek. The second waterfall, with an impressive height of 24 meters, is another 30-minute hike and is a bit harder to reach. The Skazka Canyon is located on the road from Bishkek to Karakol along the southern shore of Issyk Kul and is easy to reach by public transport. From there its a 15km walk to the waterfalls. For more information about the hikes in Ala Archa, read: Places to visit in Bishkek 8 great day trips and hikes. Dont get fooled by the name tho, itd still be very cold to go for a swim in winter. The shepherds of the Kochkor, Naryn and At Bashi regions often use the green mountain meadows surrounding the lake for their summer pastures. These also dont leave until the car is full, but several shared taxis run throughout the day. This place is owned and operated by a sweet elderly couple who will do their utmost best to ensure you have a comfortable stay. In Bishkek, I recommend staying atKoisha Hostel or Bugu Hotelbecause its located very close to the bus stop at Osh Bazaar from where the marshrutkas to Ala Archa National Park leave. Youll have to make it clear with the driver that you are going all the way to Jeti-Oguz Kurort and not Jeti-Oguz town. This is one of the things that makes Arslanbob special and different from other places in Kyrgyzstan. A much better option to reach the seven bulls rock formation would be to take a shared taxi from Karakol to Jeti-OguzKorort. Please let me know in the comments below if you have any questions left! Altyn Arashan, which means Golden Spa in Kyrgyz, is a lush green valley near Karakol and Lake Ala Kul. Its one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Kyrgyzstan and its easily accessed by car. We are two seniors and would like to explore this beautiful country in September.

Its located in the isolated Engilchek Valley near the border with China. What a great write up and stunning photos!

The depth varies across the lake, with its deepest point at 245 meters. If youre coming from Bokonbaevo, take mashrutka #315 at the bus stop near the bazaar. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake's colour changes from violet to dark blue to pink, depending on the time of day.

Maria cooks very delicious traditional Kyrgyz food and were sure it will be some of the best you have in Kyrgyzstan. In the bus station, look for marshrutka #353 that goes to Tokmok. You can reserve this cabin bycontacting TUKahead of time and sleeping there will cost 600 som. Is there a tour to see all of these places in 8 days? Its a 20-minute walk and not too steep. Its also possible to wild camp in Chon Kemin Valley. The huge daily Jayma Bazaar is one of Central Asia's best markets, it is spread out along the river and is at its busiest on Sunday. There are also a few guesthouses in Toktogul town.

The first option is to take a taxi. I hope this guide has inspired you to visit Kyrgyzstan and helped you plan your trip! You could either stay in Kegeti if its getting late or try to hitchhike back. If you decide to visit Engilchek, dont skip the Kara Tash hot springs. It was a major hub on the Silk Road. Since Too Ashuu is a very high mountain pass, staying there is practically impossible. There are a wide variety of herbs and grasses in the surrounding area as well as 66 species of waterfowl which make their homes on the lake. The Engilchek glacier is only accessible on foot.

The town is known as a centre from which to take horse riding trips to witness the beauty of the surrounding nature reserve. There is no direct marshrutka (minibus) going from Bishkek to the Burana Tower but if you follow my instructions, you should be able to get there in two hours. Another popular way to explore the park is by horse back or down the river on a raft before camping in a secluded valley or a yurt camp. Thank you! It is one of the region's most ancient towns with a history stretching back to the 5th century BC and legends tell of it being founded by all sorts of people from King Solomon to Alexander the Great. , Your email address will not be published. The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan and explore the places Ive mentioned would be in late spring and summer, between the end of May and the end of September. The third waterfall is another 45 minutes of climbing but I dont recommend going there by yourself as youll have to hike through wild and rough terrain. The lake is also so remote that you will need a 44 vehicle to get there. The beautiful valley of Samsy has traditionally been seen as a holy place and is one of the most stunning areas in the Tien Shan Mountain range. You have to apply for this permit at least 14 days in advance and include a copy of your passport with your application. Karakol has a lot of nice hostels, guesthouses and hotels. Luckily things have been changing a lot for this region in the last few years.

Ive been told that a Chinese company reopened the mines and is slowly providing new working opportunities. There is plenty of space for wild camping in the valley near Kel-Suu lake. The country is defined by the beautiful Tien Shan mountain range which occupies 90% of the country, lush valleys and about 2000 crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Aside from some nomadic settlements, theres absolutely nothing in the Sary Jaz Valley. Id highly recommend spending one night in the only homestay in Engilchek as it will give you an insight into the daily life of the few families living there. This lake is located at an altitude of 2700m above the village ofKegeti, around 92 km outside of Bishkek. Please could you advise. It costs 100 som and takes about 45 minutes to reach Jeti-Oguz Korort from Karakol. The mashrutka from Osh to Arslanbob costs 200 som per person and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, including the 30-minute stop at Bazar Korgon. If youre staying in Bokonbaevo or Karakol, you could also ask your guesthouse or hotel to arrange a private taxi for you and combine it with a visit to the Skazka Canyon (see above) and Jeti Oguz (see below). Its very common to pay for a ride in Kyrgyzstan however dont pay more than you would for a one-way ride to the Tower with a taxi (around 150 som). It can take anywhere between 10 days to 3 weeks to get the permit and you can do so bycontacting CBT Osh. Its possible toreach Song Kol by horsealmost throughout the whole year. You can either take a taxi directly to the Alpager base (where the hiking trails start) or you can take a mashrutka (shared minibus) to the entrance of the national park and then hitchhike or take a taxi to cover the remaining 12 km of asphalt road to the Alpager base. Reading Tip:The Ultimate Trekking Guide to Kyrgyzstan, including the 14 best hikes of the country. The Suleiman Too mountain is the heart of the city. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Journal of Nomads is an Adventure Travel Blog for independent backpackers and adventurous travelers interested in culture, nature, and outdoor activities inoff-the-beaten-path countries. Not only the shapes in this canyon are remarkable, but also the colors of the rocks are very unique. Kyrgyzstan has some of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the whole world and Kol-Tor lake is pretty high on that list. Home to glaciers, deserts, alpine meadows and several 7,000 metre plus mountains, Kyrgyzstan is a country full of untouched pristine nature. Read the full description of this hike in 7 Best Hikes in the Alay Mountains. Staying there costs 1500 som per person, including breakfast.