The itinerary: Kara-Suu – Kara-Suu Lake – Makmal Pass – Sary-Chelek North Lake – Ashuu Pass – Sary-Chelek Reserve – Kara-Suu
The village of Kara-Suu is 600km from Bishkek on the upper reaches of the Kara-Suu River, 1,300m ASL. The village is 70km from Kerben and 260km from Jalalabat. A distinguishing feature of the area is the variety and multitude of flora and fauna. The Kara-Suu River flows from the southern part of the At-Oinok mountain range and joins the river Naryn at the town of Tash-Komur.
Because the Kara-Suu is the Sary-Chelek National Park’s buffer zone, flora and fauna of many kinds are found there. The park and area comprises river valleys and settlements which flow along a winding course through almost all the territory of the reserve, in places between steep banks, strewn with boulders forming rapid cascades and waterfalls up to 3 meters high. Glaciers and permanent ice fields and high mountain lakes lie on the north facing slopes.
It is possible to view all this while driving to the shore of the fascinating Sary-Chelek Lake. It is right at the foot of the Chatkal mountain range. The beauty of this lake can be compared with the best in the world; its waters often appear a greenish shade of blue and make excellent photographs.
Best season: Mid May – End September
Requirements: trekking boots, weatherproof warm clothes, hat, sunscreen, sleeping bag, tent, and sleeping pad.
Tour program
show all
1
Transfer from Osh to Kara-Suu Village.
Transfer from Osh to Kara-Suu Village. Arrival in Kara-Suu.
2
Setting off northwards from Kara-Suu to the Kara-Suu Gorge.
Setting off northwards from Kara-Suu to the Kara-Suu Gorge, along the banks of the Kara-Suu River.
3
Cross the Makmal Pass to Sary-Chelek Lake.
Cross the Makmal Pass, and descend into the Kojo-Ata River valley and on to Sary-Chelek Lake.
4
Crossing the Ashuu Pass to the bottom part of Sary-Chelek Lake.
Crossing the Ashuu Pass. Down through the Ashuu Gorge to the bottom part of Sary-Chelek Lake.
5
Excursion to the 5 small lakes of Sary-Chelek till noon.
Excursion to the 5 small lakes of Sary-Chelek till noon.
6
Descend to Arkyt village.
Descend to Arkyt village.
7
Morning departure to Osh. End of the tour.
Morning departure to Osh. Arrival in Osh. End of the tour.
