Lake Alatay & Sary-Chelek, horse trek.

The National park “Alatay” in the Toktogul region of the Kyrgyz Republic on an area of ​​56826.4 hectares was established on January 26, 2016, by the Decree of the government of the Kyrgyz Republic.

To preserve biodiversity, the economic well-being of the local population, and improve local infrastructure, it is important to develop ecotourism in this region. The region has great potential for ecotourism and the organization of a tourist route connecting with the natural attractions of the Sary-Chelek, Aksy region.

Mountain pearls of Jalal-Abad

Category: Horseback riding tour and trekking

Duration: 6 days

Level of Difficulty:  Moderate

Season: July, August, September

Accommodations: guesthouse and tent campings

Group size: 8-10 pax

Transport: Combined (Bishkek – Toktogul, Arkyt – Bishkek or Osh)

 

ITINERARY

Travel from Bishkek to Toktogul region via Too Ashuu pass and Suusamyr valley.  The driving time is about 5-6 hours. Arrive in Toktogul where you will be welcomed for the guesthouse with dinner. Accommodation in the guesthouse (optional to organize the local folklore culture show).

Breakfast. Transfer by car to the National Park Alatay. On the way visit the local sandpipers who produce the most delicious and healthy honey in the country. Welcoming for the tea and taste the famous jars of honey from Toktogul region. After lunch crossing the river Alatay. Just on the other side of the river, you will meet your guide team with prepared horses. Start horse trek head to the lake Alatay for 7 km. Today will be the first day of easy horse riding to get used to it and enjoy the beauty of Lake Alatay. Camping in the wild. Nature sightseeing. (Horse trek 2 hours)

Breakfast. Packing the camp and start horse trek to Aksy region over the pass Kalaa (3600m) to Min Bugu gorge. Explore the panorama viewpoints of the Alpine mountains.  It will be a 4-5 hours horse trek. Camping in the wild.

Breakfast.  Continue the horse trek into the valley Kara-Suu. Descent the village Kara-Suu where you will be welcomed for the local family homestay. Dine and sleep in the guesthouse.

After home breakfast, take a horse trek to Sary-Chelek via Kara-Kamysh Lake. During the day, explore the all beauty of the place Sary-Chelek from the top of the pass Kotormo (2 446m).  Camping on the lakeshore of Iri-Kul.

Breakfast. Today explore the valley Sary-Chelek. Sightseeing the several mountain lakes. For lunch transfer by car to Arkyt village. Afternoon transfer for Osh or to Bishkek.

FAQ

The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.

After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.

The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.

If you take a horseback riding option you need advanced horseback riding skills.  Take a horse riding class several times for getting prepared to ride a horse in the mountains for 4-5 hours every day.

Trekking optional also may request some prepared training. The altitude is high and you will cross several mountain passes, the highest one is Kum-Bel pass (3 600m).  We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip.

Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.

Overnights during the activity tours you will have overnight for 5 nights and 2 of them in the local family guesthouses and 3 in the mobile tents (comfort 2). We provide you tent/mat upon your request.

We provide you with mineral water where it is available to buy on the way in the village shops when we travel by vehicle. In fact, will have bottled water for two first days. But during all trek-days, we will not able to carry the much mineral bottled waters, we take water from the springs and rivers for cooking and for tea-coffee after well boiling for sure. For drinking, you can use water filters. We offer you to bring the water purified pills from your side. In Kyrgyzstan, people used to drink from the rivers and spring source and we don’t use water filters and any pure file pills. Therefore, you will not able to find the water pure file pills or portable filters in Central Asia at all.

The itinerary is also available to do by trekking. All the luggage will be carried by packhorses and the duration of the trekking time will be one or two hours more daily.

The basic hints for travelers.

  • During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
  • Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
  • Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
  • Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
  • Smoking is prohibited at home.
  • Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
  • Ask people for photographing them.
  • Be friendly and try to get in contact.
  • Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
  • Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
  • Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
  • If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
  • Never give your belongings to strangers.
  • Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
  • Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
  • Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
  • Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
  • Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
  • If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
  • Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
  • Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
  • Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
  • If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
  • Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
  • Please don’t drop cigarette butts or litter.
  • High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
  • Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
  • Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.

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