Nature & Culture Treasures of Central Asia
Trekking in the Tian Shan Mountains and excursions in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
Country: | Kyrgyzstan, Western Tien-Shan mountains, Uzbekistan |
Tour duration: | 16 days / 15 nights |
Itinerary: | Osh - Aflatun settlement - Lake Sary-Chelek - Arkyt-Sai river - Osh - Margilan - Fergana - Rishtan - Kokand - Tashkent - Samarkand - Bukhara - Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent |
Guarantee Dates Of Group Tours:
Group №1. 28.06 - 13.07.2020 | Group №2. 26.07 - 10.08.2020 | |||
Group №3. 30.08 - 14.09.2020 |
In this group tour we combined active holiday in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and excursions to the ancient cities of Uzbekistan. Within one trip, you will be able to look at two countries from various sides and see the whole palette of their versatility, plunging yourself first into the beauty of mountain nature, and then into the architectural kingdom of man.
You will spend the first half of the trip in the protected area of the Western Tian Shan. Trekking takes place along quite simple mountain trails among coniferous forests and deep gorges, in the area of the large beautiful lake Sary-Chelek. The group is accompanied by a mountain guide, a service staff and pack transport.
The second half of the tour will be marked by a return to civilization and moving from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan through the green Fergana Valley - the land of hereditary artisans who have preserved the ancient traditions of hand-made delicate silk and original ceramics. Having visited silk-weaving and pottery workshops here, you will set off to the legendary cities of the Silk Road - Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, where the degree of your admiration will increase. Medieval oriental architecture, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in the bazaars, amazing Uzbek cuisine and sincere hospitality - all this awaits you on the sunny Uzbek land!
- Itinerary,
Services & Cost - Visa
- Route description,
Personal gear, Services - Useful Information,
Visa, permits
To open full description just click the row of each day.
Itinerary: | ||
Day 1. | Early arrival to Osh. Meet in the airport. Transfer from Osh to Aflatun settlement at the confluence of the Aflatun and Utur rivers. Camp 1 (1300m; 350km; approx. 6hrs). | |
Osh, famous for the warmth and hospitality of its townsfolk, is the biggest city in southern Kyrgyzstan. It welcomes the visitors with streets lined by green trees, numerous open-air cozy cafes, bright boisterous bazaar and the main point of interest - Suleiman Mountain that rises in the middle of the city. You will have the opportunity to sightsee the city on your last day of the tour, whereas today, without losing time, we head for Aftalun settlement and further to the confluence of Aflatun and Utur rivers where we set up Camp 1 (1300m). |
||
Day 2. | The beginning of active part of the tour. Trekking up along the Yushniy Aflatun river and then further along Uyalma river. Camp 2 (2100m; 19km; approx. 7hrs). | |
Today our trekking starts and we move up along the Yushniy Aftalun river. The first day always overwhelms with new sensations, fascinating landscaped vistas. Lush multicoloured alpine vegetation contrasts the austere grandeur of mountains. A rather good earth road runs along the canyon of Yushniy Aftalun river among the picturesque spruce forests. After lunch we continue the trekking up along the gorge to the confluence of Aflatun and Uyalma river. In the Aflatun gorge as well as Uyalma hollow the bottom and northern slopes are hosts to spruce forests, whereas the southern slopes are abundant in desert-candle. The steep slopes of the gorge are formed of limestone. The upper part of the gorge is rocky with overhanging ledges. At the confluence of Aflatun and Uyalma rivers the wide valley is covered with grassy plots and spruce forests; further up the two gorges get narrower. The left side of Uyalma gorge is gently sloping, there are traces of landslip and mudslide, while the right slope is rather steep and is covered with spruce forests. Trekking further upstream, we reach the place where Camp 2 (2100m) is to be set on the bank of Uyalma river. |
||
Day 3. | Trekking over Kuldambes pass and then descent to Lake Sary-Chelek over Ashuu pass. Camp 3 (1900m; 10km; approx. 6hrs). | |
Today we cross two easy passes - Kuldambes (2750m) and Ashuu (2551m). The path first runs along the turbulent Uyalma river, then,near Kuldambes pass, it serpentines through grassy area. At the approach to the pass the slopes acquire more flattened forms. The path starts to zigzag among the alpine verdure and gradually reaches the stony section. Easy trekking over Kuldambes pass is done at the background of various mountain scenery and picturesque landscapes. After crossing Kuldambes pass we start slow descent to Ashuu pass - the viewpoint which affords stunning views of the northern part of lake Sary-Chelek. Short trekking to the banks of the lake where we set up our Camp 3 (1900m) for the overnight. |
||
Day 4. | Ascent along Lake Sary-Chelek over Makmal pass. Descent to the Kyzyl-Suu river. Camp 4 at the confluence of the Kyzyl-Suu and Kurumdu rivers (2000m; 13km; approx. 6 hrs). | |
Today we leave the lake banks and trek upstream the Sary-Chelek river. After 1 km the river narrows and turns north. The slopes become steeper, at times broken by grassy areas with cones of spruce trees. Everywhere from the cliffs there run streams. By the riverbed there stand lonely birth trees. The gorge narrows and it seems that the cliffs reach for each other. But the path is well within view and soon we ascend to easy Makmal pass. From here we can glance again at the grandiose water basin of lake Sary-Chelek surrounded by rocky cliffs and woody slopes where pointed tops of pyramid-like Tien-Shan spruces reach for the blue sky, and floating clouds reflect in the quiet waters of the lake. Feast your eyes on the scenery and start the descent to Kyzyl-Suu river. Soon we reach the Kurumdu river - tributary of Kyzyl-Suu river, and set up Camp 4 (2000m) on a cozy forest clearing. |
||
Day 5. | Trekking downstream the Kara-Suu river to lake Karakamysh (Kara-Suu). Camp 5 on the lake bank (1800m; 12km; approx. 3hrs). |
|
Continue the descent along the Kara-Suu river to the banks of the scenic lake Karakamysh (Kara-Suu). To south-east there opens a splendid view of compact Min-Teke mountains, whereas on the west there rises mountain ridge separating the area from a chain of lakes (Kyle-kol, Iri-Kol, Chacha-Kol,Bokaly, etc.) neighbouring lake Sary-Chelek. Lake Karakamysh (Kara-Suu) is fed by Kara-Suu river. About 6.5km long and 1.5-2km wide, the lake has the average depth of 90m. In summertime the water warms up to 17-19 degrees. The banks of the lake are overgrown with Tien-Shan spruce, juniper, mountain ash, barberry and other bushes. The rocky banks go deep into the water where shoals of fish are clearly visible. We set up our Camp 5 (1800m) on the picturesque Kara-Suu bank. |
||
Day 6. | Trekking up to and over Kuturma pass and then descent to lake Iri-Kol. Camp 6 on the lake bank (1300m; 12km; approx. 6hrs). | |
After trekking along the eastern bank of lake Kara-Suu we start an easy ascent to Kuturma pass (2446m). Here the landscape is really amazing: grey cliffs covered with clefts and dints are reflected in still green-bluish surface of the lake water. The road bends along the pinkish rocks and leads to the southern part of the lake that turns into the riverbed of the Kara-Suu river. Soon the current becomes turbulent. This can be clearly seen from the path that runs up to Kuturma pass. The ascent is relatively easy and rather rewarding: from the pass there opens the wide panorama of huge southern part of Sary-Chelek hollow with Lake Sary-Chelek itself. To the left there are the oblong contours of another lake - Iri-Kol whose banks will accommodate our camp for the night. Descent from the pass does not take much time and soon we reach the banks of lake Iri-Kol located at the altitude of 1800-2040m. Here we set up our Camp 6 (1300m). Lake Iri-Kol is formed by rock obstruction and is fed by springs. Bathing in its cool water brings relaxation and takes away the fatigue after day’s trekking. |
||
Day 7. | Trekking from lake Iri-Kol to the southern part of lake Sary-Chelek in Upaly ravine. Continue trekking round lake Kely-Kol to place where the vehicle will be waiting to pick you up (10km; approx. 2hrs). Transfer to Osh. Accommodation in the hotel (320km; approx. 6hrs). | |
Our destination today is again Lake Sary-Chelek. Following the path that runs from lake Iri-Kol, we skirt lake Kely-Kol (“round lake”) that is 700m in length and 200-400m in width. Our spectacular trekking is completed. Today we leave the enchanting mountainous area. Some are looking forward to comforts of civilization, while others regret that encounter with nature was so short. We trekked an unforgettable route, one of many that the Tien-Shan offers. Today we return to the city warmth of Osh with its numerous cafes and restaurants, and free Internet access. We spend overnight in a comfortable hotel. |
||
Day 8. | Osh - "Dustlik" land border - Margilan - Fergana (road transfer, 120 km). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel and further transfer to the land border with Uzbekistan. |
||
Day 9. | Fergana - Rishtan - Kokand - Tashkent (road transfer, 320 km). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Rishtan and visit the house of the local pottery master(hand-made ceramics). Further transfer to Kokand. Sightseeing tour around Kokand: Palace of Khudayar Khan, Mausoleum of Modari Khan, Juma Mosque. After lunch further transfer to Tashkent via the high mountain pass Kamchik. Accommodation at the hotel on arrival and rest. |
||
Day 10. | Tashkent (sightseeing). Tashkent - Samarkand (330 km, 4-5 hrs). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. |
||
Day 11. | Samarkand (sightseeing). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. |
||
Day 12. | Samarkand - Bukhara (300 km, 4-5 hrs). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. |
||
Day 13. | Bukhara (sightseeing). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. |
||
Day 14. | Bukhara - Khiva (440 km, 8-9 hrs). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. |
||
Day 15. | Khiva (sightseeing). Khiva - Urgench - Tashkent (Domestic flight). | |
Short description Breakfast at the hotel. |
||
Day 16. | Tashkent. Departure. |
|
||||||
*This tour is guaranteed and will be arranged whatever final number of persons in a group. |
The cost of the tour includes:
|
|
The cost of the tour doesn’t include:
|
Additional services:
|
Hotels.
This tour comes with the following accommodation in city:
City | Hotels | |
Osh | Sunrise Osh hotel 3* or similar |
|
Tashkent | Orient Inn Hotel / Samir 3* or similar |
|
Samarkand | Arba Hotel / Zilol Baht Hotel 3* or similar |
|
Bukhara | Kabir Hotel 3* / Fatima Hotel 3* or similar |
|
Khiva | Shams Hotel 3* / Shokh Jahon Hotel 3* or similar |
Transportation.
Depending on the size of a group the following means of transportation are used during the tour:
"Toyota Sequoia" ![]() |
"Mitsubishi Delica" ![]() |
"Mercedes-Benz Sprinter" ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
![]() ![]() ![]() |
Visa and Visa invitation to Uzbekistan:
Visa-free regime for up to 60 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
|
|
|
Visa-free regime for up to 30 days has been established for citizens of countries below:
|
|
|
|
Read more about visa to Uzbekistan here »»
Visa to Kyrgyzstan
Under current rules visa-free stay within unlimited period on the territory of Kyrgyzstan is granted for the nationals of the following countries:
|
|
|
|
|
|
List of states granted visa-free stay up to 90 days: Mongolia, Ukraine.
List of states granted visa-free stay up to 60 days
|
|
|
|
|
Visa-free access to Kyrgyzstan up to 30 days: Malaysia.
Itinerary brief description
This trekking is rather easy and is suitable for anyone with good physical condition. Tourist above 16 and under 65 years of age can join this tour provided they have no serious health problems and their doctor does not object to participation in such kind of tourist activities. Children above 14 can also join this trekking tour provided they are accompanied by their parents.
Trekking to high altitude lake Sary-Chelek and other lakes of the Western Tien-Shan.
Trekking on foot covers from 10km to 18km a day with altitude difference up to 850m. The route runs at the maximum altitude of 2750m above sea level (Kuldambes pass).
Each participant carries his own rucksack with personal belongings, supply of drinking water and first-aid kit. The rest of the gear (the weight of the gear should not exceed 15kg per person), as well as group camping equipment and supply of provisions is transported by pack-horses. Typically the region enjoys rather stable weather: it’s warm and sunny, though some rain is possible, which relieves the monotony of the trip. The daytime temperatures range between +15° to +30°С, whereas at night the temperature can drop as low as +8 or +10°С.
Equipment on route
- Tents are used for accommodation of two persons. The tents are wind-resisting and water-proof and are suitable for any weather conditions. For your comfort the tents are equipped with firm air-beds as well as comfortable sleeping bags with individual lining.
- Tent camp also has a big hangar-like mess tent with tables and camp chairs.
- Throughout the trek we provide quality tableware.
- To cook dishes during the trek we provide gas burner with gas cylinders or a supply of firewood.
- The tent camp is equipped with portable WC.
Any trekking group is provided with portable radio transmitters and GPS navigator.
We also offer the travelers small a flashlight for forehead with extra batteries.
List of personal gear provided by Central Asia Travel company
• | Sleeping bag. |
• | Sleeping pad. |
• | Raincoat. |
• | Telescopic ski sticks for trekking. |
• | Metallic vacuum flask 0.5 - 1.0 litres. |
• | Forehead flashlight. |
List of personal gear which tourist should bring himself
• | Trekking boots or hiking shoes and/or sandals (Teva, Keen or similar). |
• | Assault jacket GORE-TEX (RedFox Vector GTX III or similar). |
• | Suit POLARTEC (for instance, jacket BASK Kondor V3 + trousers BASK Vinson Pro V2) |
• | Skin tight linen thermals POLARTEC thin thermals to wick moisture away from the skin (for instanceRedFox Dry Zone) |
• | Thin Gloves, Fleece, Polartec, WindBloc and thick insulated gloves (for instance,RedFox Ice) |
• | Peaked cap or panama hat + insulated winter hat. |
• | Knitted T-shirts. |
• | Thermal socks, like Boreal TREK Thermolite or similar + ordinary socks. |
• | Backpack 40-60 l. |
• | Lip balm. |
• | Sun cream (SPF 25-40). |
• | Sunglasses. |
• | First-aid kit (personal). |
Service staff
Throughout the trekking travel you will be escorted by high altitude guide, who is the tour manager and our authorized representative. He is responsible for the safety and security of the group as well as decision making, including any changes in the route due to unforeseen circumstances that could threaten the health and well-being of the participants.
The tour is serviced by a team whose responsibility is to pitch and take down tents, lay the table for meals, wash up, pack the loads on horses, make fire and the like.
The team also includes a dedicated professional cook and a horse handler who is responsible for proper packing of the loads on horses and porterage.
Meals
Throughout the trek programme you will be served hot meals three times a day.
Below you can find the menu of one of the trekking days:
![]() |
Breakfast: First dish: cereal porridge (semolina, oats, rice). |
|
![]() |
Lunch: Buffet lunch: assorted bread, fresh salads, canned fish, cheese, sheep cheese, assorted meat appetizers, tea (black and green) sweets, cookies, wafers, fruits (apples, pears), dried fruits (apricot, raisin, figs, etc.), assorted nuts. |
|
![]() |
Dinner: First course - soup (European or local cuisine). |
Starting point
Tourists should arrive to Osh - the starting point of the tour on the date the tour begins. All expenses connected with early arrival or late departure on completion of the tour should be covered by tourists themselves. In this case our company can arrange transfers to and from the airport as well as book the hotel.
Route Map
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can attempt this trek? Should the participants of the tour have prior trekking experience or prepare themselves physically?
- Can people with health problems participate in this programme?
- Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?
- What is the weather like in the mountains?
- Is it possible to swim in the lakes?
- What are the probabilities of encountering some dangerous creatures (besides relatively harmless mosquitoes) such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, mites etc.?
- Is it allowed to pick up mountain herbs and flowers? Which plants should be avoided?
- How are meals organized during the trek programme?
- How about communication facilities during trek travel?
- How good is Internet access?
- Visa, permits.
- Who can attempt this trek? Should the participants of the tour have prior trekking experience or prepare themselves physically?
This trekking is rather easy and is suitable for anyone with good physical condition. Tourist above 16 and under 65 years of age can join this tour provided they have no serious health problems and their doctor does not object to participation in such kind of tourist activities. Children above 14 can also join this trekking tour provided they are accompanied by their parents.
The offered trekking tour can be graded as simple-average, which means no special skills in mountaineering are required. The escort team consists of an experienced high altitude guide able to choose the right path and advise you on the precautions to be taken in each section of the route. During the tour you will have to trek on foot long distances. Therefore the only condition for those willing to participate in this trekking programme is absence of medical contraindications to such activities. - Can people with health problems participate in this programme?
Please note, that the route of the tour runs through mountains with considerable altitude differences (the maximum altitude is 2750 m above sea level). The participants can experience some symptoms of altitude sickness which disappear when the descent from the mountains starts. Therefore the tour may not be suitable for persons suffering from heart or respiratory problems (hypertension, asthma). We recommend you to consult your doctor before planning this tour. - Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?
Yes, it is. The medical insurance of up to $ 10,000- 15,000 should be obtained before leaving your homeland. - What is the weather like in the mountains?
In the summer the weather is fair and sunny with daytime temperature reaching +28°С. At night, however, and on rainy days the temperature drops to +8 or + 10ºС which makes the availability of warm jacket rather useful. - Is it possible to swim in the lakes?
Most definitely it is. In summertime the temperature in the lakes is about 17-19°С. No wonder many travelers like to experience some bracing bathing. So don’t forget your swimsuit. - What are the probabilities of encountering some dangerous creatures (besides relatively harmless mosquitoes) such as snakes, spiders, scorpions, mites etc.?
Though such a probability exists, it is too small as proved by our long experience of organizing trekking tours. - Is it allowed to pick up mountain herbs and flowers? Which plants should be avoided?
It is advisable not to touch the plants you are not familiar with as some of them can be rather toxic (for example giant fennel can sting you when you touch its leaves). It is forbidden to pick up Red Book plants. The mountain slopes are home to many medicinal herbs including mint, origan, thyme, which you can pick up and brew a delicious ‘mountain tea’. The banks of the rivers are covered with bushes of dog rose and sea-buckthorn. - How are meals organized during the trek programme?
You will be escorted by a cook and other service staff responsible for arranging regular and tasty meals. You don’t need to bother about tableware, kitchen utensils and equipment as we provide all these as well as tables, chairs, and tents throughout the whole trek programme.
Drinking water is provided from crystal-clear mountain springs. However, it is recommended to drink only boiled water. In cities and during long transfers it is advisable to use bottled water.
Below you can find the menu of one of the trekking days:
Breakfast:
First dish: cereal porridge (semolina, oats, rice).
Second dish: cooked eggs with sausages, omelette, pancakes, thick pancakes, toasted bread, cottage cheese pancake, etc.
Buffet table: cheese, sausage, assorted bread, butter, ketchup, marmalade, chocolate paste, sweets, cookies, wafers, dried cream, honey, sugar, halavah.
Drinks: selection of hot drinks, such as tea (black and green), coffee, cocoa.
Lunch:
Buffet lunch: assorted bread, fresh salads, canned fish, cheese, sheep cheese, assorted meat appetizers, tea (black and green) sweets, cookies, wafers, fruits (apples, pears), dried fruits (apricot, raisin, figs, etc.), assorted nuts.
*In case of camp lunch first course is added.
Dinner:
First course - soup (European or local cuisine).
Second course - various dishes of European cuisine with assorted garnish, as well as a choice of local dishes.
Buffet table: assorted bread, cheese, sausage, ketchup, spices (mustard, various dressings), sweets, cookies, wafers, sugar.
Drinks: selection of hot drinks, such as tea (black and green), coffee, cocoa, thin jelly.
Dessert: watermelon, melon, fruits. - How about communication facilities during trek travel?
Cellular telecommunication is available in Osh and on the way to Aflatun settlement. In the mountainous areas, especially in mountain valleys, there are difficulties with signal receipt. Tour manager is equipped with portable satellite terminal to provide uninterrupted external link. Moreover, the group is provided with walkie-talkie to ensure trouble-free connection between trekkers. - How good is Internet access?
Internet access is available only in Osh. There are many internet-cafes there. - Visa, permits.
Kyrgyzstan has considerably simplified its visa policy and today citizens of 70 countries of the world enjoy visa-free access to this Central Asian state.
Visa-free entry to the territory of Kyrgyzstan is granted for the nationals of the Russia, the CIS countries and a number of citizens of European and other foreign countries.
The details on Kyrgyz visa, rules of entry and stay on the territory of Kyrgyzstan you can find here.
To enter the territory of Kyrgyzstan the foreign national must have a foreign passport valid for not less than 6 months following the termination date of the tour.
It is also important that before their trip to Kyrgyzstan foreign nationals arrange travel medical insurance with coverage of up to $10,000-15,000.
Photo of the tour:
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Video of tours to Kyrgyzstan:
![]() Сharms of Kyrgyzstan’s nature |
![]() through Kyrgyzstan |
![]() Kyrgyzstan Whitewater |
![]() In an off-road vehicle across Kyrgyzstan |
Video: Travel in the mountains. Trekking to Lake Sary Chelek
(Western Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan), June 2015
Our company organised a hike (informative walking tour) to high-altitude Lake Sary Chelek for 11 representatives of different tourism agencies from Brazil, Spain, Great Britain, Chile and Russia, who, together with our united team, had a nice time of it in the country of turquoise lakes, deep gorges and picturesque mountain passes, away from the civilization, in the very heart of the Sary Chelek Nature Reserve.
The expedition participants enjoyed the beauty of primeval nature, admired the simplicity of the local people’s life, participated in various master classes and partook of oriental food prepared by our professional cooks, while our team ensured a stable functioning of the camps.
Simple but filled with fairytale landscapes and bright impressions, a mountain tour like this is the best version of a team building event! Activities in the mountains tend to reveal a person’s potential completely, while difficulties and joys that people experience together make them naturally closer!
© Material presented by «Central Asia Travel».
Copying and using all presented information and material is possible ONLY by authority of the originator.
Heritage group tours: |
Adventure group tours: |
Other interesting tours:
|
Usefull links: |
TOUR ORDER
To submit the form you need to consent to the processing of personal data.