5 Days: Eco-Tour Sary-Chelek and Arslanbob — Walnut Forests and 4 Legendary Lakes

Sary chelek panorama

Grand Eco-Tour of Western Kyrgyzstan: 5 Days of Deep Immersion in UNESCO Nature

A unique 5-day eco-tour from Bishkek to the hidden gems of the Western Tian Shan. Forget the routine to see the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve—a UNESCO-protected territory—and the famous walnut-fruit forests of Arslanbob. You will visit four regional lakes (Sary-Chelek, Kara-Suu, Saz-Köl, Toktogul Reservoir), conquer the legendary Too-Ashuu Pass, and take hikes to the waterfalls of Arslanbob. The tour is ideal for eco-tourists, photographers, and nature lovers seeking maximum immersion into Kyrgyzstan’s unique flora and fauna.

900 $

Per person

5 Day

Duration

May - Oct

Available

Kyrgyzstan

Country

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek – Too-Ashuu Pass – Chychkan Canyon – Toktogul Reservoir – Arkit

Too Ashuu pass

 

  • Journey Start: Group meeting at the hotel in Bishkek (7:00 AM). Long transfer (8–10 hours) to the West.

  • Mountain Serpentine: Ascent to the Too-Ashuu Pass, offering majestic panoramas of the Suusamyr Valley.

  • Nature's Spectacle: The journey continues through the magnificent Chychkan Canyon, where you will see steep cliffs and rushing rivers.

  • Man-Made Sea: We pass the vast Toktogul Reservoir, admiring its scale.

  • Accommodation: Arrival in the evening at Arkit village—the gateway to the Sary-Chelek Reserve. Check-in and Dinner at the guesthouse.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Lunch, Dinner, Guesthouse Accommodation.

 

Day 2: Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve

 

  • Emerald Lake: The whole day is dedicated to exploring the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve. We head to the main Sary-Chelek Lake (translated as "Yellow Vessel").

  • Trekking and Ecosystem: Our guide will lead you through the most picturesque spots, sharing insights into the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystem of this UNESCO-protected reserve.

  • Lake Complex: Visit other key lakes (e.g., Kylaa-Köl, Iiri-Köl) within the Sary-Chelek complex.

  • Activities: Opportunities for horseback riding or boating on the serene waters (optional).

  • Return: Return to Arkit village. Dinner and relaxation.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance Fee, Guesthouse Accommodation.

 

Day 3: Sary-Chelek – Walnut Forests of Arslanbob

 Arslabob reserver

 

  • Journey to the Legend: After breakfast, we leave Arkit and head towards the famous walnut-fruit forests of Arslanbob.

  • Ancient Groves: Arrival in Arslanbob. We explore the ancient walnut groves of the world (estimated to be millions of years old).

  • Waterfalls: Trekking to the Small Arslanbob Waterfall, then specialized UAZ transport will take us to the majestic Large Waterfall, where you can refresh yourself.

  • Culture and Market: A stroll through the lively Arslanbob Bazaar, where famous local walnuts and handicrafts are sold.

  • Dinner: Accommodation and Dinner at the guesthouse.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Specialized Transport (UAZ), Guesthouse Accommodation.

 

Day 4: Arslanbob – Kara-Suu Lake – Toktogul

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  • Farewell to the Walnuts: After breakfast, we bid farewell to the walnut forests and begin moving north.

  • Emerald Gem: Our route includes a detour to the picturesque Kara-Suu Lake. This tranquil mountain lake is known for its clear water and perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains.

  • Toktogul Arrival: Arrival in Toktogul city (or a nearby lakeside settlement) in the afternoon. Check-in at the guesthouse or hotel. Dinner and rest after an eventful day.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Guesthouse/Hotel Accommodation (Toktogul).

 

Day 5: Toktogul – Swimming – Itagar Canyon/Saz-Köl Lake – Bishkek

Saz Kol 4/3

 

  • Morning Relax: In the morning, we will have the opportunity to swim in the vast Toktogul Reservoir or enjoy its morning panoramas.

  • Hidden Gem: Our final scenic stop is in the Itagar Canyon at Saz-Köl Lake. This quiet, picturesque spot, surrounded by rocks and greenery, is ideal for farewell photographs.

  • Return: Lunch en route. Continuation of the long transfer back to Bishkek via the Too-Ashuu Pass. Arrival in the capital in the evening.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch.

 

Map

Price

2 pax – $1200 per person twin room accommodation

3 pax – $1000 per person twin room accommodation

4 pax – $900 per person twin room accommodation

  • Transportation through the whole route
  • English speaking guide-driver
  • Accommodation according to the itinerary based on twin shared room
  • Entrance fees to all of the sights
  • Meals by the program
  • Water 1l per day per person
  • Hotel in Bishkek last day
  • Local taxes
  • Uaz in Arsanbob 
  • Breakfast first day, dinner last 5th day
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Excursions not included in the program
  • Tips for driver and other personnel
  • Any personal expenses: international calls, bar, souvenirs, etc.ар,

Additional Info

  • Passport (domestic or international), but it must be the one for which the border pass is issued.
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Hat & gloves (especially from May–June and Sept–Oct)
  • Warm jacket + sweatshirt + raincoat.
  • Comfortable shoes (sneakers or trekking boots) + sandals or flip-flops for the shower and beach.
  • Sunglasses 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Comfortable pants for horseback riding
  • Personal hygiene products (personal first aid kit with products if you take them on a regular basis) 
  • Swimsuit 
  • Mosquito spray 
  • Charger for phone or camera 
  • Beach towel.

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They trusted Us!

Our dear clients about our guides and tours.

Aymeric Marchadier
We had an amazing time discovering Kyrgyzstan with our guide, Sergey ! He was truly exceptional — knowledgeable, friendly, and always attentive to our needs. Thanks to him, we experienced the country’s incredible landscapes and culture in the best possible way. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommended!
Afnas AG (optimus.93)
We visited Kyrgystan for 8 days from UAE (June 24th - July 2nd, 2023), We were crafted with a wonderful itinerary according to our needs with really lovely stays. I must say the whole trip was an unforgettable experience and Kyrgyzstan is still running in our minds. I express our huge sincere thanks to Sergei who guided us throughout the trip.
Adrian
Adrian
Local Expert on Google
We had a great time with Sergej during our three-week trip through Kyrgyzstan. His sense of humor, local knowledge, and reliability contributed to unforgettable experiences during our trip. Sergej has a keen sense for tourists' needs and was always concerned about our well-being. We can wholeheartedly recommend him as a tour guide. Thank you for your guidance, Sergej.
Andre Fritzsch
Andre Fritzsch@username
Wir hatten eine Tour durch Kasachstan und Kirgistan mit Guide Sergej. Es war eine wundervolle und abwechslungsreiche Reise. Alles war zu unser vollsten Zufriedenheit vorbereitet und organisiert. Vielen Dank noch einmal an Sergej.

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