The most beautiful day hikes in southern Kyrgyzstan
It's often said that southern Kyrgyzstan is completely different from the north… It's not just because of its culture, population and language,
It's often said that southern Kyrgyzstan is completely different from the north... It's not just because of its culture, population and language, but also because of the landscapes that contrast sharply with the northern territory. A trip to Kyrgyzstan is therefore an opportunity to discover very different worlds and enjoy complete escape from the everyday thanks to the rainbow of landscapes throughout the country... Between canyons, forests, lakes, cliffs, mountains, meadows, you'll find plenty to marvel at and hike, hike, and keep hiking, in absolute peace in harmony with nature ! Here are some of our favourite day hikes in southern Kyrgyzstan :
In the Naryn region
By now you've surely understood: it's possible to hike almost anywhere in Kyrgyzstan ! The Naryn region is no exception, with its colourful high mountains, its magnificent jailoos like Son Kul or Tach Rabat... Here are two of our favourite hikes :
Tach Rabat
The Tach Rabat valley, on the border with China, is mainly known for its caravanserai inherited from the Silk Road. But wrongly so. Still very wild, this part of Kyrgyzstan is sparsely inhabited – even by nomads – and is home to some of the country's most pristine landscapes. Virgin mountains, green in summer and golden in autumn, herds of yaks and horses, marmots... It's a place that commands respect for nature, where you can hike in complete peace. If you have the stamina, you can make a round trip to a viewpoint over Chatyr Kol lake in one day (expect around 9 hours of hiking).
Eki-Naryn
Just forty kilometres from the town of Naryn, the Eki Naryn valley reveals all the most beautiful sights in the region : barley fields, endless forests, flower-filled meadows, magnificent peaks, red cliffs, and of course the beautiful Naryn river... It's also an opportunity to meet small villages and yurt camps, to learn more about local culture.
In the Jalal Abad region
In the southern part of the country, where the landscape contrasts sharply with other regions, nothing beats a walk through Arslanbob forest for a getaway to another world...
Arslanbob
Don't overlook the small village of Arslanbob when planning your Kyrgyzstan itinerary ! Nestled at the foot of the mountains and entirely on a slope, this narrow village is unlike any other in the country, and even its population is more than 90 percent Uzbek. Beyond a genuine cultural escape, the village of Arslanbob offers absolutely unique landscapes in Kyrgyzstan and the world : it is home to the world's largest walnut forest ! A truly picturesque spot for a day's walk... You can also see two waterfalls, including the highest in Kyrgyzstan, and numerous sacred sites.
Sary-Chelek
A true paradise for trekkers and nature lovers, the Sary-Chelek national reserve is a magnificent place in Kyrgyzstan. Isolated, this natural park was closed to the public for a long time, which explains why it remains one of the country's wildest places. You can discover a vast spruce forest at the foot of steep, rocky mountains, where no fewer than seven lakes nestle. These lakes have an absolutely marvellous emerald colour. Although it's better to spend several days there, it's entirely possible to go on a day hike in the park to discover some of the beauties it holds.
In the Osh region
Southern Kyrgyzstan is home to some of the country's highest mountains, including the famous Lenin Peak (7134m).
The Alai
The Pamir and Alai mountain ranges are the stuff of dreams with their verdant mountains and idyllic landscape. Very isolated, this region is not much sought after because it's difficult to access. Yet it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the country ! The Alai is home to only a few very small traditional villages and nomads in their yurts, as well as very rich fauna and flora. It's an ideal place to combine day hikes, for example around the Lenin Peak base camp or the Koshkol lakes hike, which takes you through a succession of turquoise alpine lakes.
Frequently asked questions
It's difficult to choose just one, but Sary-Chelek and Arslanbob are often cited as the most spectacular. Sary-Chelek offers 7 emerald-coloured lakes in the heart of a pristine spruce forest, while Arslanbob is home to the world's largest walnut forest with its impressive waterfalls.
The ideal period for hiking in southern Kyrgyzstan runs from June to September. Summer offers blooming meadows and pleasant temperatures at altitude. Autumn (September-October) is also beautiful for seeing the Tach Rabat mountains dressed in yellow and orange hues.
A local guide is strongly recommended for the most isolated areas such as the Alai and Tach Rabat, especially for long hikes like the round trip to Chatyr Kol lake (approximately 9 hours of hiking). Trails are poorly marked and weather conditions can change rapidly at altitude.
Arslanbob is located in the Jalal Abad region. From the city of Jalal Abad, you can reach the village by marshrutka (shared minibus) or shared taxi. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Guides and homestay accommodation are available locally to organise your hikes.
Sary-Chelek national reserve is mainly accessible from May to October. Outside this period, access roads may be impassable due to snow. It is advisable to check access conditions with local authorities before your visit, as the park was closed to the public for a long time and some areas remain regulated.
