Southern Route

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Southern Route

There will be no Issyk-Kul here, there will be Toktogul, and yes, it’s no worse, maybe even better. The road goes from Bishkek to Osh, but you can also travel in the opposite direction.

For whom

For those who want to see not only Issyk-Kul but also other locations, because Kyrgyzstan has thousands more incredible places, and the Southern Route is proof of that.

You need to fly to Bishkek. The route ends in Osh. It can also be done in reverse.

Best time: March – October

All photos are from our trips.

Passes and Roads

The roads are one of the main attractions of this route (and the whole country). And, in our humble opinion, the Bishkek-Osh road should be among the most beautiful roads in the world. Too-Ashuu and Ala-Bel—two passes, each 3200 m high.

We’ll drive over them on the first day to see breathtaking panoramas. Next, we’ll visit the Suusamyr Valley—Kyrgyzstan’s largest jailoo (summer pasture)—and the Chychkan Gorge, a real "Switzerland." All in one day.

Toktogul Reservoir

A hidden gem of the country, even though it lies along the road. Everyone knows about Issyk-Kul, but almost no one knows about Toktogul, even though it can rival almost any lake you know.

Naryn Canyon

An incredible drive along the longest river in Kyrgyzstan, which has been dammed multiple times by hydroelectric cascades, creating a fantastic canyon we’ll see together.

Sary-Chelek

Simply an unreal mountain lake. The road there first takes you across the surface of the Moon, then through New Zealand. Such a dramatic change of scenery over such a short distance is hard to imagine.

Arslanbob

The place where all the world’s walnuts originated—legend says Alexander the Great once wandered here and took a handful of nuts with him. Arslanbob is famous for its walnut forests, an ethnic Uzbek village, the Babash-Ata mountain range, two waterfalls, and incredible hospitality.

Travel Map

This trip takes us across the entire country from North to South (or vice versa).

And, of course, we’ll see the best places along the way. The Too-Ashuu and Ala-Bel passes, Chychkan Gorge, Toktogul Reservoir, Naryn Canyon, Sary-Chelek, and Arslanbob. We’ll end the route in the city of Osh.

Itinerary

Read the adventure details

Day 1 – Bishkek → Toktogul (280 km)

10:00 – Departure from Bishkek

We head toward Osh. This day includes two passes (3200 m and 3300 m), a giant green jailoo (high-mountain pasture), and Chychkan Gorge. The number of changing landscapes is simply incredible. Lots of contemplation.

20:00 – Dinner. We stay in a neat and comfortable guesthouse and dine there.
Day 2 – Toktogul → Sary-Chelek (264 km)

09:00 – Breakfast

In the morning, we’ll walk to a viewpoint overlooking the Toktogul Reservoir. The road is easy for everyone. Then, the number of photo stops will grow exponentially because Toktogul (as the locals call it) is stunningly beautiful.

Next is Naryn Canyon—indescribable in words. When we turn onto the road to Sary-Chelek near Tash-Kumyr, we’ll land literally on Mars, and after an hour’s drive, we’ll find ourselves in New Zealand. We’ll spend the night in a small guesthouse in the village of Arkyt, 10 km from the lake.

19:30 – Dinner
Day 3 – Sary-Chelek

09:00 – Breakfast

After breakfast, we’ll drive a bit toward the park and hike to a viewpoint overlooking five lakes. The walk is long but super scenic. The view from there is breathtaking—one of the best in the country. After descending, we’ll head to Sary-Chelek and take a boat ride (if available—the only boat belongs to the emergency services). We’ll have a nice picnic on the shore, and those who want can swim in the icy waters of Sary-Chelek.

Dinner at 19:00
Day 4 – Sary-Chelek → Arslanbob (200 km)

09:00 – Breakfast

We’ll head to Arslanbob, the birthplace of walnuts—an ethnically Uzbek village. We’ll stay with a view of the Babash-Ata mountain range.

The whole day will be spent in nature. Walnut forests, waterfalls, and the beautiful Babash-Ata mountains. Arslanbob is a small corner that doesn’t change over time. It looked the same in 2010 and will remain so for another 15 years. And the walnut forests still remember Alexander the Great.

20:00 – Check-in and dinner.
Day 5 – Arslanbob → Osh (Airport)

Let’s be honest—Osh, like any city in Kyrgyzstan, doesn’t win travelers’ hearts at first glance. But you can see modernist architecture, beautiful mosaics, enjoy delicious food, and then head to the airport.

Price

From $580

depending on group size
Includes:
- Four nights: hotel in Osh, guesthouses in Toktogul, Sary-Chelek, and Arslanbob
- Meals throughout the trip: breakfasts, lunches/snacks, dinners
- Transportation (depending on group size)
- National park fees
- Guide services
Excludes:
- Flights
- Alcohol
- Personal expenses

Sign up!

Organizational

TRANSPORTATION

Our choice is comfortable and off-road-capable vehicles suitable for everyone. Depending on group size, transport may be a jeep, minivan, or bus.
WALKING

No serious trekking—mostly light walks.
ACCOMMODATION

We travel as a group and stay together in guesthouses or yurts. Everything is clean and tidy. We try to accommodate two per room; rarely, three may be needed.
FOOD

All meals are included, and we’ll eat where we stay. There’s not much choice in menu—one dish is prepared for the whole group, and usually, everyone loves it. If there are vegetarians or dietary restrictions (allergies, etc.), please inform us in advance.
GROUP

The group has a leader and participants—no hierarchy. Ask as many questions as you need before the trip to understand the journey’s goals. Up to 12 participants per group.
WEATHER

Fingers crossed for sunshine and beautiful sunsets! No other choice.
FLIGHTS

Participants book their own flights after consulting with the guide. If you need help buying tickets, let us know in advance.
PAYMENT

A 30% deposit is required to confirm participation. The remaining amount is paid on-site in any pre-agreed currency.