Southern Kyrgyzstan
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7 Days · Nature & Heritage · Southern Kyrgyzstan

The Southern Necklace of Kyrgyzstan

Red canyons, walnut forests and mountain lakes — a seven-day journey through the landscapes and heritage of southern Kyrgyzstan.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Season
May – October
Group Size
Up to 12 people
Start / Finish
Osh / Osh
Accommodation
Recreation base, guesthouses & hotel
Guide Languages
English, German, Russian

Journey Overview

The Many Landscapes of the South

Begin in Osh and explore Papan Reservoir and the red canyons of Laglan. Continue to Arslanbob for forest walks, waterfalls and a longer trek towards the Holy Rock.

Stay in Arkyt and discover the lake landscapes of Sary-Chelek before returning to Osh via Uzgen. The route combines active days outdoors with cultural visits and local stays.

Horse rider in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Journey Highlights

What Makes This Journey Special

Horse rider in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Laglan at Sunset

Explore the red canyons in the evening light.

Horse rider in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Arslanbob Forests

Walk through walnut woodland to waterfalls and viewpoints.

Horse rider in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

The Holy Rock

Take a longer mountain trek above Arslanbob.

Horse rider in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Sary-Chelek Lakes

Hike to a viewpoint overlooking the mountain lakes.

Horse rider in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Uzgen Heritage

Visit the minaret and bazaar, and enjoy traditional Uzgen plov.

Your Route

Follow the Journey

A circuit from Osh through Laglan, Arslanbob and Sary-Chelek, returning through Uzgen before departure from Osh.

Map showing the journey route through southern Kyrgyzstan

Route at a Glance

  1. Osh

    Airport arrival before 10:00 on Day 1.

  2. Papan → Laglan

    Reservoir scenery and sunset canyon walks.

  3. Arslanbob

    Forest walks, waterfalls and the Holy Rock trek.

  4. Arkyt → Sary-Chelek

    Guesthouse stays and a day exploring the lakes.

  5. Uzgen

    Minaret, bazaar and local food.

  6. Osh

    Final hotel night and airport departure.

Day by Day

Your Journey, Step by Step

Explore the route day by day, with a closer look at the experiences, overnight stays and rhythm of your journey.

  1. Day01Osh Airport → Papan Reservoir → Laglan

    Reservoir Views & Red Canyons

    Arrive in Osh before 10:00, meet the team and have breakfast before travelling to Papan Reservoir. After a short walk, continue to the Laglan recreation base for lunch and check-in.

    Visit the nearby canyons at sunset, then return to the base for dinner and the night.

    Arrival
    Before 10:00
    Overnight
    Laglan recreation base
  2. Day02Laglan → Arslanbob

    Into the Walnut Forest

    After breakfast, travel to Arslanbob and check into a guesthouse. Walk through the walnut forest to the Small Waterfall, stopping at panoramic viewpoints before returning for the evening.

    Walking
    Approx. 2–3 hours
    Overnight
    Guesthouse in Arslanbob
  3. Day03Arslanbob → Big Waterfall → Holy Rock → Arslanbob

    A Mountain Day Above Arslanbob

    Begin a longer trek to the Big Waterfall, crossing a suspension bridge and following a rocky trail to the viewing area. Continue towards the Holy Rock in the direction of Babash-Ata, with a packed lunch on the trail.

    Descend to Arslanbob and return to the guesthouse for the night.

    Activity
    Longer mountain trek
    Lunch
    Packed trail lunch
    Overnight
    Guesthouse in Arslanbob
  4. Day04Arslanbob → Arkyt

    On the Road to Sary-Chelek

    Travel towards Sary-Chelek, stopping for lunch along the way. Check into a guesthouse in Arkyt and enjoy a walk around the village area before preparing for the next day’s hike.

    Overnight
    Guesthouse in Arkyt
  5. Day05Arkyt → Sary-Chelek → Arkyt

    Above the Mountain Lakes

    Transfer into the protected lake area and hike to the Five Lakes Viewpoint. After enjoying the panorama, descend to the main lake for a picnic before returning to Arkyt.

    Ascent
    Approx. 2–3 hours
    Overnight
    Guesthouse in Arkyt
  6. Day06Arkyt → Uzgen → Osh

    Silk Road Heritage & a Farewell Dinner

    Return towards Osh, stopping in Uzgen to visit the minaret and local bazaar and enjoy traditional Uzgen plov. Arrive in Osh with time to rest or explore before a farewell dinner.

    Overnight
    Sunrise Hotel, Osh
  7. Day07Osh → Airport

    Departure from Osh

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Your journey through southern Kyrgyzstan concludes in Osh.

    Finish
    Osh Airport

Tour Details

What’s Included

A clear overview of what your journey includes and what to arrange separately.

Included

  • English-, German- or Russian-speaking guide
  • Transfers according to the itinerary
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Drinking water as specified in the program
  • Entrance fees for visits included in the itinerary

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Medical insurance and related expenses
  • Early hotel check-in on arrival day
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Changes or additions to the agreed itinerary

Interested in This Journey?

Ready to Plan This Trip?

The Southern Necklace of Kyrgyzstan

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