Magic lakes of Sary Chelek

In the morning, we leave the southern capital of the country, Osh. The road from villages toward the fertile plains of the Ferghana Valley, passing orchards, small villages and cultivated fields that reveal the agricultural richness of southern Kyrgyzstan.

Our first stop is in the city of Uzgen, one of the historic jewels of the region and a former trading town on the Silk Road. Here we visit the remarkable medieval complex composed of an elegant minaret and several Karakhanid mausoleums decorated with intricate brick patterns. These monuments, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of Central Asia.

A short drive further brings us to Manas (former Jalal-Abad), an important regional center known for its bustling markets and its multicultural atmosphere influenced by both Kyrgyz and Uzbek traditions. We take time to walk around the lively bazaar area and discover the daily rhythm of the city before continuing our journey across the fertile valley.

In the afternoon we reach the Chatkal range and the reserve of Sary Chelek lakes. We stop for the night at the village of Arkyt at the entrance of the park.

While the journey can be done in one long day, we recommend splitting it into two days to fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical stops of the Ferghana Valley — a choice that also supports a more sustainable, lower-emission approach to travel.

In the morning, we leave the mountain village of Arkyt, famous for its lakes and the Sary Chelek Nature Reserve. The road gradually descends from the cool mountain scenery to the fertile plains of the Ferghana Valley, crossing the Naryn River and passing through orchards, small villages, and cultivated fields that reveal the agricultural richness of southern Kyrgyzstan.

Our first stop is the city of Jalal-Abad, a major regional hub known for its bustling markets and multicultural atmosphere influenced by both Kyrgyz and Uzbek traditions. We take time to stroll through the lively bazaar district and experience the city’s daily rhythm before continuing our journey through the fertile valley.

A short drive takes us to Uzgen, one of the region’s historical gems and a former trading town on the Silk Road. There, we visit the remarkable medieval complex, featuring an elegant minaret and several Karakhanid mausoleums decorated with intricate brickwork. These monuments, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and cultural heritage of Central Asia.

In the afternoon, we reach the country’s southern capital, Osh. The highlight of the visit is the sacred mountain of Sulaiman-Too, an impressive limestone hill rising in the middle of the city and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk along its trails leads to several small shrines and viewpoints, offering a panoramic view of Osh and the surrounding Ferghana Valley.

Although the trip can be completed in a single long day, we recommend splitting it into two days to fully enjoy the rich cultural and historical sites of the Ferghana Valley—a choice that also promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to travel.