Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

This complete travel guide will tell you all about the best things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan, including a detailed list of places for the best trekking and hiking in the Naryn region.

Nestled into the foothills of the Naryn-Too mountain range, you’ll find the city of Naryn within the Naryn region, the most mountainous area of Kyrgyzstan.

More than 70% of the region is occupied by mountain ranges that include, the largest Tien Shan Kokshaal-To range, the Moldo-Too, At-Bashi, Naryn-Too and Suusamyr-Too ranges. All of which sit at an average height of between 3000 and 4000 metres.

The Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan, an area packed to the brim with traditional Kyrgyz culture, epic landscapes and endless trekking options, is the ideal place for any budding mountain hiker in search of adventure. Let’s dive into all that Naryn has to offer!

Tip: See my Kyrgyzstan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Kyrgyzstan!

Kol Tor Lake At Bashi Naryn Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyzstan Lakes - Things to do in Naryn - Naryn Hiking Guide - Journal of Nomads
Kol Tor At-Bashi in the Naryn region

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Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan
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A brief history of Naryn Kyrgyzstan

Naryn city was originally founded as a point for traders passing through whilst travelling to China through the Torugart Pass during the times of the Great Silk Road.

In 1868, it became a garrison town and was officially declared a city in 1927. In 1920, there was a battle between the Red Army and the White Guards and Naryn city fell under Russian rule. It was also at this point that the city became the administrative centre of the region.

Naryn city sits on the banks of the Naryn river, the longest in Kyrgyzstan. Located around 100 miles from the border with China, today it’s considered to be an important free economic zone and trade centre.

The city of Naryn today is home to around 35,000 people and became a university town in 2016. The University of Central Asia now has a campus here which brings in people from all over the country.

Naryn Kyrgyzstan - Top Things to do in Naryn - Best hikes in Naryn - Naryn Travel Guide - Journal of Nomads
Naryn city

The Naryn region has always been home to the nomadic Kyrgyz people who settled here between the 11th and 13th centuries. It is considered to be the most ‘traditionally Kyrgyz’ region in Kyrgyzstan and today the population is around 99% Kyrgyz.

The Soviet Union chose to close much of the Naryn area to tourism in hope of preserving the natural beauty of the place. This in turn has meant that Naryn’s ecotourism sector has grown and grown. It was only during Soviet rule that villages, towns and roads were constructed in the region.

In many ways, the way of life has not differed here for centuries with 80% of the population today working in agriculture, sheep breeding and farming. 

Kyrgyzstan nomadic life - Journal of Nomads

Is Naryn worth visiting?

Naryn city itself is a nice place to visit, but there isn’t particularly a lot to do within the town itself.

The Naryn river, the country’s longest, travels past leafy avenues and residential houses overlooked by the nearby Tian Shan mountains. Naryn city is a good stopping place for travellers going to and from Kashgar but it’s relatively small and is most definitely overshadowed by Naryn as a region.

Covering 25% of Kyrgyzstan, many people come to visit Naryn Oblast because it is a trekkers dream with so much to explore. The region is home to the famous and most visited attraction in Kyrgyzstan, the alpine lake of Son Kol.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide - Son Kul Lake - Journal of Nomads
Son Kol Lake

Naryn town is a great base for many of the fantastic hikes, sights and things to do in the Naryn region. The most mountainous region in Kyrgyzstan with some of the most stunning natural beauty within the country are reasons why the area continues to draw visitors from all over the globe.

How to travel overland from Europe to Asia - Best travel routes - Journal of Nomads
Scenery in the Naryn Region

Visiting Naryn gives you a window into the ways of traditional Kyrgyz culture. You’ll gain an insight into the ways that Kyrgyz people in this area live and how different it is compared to modern life elsewhere in the world.

Dreaming of hiking through wild mountain landscapes, horseback riding across alpine pastures, sleeping in yurts, and exploring remote valleys by 4×4 with a small group of adventurous travelers?

👉 Eager to discover the wild beauty of Kyrgyzstan?

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What is the best time to visit Naryn, Kyrgyzstan

The most ideal time of year to visit Naryn Kyrgyzstan and the Naryn region is during the summer months between June and September.

Bear in mind that the temperatures at this time of year can be hot so come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear, especially if you are planning on trekking in Naryn and surrounding areas. This is also when Kyrgyzstan’s bazaars are the most bustling and busy.

If you’re coming to the area for some hiking and adventure, then Naryn’s weather is best during the summer months as hiking trails are at their most accessible.

Winter conditions can last for longer periods in the mountainous areas and some passes at high altitudes are impassable until the height of summer.

Kyrgyzstan’s continental climate means dry, hot summers and excessively cold winters. The southern part of the Naryn region is the coldest area in the country, with winter temperatures sometimes plummeting to -40°C.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

How to get to Naryn

Naryn has a bus station from where all the marshrutkas (minibuses) leave, usually in the early morning. Shared taxis are another great option for travel within and outside of Naryn, especially if you’re heading to more remote Naryn trekking destinations.

If you’re coming to visit Naryn, particularly for the hiking opportunities, then it’s important to know that many of the trails and places are not well served by public transport. Many visitors choose to hitchhike or take a (shared) taxi to the closest town near their destined hiking trail or otherwise rent a car privately or a car with a driver.

Public transportation between Jumgal, Kochkor, At-Bashi and Naryn city is fairly straightforward from the northern areas of Kyrgyzstan. 

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How to get from Bishkek to Naryn city

Travel between Bishkek to Naryn by marshrutka or (shared) taxi. The route is quite scenic, passing through beautiful mountainous terrain.

Marshrutkas and (shared) taxis leave from the Bishkek New Bus Station. The journey to Naryn takes around 5 to 6 hours and costs 450 som per person (marsrutka) to 750 som per person (shared taxi). They usually leave in the morning and depart when full.

Travel by private taxi from Bishkek to Naryn will be faster (4 to 5 hours) but is more expensive. Count on 4000 som (around USD$50).

How to get from Karakol to Naryn city

You can travel from Karakol to Naryn by marshrutka or (shared) taxi.

The markshrutkas and shared taxis leave from Karakol main bus station. Once a day, usually in the early morning (around 8.30 am), there’s a direct minibus going from Karakol to Naryn, passing Kochkor. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours and costs 450 som per person. A shared taxi costs around 850 som per person.

If there are no direct marshrutkas from Karakol to Naryn, you’ll first have to take one from Karakol main bus station to Balykchy and then transfer to another bus or shared taxi to Naryn. The costs will be around 500 som in total, the travel duration between 7 to 8 hours.

How to get from Kochkor to Naryn city

Shared taxis and minibuses to Naryn usually depart in the morning and early afternoon from the main bus station or central market area in Kochkor. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours and costs 300 som (marshrutka) to 500 som (shared taxi) per person.

How to get from Osh to Naryn city

Traveling from Osh to Naryn by public transport is a long way and involves a combination of shared taxis and minibuses due to the lack of a direct route.

To get from Osh to Naryn by public transport, there’s no other way then first traveling from Osh to Bishkek by shared taxi (there are no buses or marshrutkas between Osh and Bishkek). Shared taxisusually depart from the Osh Central Bus Station (Osh Avtovokzal). The journey takes between 10 to 12 hours and costs around 1500 som per person.

From Bishkek, you can choose to take a marshrutka or shared taxi from the Western bus station (see above How to get from Bishkek to Naryn).

Some travelers hope to get from Osh to Naryn via Kazarman as this looks like a “shorter” route on Google Maps (8 to 10 hours) but this isn’t the case. There is no public transport between Kazarman and Naryn. The only option would be to rent a private 4×4 car (with driver), which easily costs $100 a day.

Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan - Lake Toktogul in Kyrgyzstan - Hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan - Journal of Nomads
Toktogul Reservoir, on the road between Osh and Bishkek

How to get around Naryn city

When visiting Naryn city, shared taxis are a good way to travel around. People hop on and off like marshrutkas and the fares are cheap. It’s relatively quick to get around as there are only a few sights and things to do in Naryn city (see further below).

Where to stay in Naryn – hostels, guesthouses and yurts camps

Naryn city itself is relatively small and undeveloped. If you’re looking for a plush, luxury hotel then you will be disappointed with what’s on offer here.

Guesthouses and B&B’s with a dorm room option are a good choice in Naryn city. You’ll find that accommodation here is not as cheap as in other parts of Kyrgyzstan and the reason for this is that there just isn’t that much choice here.

Best places to stay in Naryn city

  1. Guest House Jamal

Guest House Jamal is a guesthouse in Naryn, not far from the city CBT (Community Based Tourism office). Whilst staying here, you’ll have access to a garden, shared lounge and kitchen. There is a 24 hour front desk plus free WI-FI as well as a great option of breakfast choices. Bike hire is available from the guesthouse.

Check out availability and prices for Guest House Jamal here.

  1. Guest House Tenir Too

Located not too far from the Naryn Central Market is Guest House Tenir Too. Here you’ll find a shared terrace and lounge as well as free WiFi and private parking. Each of the rooms have access to a shared bathroom that includes complimentary toiletries and linen for the beds. English, Turkish and Russian are all spoken and understood by the reception staff at the front desk.

Check prices and availability for Guest House Tenir Too here.

  1. Pamko

Pamko is a B&B in Naryn town that offers accommodation with a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi and private parking. Each room has access to a private bathroom and a TV, the rooms are spacious and clean and this is a great place for solo travellers.

Check out availability and prices for Pamko here.

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, the Grand Khan Tengri Hotel is a 4-star hotel and the best high-end choice in Naryn. The hotel offers spacious rooms and has a garden, private parking, restaurant and bar on the premises.

Check prices and availability for Grand Khan Tengri Hotel here.

Yurt camps in Naryn

The most popular type of accommodation in the Naryn region happens to be yurt camps. The most popular camps are around the shores of Son Kol Lake, Kol Ukok and in the Kok Kiya Valley near Kel Suu Lake.

There is no wifi reception at the lakes so it’s not always certain that your online booking willl be well-received. The best way is to arrive at the yurt camp and check their availability. In case the yurt camp has no availability, they’ll refer you to one of the neighboring camps.

Tash Rabat Yurt Camp - Where to stay in Tash Rabat - The Complete Guide to Tash Rabat Caravanseria Kyrgyzstan - Journal of Nomads
One of the yurt camps in the Tash Rabat Valley

The yurt camp along the northern shore of Son Kol at Batai Aral is easily accessible by car which makes it a busy camp, likely to run out of accommodation quickly if a larger group comes passing through. The camps along the south shore of Son Kul are quieter for trekking in Naryn region.

There are a few yurt camps near Son Kul that you can book online in advance:

Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours - Yurt Camp at Son Kul Kyrgyzstan
One of the many yurt camps on the shores of Son Kul lake

Where to eat in Naryn

Naryn is known for some of the best traditional Krgyz cooking and meat in Kyrgyzstan. You’ll find that restaurants offer a range of cuisine from national to international dishes. 

Any of the guesthouses and B&B’s offer use of a kitchen so if you feel like cooking with some local ingredients, you can have a go! Many of the eateries in Naryn can be found close to the guesthouses in town:

  1. Khan Tengri Restaurant

The Khan Tengri restaurant is part of the Khan Tengri hotel in Naryn. Offering a great range of European and traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, this restaurant has a cosy atmosphere with a modern interior. The beef kuurdak and also the pizza are especially good here so make sure to try if you’re passing. 

  1. Bamboo Coffee

Offering a large range of western and international dishes as well as serving good coffee and alcoholic drinks, Bamboo is open from 9am until 12am every evening. Come and treat yourself to breakfast, lunch or dinner here in a relaxed atmosphere or head back in the evening for some drinks.

  1. Nomad Coffee

Nomad Coffee is a lovely, sociable place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by. Digital nomads will be happy to hear that there is free Wi-Fi as well as a great range of traditional and western dishes available. The shorpo soup is particularly good, the decor isn’t fancy but it’s a good place for a bite to eat.

Places to see and Things to do in Naryn

1. Naryn Historical Museum of Ethnography

The Naryn Historical Museum of Ethnography holds some interesting and special artefacts that are on display showing some great examples of the Kyrgyz tradition and cultural heritage. Clothing and tools are all on display here for visitors to see how nomadic Kyrgyz life was.

  • Open: 9am-6pm Monday – Friday
  • Admission fee 120 SOM ($1.50 approx) per person

2. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque in Naryn is a very unusual and uniquely shaped building. Located not far from the town centre, it’s well worth a visit whilst visiting Naryn.

The Tian Shan mountains make for a pretty impressive backdrop to this central mosque that was opened in 2015. The mosaic tiles are a vibrant shade of blue and they cover a large percentage of the building’s facade, including the minaret.

Things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan - Blue Mosque - Visit Naryn - Naryn travel guide - Journal of Nomads
The Blue Mosque in Naryn

3. Tash Rabat Caravanserai

Around a two-hour drive from Naryn city in the Kara-Koyun Gorge is the Tash Rabat Caravanserai. Sitting at an altitude of 3,200 metres, this 500 year old stone ‘caravanserai’ was once an inn for travellers who were passing along the Silk Road.

The well-preserved structure has a total of 31 rooms and would have provided accommodation for traders and travellers, including their animals to rest and eat in the 15th century.

The caravanserai is the largest stone building of Central Asian architecture that was built during this period. Archaeologists remain puzzled by this building’s unique layout as it is unusual for this type of caravanserai. It is believed that there may have been a Christian monastery on this site dating back to the 900’s.

The Complete Guide to Tash Rabat Caravanseria Kyrgyzstan - Journal of Nomads
Tash Rabat

You have the option of horseback riding here as well as yurt accommodation and food available from May until September.

If you happen to visit here, you should take the trail to the top of Panda Pass (4025 kilometres), 12 kilometres from the caravanserai, to see the views from the beautiful Chatyr Kol Lake.

Things to do in Tash Rabat - Tash Rabat hikes - Hiking to Tash Rabat Panda Pass Chatyr Kul Viewpoint - Horse Riding Tash Rabat- The Complete Guide to Tash Rabat Kyrgyzstan - Journal of Nomads
View on Chatyr Kol Lake from Panda Pass

4. Koshoy-Korgon

Koshoy-Korgon is the remains of an ancient hill fort and fortress from between 7th and 10th centuries.

Known to be the headquarters for Turkic Khans, the fortress was on the main caravan trade route. It sits around 12 kilometres from the At-Bashi village and was originally built to protect land in Kyrgyzstan from the Chinese armies. The building’s walls once stood at around 10 metres high but over time have sunk to around 4 metres.

Koshoy is around an hour’s drive from Naryn city and is on the same road as the Tash Rabat Caravanserai.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

5. Salkyn-Tor National Park

20 kilometres east of Naryn city, you’ll find Salkyn-Tor National Park. Covering 105 square kilometres, this park is one of the country’s natural wonders and a very popular spot for locals and visitors.

From Naryn, you can easily take a taxi to the entrance of the park where that entrance fee will cost you 20 som per person.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan
Salkyn -Tor National Park

6. Naryn Nature Reserve

The Naryn Nature Reserve covers around 37,000 hectares close to the Naryn river head. Its aim is to protect and preserve alpine meadows and coniferous woodlands, and it’s a spectacular place to visit near Naryn.

Wild and beautiful, unspoiled landscapes stretch across for as far as the eye can see. Various wildlife calls the reserve home such as wolves, deer, snow leopards as well as many others.

There’s a museum called the ‘Museum of Nature’ within the reserve for anyone interested in the aims and ideas behind the conservation project. It’s possible to take a taxi from Naryn city.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

7. The Naryn River

The Naryn River is Kyrgyzstan’s largest river and runs right through Naryn city. Stretching for an incredible 600 kilometres, it flows through not only Kyrgyzstan, but also into Uzbekistan.

While the sights within Naryn may be limited to a few, the river is a lovely sight to see and one of the things to do and visit in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan. While the majority of people purely enjoy being close to the water, you do have the opportunity for some water rafting in some of the narrower passes. The best time for this is between April and November.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

The 12 best hikes in Naryn

The Naryn region in Kyrgyzstan is defined by rugged mountains, high lakes and river valleys. The entire region is sparsely populated making it an ideal location for those looking to be at one with mother nature in all of her glory. The majority of the region is completely covered by mountains with alpine meadows, gorges and valleys.

For the most part, the region sits above 1000 metres above sea level. The lowest point is around 1400 and the highest around 5000 metres. It’s an adventure playground for any avid hikers or trekking enthusiasts as there are so many options for trekking in Naryn and surrounding regions.

Let me tell you about some of the best Naryn hiking options and give you even more reasons to visit this special area.

Trekking near Naryn City

While Naryn makes for a convenient starting base for many mountain adventures, hikes immediately surrounding the city are surprisingly limited.. Below is a list of the best hikes to do near Naryn city.

1. Panorama 360 Hike

Departing from within the city limits just south of the small Apple Tree Park, the Panorama 360 Hike is a 4.5 km day hike that will have you climbing higher than 1200 metres. If you’re reasonably fit, you’ll be able to climb to the Ala Mishuk peak and return in just one day.

The path to the top begins behind the car park that is located across from the car bridge to the west, over the Naryn River. There is a TV-radio and meteorology station at the top that was opened in 1964.

Although the hike can be completed in a day, it’s important to highlight that the elevation gain is quite strenuous and that the walk should only really be completed during fine weather. The return to Naryn city can be dangerous in wet weather. Find its GPS files here.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan
View from the Panorama 360 hike, photo by Stephen Lioy

2. Ak Tash Naryn Trail

If you’re looking for a scenic day hike that’s not super challenging, then the Ak Tash Naryn Trail is for you.

This fantastic 14 kilometre trail travels up a short valley that sits opposite to Salkyn-Tor National Park (see above), reaching 2954 metres and displays epic views across the southern ridge from the ‘White Stones’ that give the hike its name.

You can travel to Alysh and Kenesh from Naryn bus station. Take a shared taxi in the direction of Eki Naryn or a marshrutka to the village of Alysh and Kenesh, just east of Naryn. The most widely-recognized landmark here is Salkyn Tor, so ask the driver to drop you there.

Just before you reach the turnoff for the day hike path in Alysh village, keep a look out for a dirt track past a large tourist yurt. Here you will find the beginning of the Ak Tash Naryn Trail.

You’ll pass the Kozho-Unkur cave and then return to Kenish village and the main road back to Naryn city. Find the hike’s GPS files here.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan
Ak Tash and surrounding peaks, photo by Stephen Lioy

3. Eki-Naryn Valley

Eki-Naryn translates to ‘Two Naryn’ and relates to the point where Naryn’s largest rivers join together to create the River Naryn. Just past the Eki-Naryn village, where the forests line the road and the road narrows, head to the otherside of the first bridge and you’ll find Akel’s Yurt Camp.

This camp makes a great base for exploring the area full of pine trees, wild blackberries and mountainous scenery. The altitude of the area is around 2000 metres above sea and the valley is around 44 kilometres from Naryn city. You can travel here from Naryn via either shared taxi or mashrutka.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

Trekking in Naryn’s Kochkor & Jumgal Regions

The Jumgal region sits north of lake Son Kol and is rarely visited by outside visitors. There are some great Naryn hiking trails here that you can combine with walks to Son Kol Lake itself. There are frequent departures from the central bus terminal in Kochkor for Jumgal that pass through the Kyzart Pass, a common starting point for Son Kol, continuing for Chaek and other hiking destinations in the area.

4. Son Kol via Tuz Ashuu

Son-Kol Lake, the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, is located at an altitude of 3016 meters above sea level around 90 kilometres northwest of the city of Naryn.

It’s host to the Horse Games Festival in July which is a sight to see with various equestrian contests and a mass of traditional Krgyz food, hospitality and celebration.

It’s a well-visited place in the Naryn region and although it’s possible to drive 3000 metres right up to the lake’s shore, the option to hike or ride horseback is more popular.

The beautiful alpine meadows are where you will experience Kyrgyz nomadic life. Staying the evening in one of the many yurt camps and soaking up the view of growing edelweiss surrounding the mesmerising water of the top things to do in Naryn.

Son Kul Lake Kyrgyzstan - Journal of Nomads
Son Kul Lake

From Kyzart village at the north side of the lake, you can take the Son Kol via the Tuz Ashuu trail. This route is a one day trek to the lake, around 12 kilometres, that will take you on a Soviet-era 4×4 track from the pasture at Bost-Turuk along to the Tuz-Ashuu Pass. You can also make it into a 2 to 3-day trekking loop, more info here.

Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour - Journal of Nomads - Horseriding Son Kul

You’ll then travel down to Son Kol Lake where you can stay the evening in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt and experience some true nomadic culture. This Son Kul hiking option is a great option for any keen hikers on the lookout for a direct route to the lake. Find its GPS files here.

Adventure Trekking in Kyrgyzstan July 2019 - horseback trek in Kyrgyzstan - Song Kol
Yurt camp at Son Kol Lake

Ride across the high alpine pastures of Kyrgyzstan and experience the magic of Song Kul Lake on horseback, together with local guides and fellow adventurers.

👉 Join the Song Kul horse riding tour!

Song Kul Lake Horse riding Tours - Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours

5. Son Kol from the Kyzart Pass

The route to Son Kol from the Kyzart Pass is a 34 kilometers long hike and can be done in 2 days if your end destination is Son Kul Lake (3 days if you’re hiking all the way to Kyzart). Starting at the Kyzart Pass, this route usually includes a night spent in a yurt at the Kilemche Jailoo.

Adventure Trekking in Kyrgyzstan July 2019
Kilemche Valley

The path leads you over the lakes south side where you’ll be able to take in the Son Kol Panorama before heading into the Kashka Suu valley. From here the trail then circles along a wild river and then back to Lake Son Kol with the trail ending at the Bataai Aral yurt camps. Find its GPS files here.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan - Kyrgyzstan in spring - Son Kul Lake

Whichever route you choose to visit Son Kol, seeing this stunning lake and surrounding area is one of the best things to do in the Naryn region.

6. Ak Kol Loop

The Ak Kol Loop is a great, one-day 20-kilometre loop high in the mountains above the Jumgal district’s main town Chaek

The small settlement of Ak Kol is a really interesting place to visit whilst in the area too. The Soviet-designed wooden cabins houses that once housed people at an old mining complex and sanatoria in the area, now are homes to residents who live there today. Find the trail’s GPS files here.

There is no public transportation to Ak-Kol, so the only access is on foot or by private transportation (inquire at the bus station in Chaek). Ak-Kol is accessible by a 10km dirt road that leads off of the new highway section from Kazarman to Chaek.

7. Jumgal Three Lakes

The Jumgal Three Lakes is a 45-kilometre, multi-day hike that leads you through some of the best sights of the valley’s Northern Ridge. Whilst following along shepherd and 4×4 paths, the trail leads you by three mountain lakes and yurt camps.

This is a great hike for beginners as it’s fairly easy to follow and not highly challenging. Find its GPS files here.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

8. Kol Ukok Lake

Kol Ukok (meaning ‘The Lake in a Chest’) is nestled between two slopes in the Terskei Ala Too Mountains. Close to Kochkor, a hike here makes for a great alternative add on to a trip to Son Kol Lake.

Kol Ukok - Son Kul - Chelpek Lakes - Zhashyl Kul - Ydryk Lakes - Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan - Best destinations horseback trek Kyrgyzstan - Horse riding Song Kul Naryn

You can take public transport to the village of Bolshevik from which the closest shore of the lake is around 14 kilometres away. A 4×4 track then continues for 11 kilometres from which the lake shore is only 3 kilometres.

There are several yurt camps around the shores of Kol Ukok Lake where you will get to experience some real Kyrgyz hospitality and culture. It’s a beautiful place to visit in the Naryn region. Find the GPS files for this hike here.

Kol Ukok - Son Kul - Chelpek Lakes - Zhashyl Kul - Ydryk Lakes - Horse Riding in Kyrgyzstan - Best destinations horseback trek Kyrgyzstan - Horse riding Song Kul Naryn

Trekking Naryn’s At-Bashi Region

9. Kel-Suu Lake

Kel-Suu Lake is one of the top sights to see in the Naryn region. However, before travelling here, it’s important to organise a border permit from CBT Naryn before leaving for your trip.

Located in the At-Bashi area, Kel-Suu is a stunning and remote alpine lake that’s quite tricky to reach by road due to the condition of the roads. It sits tucked into a nook near the border with China and once there, the hike to the lake is a relatively easy route.

Around 12 kilometres, depending on where you’re staying in the Kok Kiya Valley, you can do the final section on horseback or on foot.

Kel Suu Lake Kyrgyzstan - The Complete Travel Guide how to visit Kel Suu Lake in Kyrgyzstan

Discover the remote beauty of Kel Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular alpine lakes, on a short adventure with a small group of fellow travelers.

👉 Learn more about the Kel Suu Lake trip and how to join!

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10. Kol Tor At Bashi

This short trail, at just 2 kilometres, takes you to the lake shore of Kol Tor, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains. The trail climbs only 166 metres of elevation yet totally delivers.

If you’re visiting Kel Suu, this is a great place to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Naryn Oblast. It’s a short detour from the road, with an option to continue along to the far end of the lake, from the left-hand side. Find the GPS files of the trail here.

Beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan
Kol Tor Lake

11. Shaar Waterfall

The Shaar Waterfall is located on the outskirts of Bash Kaindy, close to At Bashi town. Come and witness some of Central Asia’s tallest water cascades with very few other tourists.

It’s possible to visit from Naryn city in a day as the hike here is only around 8.5 kilometres each way. If you are walking from Bash Kaindy, as far as public transport will take you, you’ll need to add another 6 kilometres onto your walk.

I would suggest doing it as an overnight trip and to try camping in the valley, taking in the sunset in view of the falls. A real treat and a wonderful beginners Naryn trekking option on offer. Find its GPS files here.

Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan

12. Chatyr Kol Lake Panorama

Lake Chatyr Kol is a beautiful alpine lake nestled in the Tian Shan mountains. Located in the At Bashi area in the Naryn region, it’s close to the Torugart Pass near the border with China and around 100 kilometres from Naryn city.

For those keen to explore this area, there’s a great trail that’s around 22 kilometres and starts near Bash -Kaindy, from the Tash Rabat Caravanserai.

Things to do in Tash Rabat - Tash Rabat hikes - Hiking to Tash Rabat Panda Pass Chatyr Kul Viewpoint - Horse Riding Tash Rabat- The Complete Guide to Tash Rabat Kyrgyzstan - Journal of Nomads
You can also get there on horseback

The route takes around 8 hours on average to walk and is considered to be quite challenging. You might be lucky enough to spot some of the amazing wildlife that lives in and around the lake such as mountain goats, snow leopards and red marmots.

You’ll follow along the tracks of the traders towards China, from times of the Great Silk Road. It brings you to see some epic panoramic views of Lake Chatyr Kol from the Panda Pass and along the shore of the lake.

The route then returns back along the same path and if you plan on doing this trek in Naryn oblast, then you’ll need to obtain a border permit beforehand. Find its GPS files here.

Chatyr Kul Lake Kyrgyzstan - Hiking to Chatyr Kul Lake - Hiking in Tash Rabat - Kyrgyzstan Trekking - The Complete Guide to Tash Rabat - Journal of Nomads

Naryn, this mountainous and beautiful part of Kyrgyzstan, has so much to see and there are so many hiking options available, I have just listed some of the best ones. I really hope that this guide has been a great read for you and that you have a fantastic trip to trekking in Naryn!

If you have more recommendations for places to visit or things to do in Naryn, any updates or questions, contact me or let us know in the comments below!

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