Ak Kol Hike in the Chychkan Gorge

With a trailhead only 45 minutes from Toktogul, you can hike this 6 hour hike and be back in town in time for tea at your homestay!

This is an out and back hike that takes you from just off of the Osh-Bishkek highway up to an alpine lake with an amazing backdrop. This hike is best done when the snow has sufficiently cleared starting in June.

Book a roundtrip taxi or utilize a local guide to escort you. You’ll have an alpine lakeside lunch and then descend with a 360 degreee view of mountains.

While there is nothing technical on this hike it is quite steep in both directions so you will need to have a sufficient fitness level. We recommend trekking poles, sunscreen, hiking boots/shoes, and plenty of water.

Maybe you didn’t notice this turnoff on your way through this scenic gorge but it’s definitely worth a visit!

FAQs

What is included in the price?

This is a pack your own lunch kind of hike. You will need to schedule (at the very minimum) a roundtrip taxi service (3500 som), but you can have a local guide escort you for 4500 som total. If you’d like to just be dropped off and plan to hitchhike home, then we can schedule a one-way service for 2000 som.

Will my guide speak English?

No. While we do have a guide internship for local English students your guide will provide mainly transportation and assistance. If you’d like an English speaker, please make a special request and we can check if anyone is available.

If I just want to do this myself is it possible?

We have provided downloadable maps via Ride with GPS. You are welcome to use these. Hitchhiking or taking a marshutka is up to you.