Discovery
From Murghab to Bishkek
A cultural tour from Tajikistan along the M41 trunk road to Bishkek.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Countries
- Tajikistan , Kyrgyzstan
- Activities
- Health and Wellness , Historical Sites , Nomadic Lifestyle , Observing Flora
- 01 Sary-Tash
- 02 Osh
- 03 Arslanbob village
- 04 Toktogul water reservoir
- 05 Toktogul
Sustainability
Road travel metric
238.4 km/day · 1 192 km total
The story
The journey
If you are arriving in Murghab, Tajikistan, this program provides you with a route to reach Kyrgyzstan and its capital, Bishkek, via one of the most picturesque roads. This route traverses the highest pass in the former USSR countries, the Ak-Baytal Pass, reaching an altitude of 4655 meters above sea level. Along the way, you'll traverse various mountain ranges, including the Pamir, Ferghana, and Tien Shan.
Route map
The route
Day by day
The journey, day by day
5 chapters
- Day 01
From Murghab, crossing the border between Tajikistan/Kyrgyzstan and drive to Sary Tash village
In the morning, we drive to Kyrgyzstan. The road goes up to the highest road pass of Central Asia : Ak-Baital pass 4655 m. altitude, then the road goes down to the endorheic lake of Karakul, the biggest lake of Tajikistan. After lunch on the shore of the lake at Karaat village, we drive ahead to the Kyzyl-Art pass marking the border with Kyrgyzstan. After passing the Tajik border post, we drive down to Kyrgyzstan and pass the Kyrgyz border post, in the wide Kyzyl Suu valley, also named Chong Alay. Arrival in Sary-Tash, installation in a homestay, dinner.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 02
Road from Sary-Tash to Osh city on the M41
We leave the high valley of the Kyrgyz Pamir through the pass Taldyk 3640 m. alt. and drive into the gorge till Gulsho (1543 m. alt.), the main village of the Kichi Alay district. The road is today completely repaired an covered with asphalt. After a small pass 2240m. alt., the road goes down slowly in the middle of fields of the Ferghana valley. Arrival in Osh for the lunch. Visit of the bazar and the Throne of the King Salomon. Overnight in local homestay. (Options : bath in mineral water near Gulsho; visit of lakes in the gorge Taldyk)
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 03
Day visit of cities of Osh, Uzgen, Jalal Abad and transfer to Arslanbob
Morning transfer to Jalal Abad. Visit the mausoleums and Minaret Uzgen on road. After lunch, transfer to the village of Arslanbob. The road follows first the border with Uzbekistan and the Arslanbob mountains. The village Arslanbob has a typical architecture and the center of the largest walnut forest in the world. It is said that Alexander the Great came to have a rest there with his army and would have brought Macedonia to Arslanbob nuts. Possibility to walk to a sacred waterfall or discover kyrgyz cuisine. Overnight in guest house.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 04
Walk around Arslanbob and transfer to Toktogul
In the morning we walk to the waterfall and forests. Lunch in Arslanbob. Then drive to Toktogul lake. We drive through canyon of the Naryn River and barages. Taking several pictures at the edge of the cliffs and the lake stops. Then we go round the artificial lake of Toktogul. Arrival in the gorge of the Chychkhan river. Overnight in the guesthouse.Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 05
Drive to Bishkek by the Suusamyr valley
Transfer to the Kyrgyz's capital by the Chychkhan gorge and the high valley of Suusamyr. The Too-Ashuu tunnel permits to cross the Kyrgyz Alatoo range and reach the valley of Chuy. Arrival in Bishkek, visit of the city. Night in guesthouse.Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Photography
Along the way
Further reading
More from this journey
Practical information
Prepare for the journey
- All transportation in a private vehicle
- All airport transfers
- Accommodation as described in the program
- Meals (3 per day)
- Bottled water & tea
- English-speaking guide
- All the activities listed in the program
- Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program
- Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program
- Domestic flights mentioned in the program
- A contribution to our sustainable development projects
- Organisation of the trip & local taxes
- International flights
- International banking fees (PayPal, ...)
- Travel & repatriation insurance
- Visas / LOI (if applicable)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal expenses
- Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)
- Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)
Reviews of Nomad's Land
Travelers, in their own words
Published reviews of our team and service.
Nous tenions à vous remercier pour l’organisation de notre voyage au Kirghizistan. Ce pays est magnifique avec des personnes très accueillantes. Grâce à l’énergie positive de notre guide Baktygul, nous avons pu entrer en contact avec la population locale, aidée par quelques vodka bien sûr.
Nomadsland organized a 5 days 4 nights winter tour from Bishkek to Issyk Kol lake via Chom Keming (horse riding), Jyrgalan (snow shoeing), Karakol (museums) and Bokanbaevo (fairy canyon, 7 bulls, eagle hunting), then back to Bishkek. Nikita, our guide, picked us up from the airport and drove us round the snowy roads in his excellent v8 4wd.
4 Day Hike through Archa Tor pass It’s my first trip to Kyrgyzstan! My wife and I are independent travelers and prefer the solitude of traveling without guide or porters. I found Aibek Nomad's Land online as we were on a short 5 day trip, 3 or which were full day hikes so transport to and from the exact start and end points were essential.
Private travel, made personal
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