Trekking from Osh to Tash Rabat

This private trekking journey links Osh with Tash Rabat across the Ferghana range, high passes and the Arpa Valley. Expect remote terrain, several demanding trekking days, tented camps, horse porters and time with the local horsemen supporting the route. The itinerary combines Osh’s Silk Road history, mountain pastures and the Tash Rabat caravanserai, with an overnight in a yurt camp at the end of the trek.

Day 1 – Tour start in Osh City

Altitude: 950 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Osh

Meet the guide in Osh, either at the airport or at a guesthouse. Osh is a 3,000-year-old Silk Road city with parks, bazaars and the sacred Sulaiman-Too mountain. The day includes a walk up to the ridge at Sulaiman-Too and a visit to Osh’s large Silk Road bazaar. Lunch is served at a café in one of the city parks.

The afternoon allows time to prepare for the trek and buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Overnight at a guesthouse in Osh.

*The tour can also start in Bishkek. A flight from Bishkek to Osh can be arranged for an additional fee.

Day 2 – Osh to Yassy Gorge

Altitude: 1,950 m
Altitude Gain: 200 m
Altitude Loss: 0 m
Trekking time: 3 hours / 7 km
Driving: 125 km
Driving time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tents

Leave Osh for Yassy Gorge, with a first stop in the ancient Silk Road town of Uzgen. Visit the three mausoleums in the historical park and the Silk Road minaret.

In Yassy Gorge, meet the horsemen and begin the trek towards the base of Chiite Pass at 2,400 m. This is a moderate first trekking day, allowing time to settle into the mountains, meet the trekking guide and horsemen, and begin acclimatisation.

Day 3 – Yassy Gorge to Koek Kya

Altitude: 2,450 m
Altitude Gain: 1,300 m
Altitude Loss: 1,000 m
Trekking time: 7 hours / 20 km
Accommodation: Tents

After loading equipment onto the horse porters, leave Yassy Gorge and head towards Chiite Pass at 2,400 m. Continue over Shiite Pass at 3,630 m before descending into the Jylangash Valley. Camp near the base of Koek Kya Pass at 2,650 m.

This is a demanding day with considerable ascent and descent; an early start is recommended.

Day 4 – Koek Kya to Kichi Karakoman

Altitude: 2,750 m
Altitude Gain: 1,050 m
Altitude Loss: 600 m
Trekking time: 6.5 hours / 18 km
Accommodation: Tents

Cross varied mountain terrain and cover substantial distance. The route passes over Koek Kay Pass at 3,081 m and Kyzyl Beles Pass at 3,143 m. Where conditions and energy levels allow, a higher viewpoint can be added from the passes.

Camp near the Kichki Karakoman River at 3,135 m.

Day 5 – Kichi Karakoman River to Karakol River

Altitude: 3,150 m
Altitude Gain: 200 m
Altitude Loss: 250 m
Trekking time: 6.5 hours / 16 km
Accommodation: Tents

A gentler trekking day offers time to recover after the previous high passes while continuing through the mountain landscape. Shepherd families may be encountered in the summer pastures, where daily life centres on yurts, livestock and seasonal work.

For a more demanding option, add a hike towards Karakol Pass for views across both sides of the Ferghana range. Camp near the Karakol River.

Day 6 – Karakol to Kek Bel Pass

Altitude: 3,100 m
Altitude Gain: 815 m
Altitude Loss: 465 m
Trekking time: 6.5 hours / 17 km
Accommodation: Tents

Cross the Karakol River early in the morning, when water levels are generally lower. The horsemen assist with the crossing. Continue along mountain footpaths towards the base of Kek Bel Pass at 3,885 m.

Day 7 – Kek Bel Pass – Soek River – Tash Rabat

Altitude: 3,450 m
Altitude Gain: 0 m
Altitude Loss: 150 m
Trekking time: 3.5 hours / 7 km
Accommodation: Yurt Camp in Tash Rabat

Cross Kok Bel Pass at 3,885 m, then descend to the Soek River to meet the driver. Farewell to the horsemen before continuing with the guide to Tash Rabat.

Tash Rabat is a caravanserai dating from the 10th century and a fitting place to rest after the trek. Overnight in a yurt camp near the caravanserai, with a local-style shower and device-charging facilities available.

Day 8 – Drive from Tash Rabat to Bishkek

Altitude: 850 m
Driving: 450 km
Driving time: 6.5 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Bishkek

Drive from Tash Rabat to Bishkek through the changing landscapes of central Kyrgyzstan: open valleys, dry slopes, cliffs, red canyons and the Naryn River. The journey is long but follows good roads.

Arrive in Bishkek, settle into the guesthouse and enjoy time to rest after the trek. Farewell dinner at a café in Bishkek.

Day 9 – Flight home

Transfer to Manas Airport for the departure flight.