Kyrgyzstan

The Torugart Pass is the most marked passage between Kyrgyzstan and China. Travelers and merchants cross this passage more than 2000 years ago. On the Kyrgyz side, the caravanserai of Tash Rabat is the stopping point for spending the night before the day that will take you to Kashgar. The passage is heavily controlled, especially on the Chinese side, and your trip must be organized with local tour operators. The pass is open all year, but is closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), and when there is heavy snowfall.

The town of Toktogul is located in the district of Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, along the dam Toktogul. The Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, is 280 km north and Osh, the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan, 400km south. Located in west of the chain of the Tian Shan, the Toktogul valley has a long history. Its location along the river Naryn and surrounded by mountains allowed to easily defend against attacks and withstand natural disasters. With its abundant nature, the 7-4 centuries BC, the valley was home on his land Scythian warrior tribes.

The scenary Song Kul (or Song Kul) lake is the main pasture of nomads. Hundreds yurts are built during summer. The beautiful lake large of about 25-35 km is a natural reserve. Many species of birds are stopping during their long migration. Some tombs from Sakh times and petroglyphs are most ancient traces of live. Different trekking or horseback riding roads are joining the place.

Explore the captivating Kyrgyz Creek Canyon, starting from the iconic "Red Bridge" train bridge. The canyon, carved by the Kurgan Terek River, features stunning red rock formations. 

The hike to the red part of the canyon takes about an hour, following a narrow path along the river where you'll occasionally need to walk in the water. It's advisable to avoid this hike during or after rain due to potential hazards. After an hour, the canyon opens up to reveal magnificent red towers reminiscent of the Creek Canyon. 

The Oguz Bashi massif is located at the top of the Jeti Oguz valley. It looks like a bull's head, as called in the Kyrgyz language. The massif includes several summits including the Boris Yeltsin peak culminating at 5,168 meters above sea level. On the north side, the massif looks like a large wall, on the south side, the Boroko glacier descends on a gentle slope. It thus offers different routes, for amateur mountaineers or for professionals.

Naryn Nature Reserve is located 40 km east of the town of the same name. It was established in 1983 and covers an area of 1080 km2. The reserve stretches along the northern flank of the Naryn Kyrka Toosuu Range, south of the Chong Naryn River. The altitude rises from 2000 meters to 4500 meters. The flora and fauna has become very rich, there are snow leopards, gray wolves, red foxes, Siberian ibex and argali, deer, Tien Shan brown bears and much more. 48 bird species have also been listed.

The Naryn River Canyon is located in Jalal Abad Oblast with a length of 85 km. The river flows from Toktogul Lake to the Tashkomur Dam, which is one of the 4 dams in this canyon. The M41 road, from Bishkek to Osh, runs along the river which in Uzbekistan will become the Syr-Darya river.

On the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, one kilometer east of Ton Bay, is the holy place "Manzhaly-Ata". Manzhyly-Ata became famous at the end of the 17th century, in the epic "Manas" he is mentioned as sacred to the Kyrgyz people. Although Manzhaly was the patron saint of nomadic pastors, he was a famous professor of Sufism, who during his lifetime spread Islam among the Kyrgyz nomadic pagans.

The Kitchi Alay valley, located in Osh Oblast, stretches over 50 km north of the Alay chain. In particular, it provides access to the Sary Moghol pass.

The Kol Ter pass is the link between the Ashuu Kol Ter gorge to the north and the Kol Ter valley to the south. This is another alternative to Shamshi Pass, further west of the latter. South of the pass, there is a small lake with turquoise water.