What are the highlights?

The Arslanbob walnut forest, the turquoise lakes of Sary-Chelek, and Chatkal river rafting — a greener, gentler side of the Kyrgyz mountains.

When is the best time to visit?

May, June and September are ideal; autumn is special when the walnut harvest is in. Midsummer is hot at lower elevations.

Do I need experience?

Most activities here — forest trekking, lake walks, gentler rafting — suit fit beginners . Each course page notes the level.

Things to do in Jalal-Abad Region

Green and humid where the Tian Shan drops toward the Fergana Valley, Jalal-Abad holds the vast Arslanbob walnut forest — the largest in the world — and the string of alpine lakes at Sary-Chelek. It is a softer, greener side of the Kyrgyz mountains, rich in forest, water and orchard country.

Walnut forest and lakes

Trekking and horse riding through the Arslanbob walnut forests, kayaking and walking around the Sary-Chelek biosphere lakes, and white-water rafting in the Chatkal valley, in southern Kyrgyzstan. Open the Book here tab for dates.