For solitude and culture — the Manas mausoleum, empty ridges and traditional valley life, with almost no other visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

June to September for the ridges and passes; late spring is lovely lower down when the valleys are green.

Talas is remote, reached over mountain passes from Bishkek or via Kazakhstan; allow extra travel time and expect basic facilities.

Things to do in Talas Region

Dry and little-visited, the Talas valley in the far northwest shelters between the Talas and Kyrgyz ranges and carries the legend of the Manas epic. It is a place for quiet ridge walking and cultural travel far from the crowds, where you may not see another traveller for days.

Ridges and epic country

Ridge hiking along the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border, horse treks up the Talas valley, and spring walnut-grove walks near Talas town, in the north's Ala-Too country. Open the Book here tab for dates.