Tourist offices Kyrgyzstan

This centre, founded with the support of the European Union, is an essential part of any visit to Karakol. Run by friendly students, it provides information on B&Bs, local travel agencies, treks in the area and topographical maps of the surrounding mountains. Hikes and treks are even organized with reservation of pitches and equipment management. A very useful center to prepare your stay in Karakol and the surrounding area.

Turdubek, the local CBT representative, knows the surrounding mountains very well and can organise a ride to Sary Chelek (6 days on horseback or 8 days on foot to go there). To reach Toktogul, it takes four days on foot. The organization is well established and Turdubek can also provide you with basic equipment if you didn't bring any with you (duvets, tents...). Very good advice, he also knows a few off-road hikes, but you will have to organize in advance so that he can accompany you.

CBT runs several bed and breakfasts in Osh. In addition to basic tourist information, you can book your plane tickets or plan your crossing of the Uzbek or Chinese border via Irkhestam (visas must be obtained in Bishkek). CBT Osh also offers a wide range of treks in Kyrgyz-Ata National Reserve (1 to 3 days), to the Alay Mountains (2 to 3 days) or to Lenin Peak Base Camp (7 days). These tours can be arranged and carried out on foot or on horseback or a combination of both.

Hayat is one of those CBT coordinators who has taken his role very much to heart. He speaks excellent English and can organize many things around Arslanbob. Accommodation and transport of course, but also walking or horse riding to the jailoo when spring comes, or skiing in winter. One of the most beautiful hikes in the area is to reach the Babush Ata peak. Just behind is a lake, 50 km from Arslanbob, which has become a great place of pilgrimage and is accessed by a choice of three passes of different levels.

This agency has two other offices, in Tashkent and Moscow. It organizes treks in Kyrgyzstan for all levels and in all areas up to high level mountaineering. Its services are reliable, the guides and accompanying cooks have real skills, including language skills, and the drivers are punctual. And if you feel like going off the beaten track, you can go wandering in the remotest parts of the country without anxiety: knowledge of the terrain is one of the best assets of Pamir Expeditions.