Alay Travel Guide

Alay Travel Tours Kyrgysztan

Tulpar-Kol lake

Tulpar-Kol lake is a stunning high-altitude heaps of alpine lakes located in the Alay Valley of southern Kyrgyzstan, near the border with Tajikistan. It sits at approximately 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the Pamir Mountains, including the towering Lenin Peak (7,134 m). This remote alpine lake is a hidden gem for nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Activities at Tulpar-Kol Lake

1. Trekking & Hiking

2. Horseback Riding

  • Discover the breathtaking landscapes on horseback with experienced local guides.
  • Various horseback riding tours are available, offering unique perspectives of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

3. Camping & Yurt Stays

  • Experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality by staying in yurt camps near the lake.
  • Yurts provide meals and warm bedding, including those at our Tulpar CBT Yurt Camp.

4. Photography & Wildlife Viewing

  • Capture the stunning reflection of Lenin Peak in the lake.
  • Spot local wildlife, such as marmots, eagles, and ibex, in their natural habitat.

How to Get to Tulpar-Kol Lake

From Osh (Kyrgyzstan’s Nearest Major City)

Tulpar-Kol is 245 km south of Osh, with a travel time of 4–5 hours by car.

1. By Private Car or Taxi

You can hire a private taxi or driver from Osh to Tulpar-Kol:

  • Minivan (Honda Step WGN) – $70–80 (1–7 seats)
  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – $170–200 (8–17 seats)
  • From Sary-Mogol, the lake is 25 km away (~1-hour drive).
  • The road from Sary-Mogol to Tulpar-Kol is a mix of dirt and gravel but is suitable for most vehicles.

🚗 Our Transfer Service: We offer minivan transport from Alay Travel House to Tulpar-Kol for $30 per vehicle. For larger groups, please inform us in advance.

2. By Shared Taxi or Public Transport

  • Shared taxis from Osh to Sary-Mogol depart daily from the Osh old bus station  between 15:00–17:00. The journey takes about 4 hours and price around 500-600KGS, arriving in Sary-Mogol by evening.
  • Once in Sary-Mogol, you can either arrange a local driver.
  • Arrival before 19:00 allows for a same-day transfer to Tulpar-Kol. If arriving later, we recommend staying overnight in Sary-Mogol and start your activity next day in the morning

3. Trekking, Horseback Riding, or Cycling from Sary-Mogol

  • Hiking: A scenic trek from Sary-Mogol to Tulpar-Kol takes 6–8 hours.
  • Horseback Riding: A traditional Kyrgyz experience, taking approximately 5–6 hours.
  • Cycling: A great budget-friendly option for adventure seekers. Bike rentals are available at Alay Travel House in Sary-Mogol.

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (June–September) – Ideal for trekking, horseback riding, and photography.
  • Spring (May) & Autumn (October) – Fewer tourists, but expect cold nights.
  • Winter (November–April) – The area is covered in snow, and access can be difficult.

Where to Stay

  • Yurt Camps near Tulpar-Kol – Several yurt camps provide accommodation with meals, including our Tulpar CBT Yurt Camp.  
  • Guesthouses in Sary-Mogol – A convenient option before heading to the lake if you have not acclimatization for altitude night

Things to Know Before You Go ✔ Altitude Awareness – Tulpar-Kol is at a high elevation (3500m, 11482.94 Feet), so acclimatization is recommended.
✔ Weather – Even in summer (evening and morning), temperatures can be cold, so pack warm clothing.
✔ Cash – Bring cash, as ATMs and card payment options are only available near Alay Travel House.
✔ Border Crossings – Check the guide on Getting to Tulpar-Kol from Neighboring Areas.