Trekking to Lake Izyumrudnoe: A Hidden Gem in Kyrgyzstan’s Alay Valley

Trekking to Lake Izyumrudnoe: A Hidden Gem in Kyrgyzstan’s Alay Valley was originally published in 2025

Izyumrudnoe isn’t a lake that comes up in “Top 10 Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan” lists. In fact, most people have never even heard of it. I found out about it while asking a friend up in Bishkek for some good treks near Sary Tash, seeing I was stuck there for a couple of days until my border crossing approval to Tajikistan came through.

Soon after, I found myself crolling through satellite view, tracing a thin mountain stream up from a pinprick village called Uch-Tyube, just north of Sary Tash. The name Izyumrudnoe, meaning “Emerald” in Russian, was all the hook I needed.

It lies quietly in the folds of the Alay Valley, a region known for dramatic mountains, wide open skies, and the kind of raw, wild beauty that makes you forget WiFi exists.

This guide is for those who want to get out to Izyumrudnoe and discover one of Kyrgyzstan’s best-kept secrets.

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Izyumrudnoe Lake Hike Table Of Contents

Where is Lake Izyumrudnoe?
How to Get to the Start of the Hike to Izyumrudnoe Lake
The Trek to Izyumrudnoe
Can You Camp At Izyumrudnoe?
What to Pack for the Hike to Izyumrudnoe
Tips to Know Before You Go to Izyumrudnoe
Why You Should Trek to Izyumrudnoe

Where is Lake Izyumrudnoe?

Lake Izyumrudnoe sits in the Alay Mountains of southern Kyrgyzstan, just north of the village of Sary Tash and east of Uch-Tyube. It’s part of the broader Alay Valley, an elevated plateau where the Pamir and Tian Shan ranges collide.

Nearest town: Sary Tash (approx. 7 km south of Uch-Tyube)
Coordinates (approximate): Google Maps pin
Altitude: Estimated around 2335–2885 meters

This is a fairly remote area. You’re not going to find a parking lot or a big wooden sign labeled “Izyumrudnoe Lake Trail.” But that’s what makes it all the more magical.

How to Get to the Start of the Hike to Izyumrudnoe Lake

Step 1: Get to Sary-Tash

By shared taxi or private hire from Osh (the major southern city in Kyrgyzstan).
- Duration: ~5–6 hours via the M41 (Pamir Highway)
- Cost: ~$8–$15 USD per seat in a shared car
Stay overnight in one of the homestays in Sary Tash. There’s no luxury here, but you’ll find a warm meal, thick blankets, and unbeatable views of the Trans-Alay Range. Try Pamir Extreme or Guesthouse Akun.

Step 2: Reach Uch-Tyube

Uch Tyube, Alay Valley, Kyrgyzstan, Adventures of Nicole — Uch Tyube

From Sary Tash, head north for about 7 kilometers to the tiny village of Uch-Tyube. If you don’t have your own car:

Option 1: Ask your guesthouse to arrange a ride.
Option 2: Walk. It’s doable, and the views are glorious.
Option 3: Hitchhike. It’s actually quite easy- I only walked along the Pamir Highway north from Sary Tash for about 20 minutes before a family stopped their car, who were taking a fresh batch of kumis north to Osh.

Once in Uch-Tyube, ask locals for the route to the lake. Don’t expect English, but the word ozero (lake) and a point north should get you somewhere. Or better yet, preload Organic Maps, which actually shows a dotted trail heading toward the lake.

The Trek to Izyumrudnoe

Trail length: 11 km round trip, 5.5 km one way

Elevation gain: ~400–500 meters

Time: 2.5–3.5 hours (each way)

Trail type: Out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate (altitude makes it more challenging)

You’ll begin by crossing open pastureland dotted with yurts and grazing animals. The trail is marked on some mapping apps (such as Organic Maps), but having GPS or a downloaded map is handy. You’ll follow a road from the main highway along a stream valley. Eventually, you will reach a yurt camp at the end of the road (you can rent a yurt for the night here!). This is a good spot to break as the yurt camp does do some simple meals for purchase.

From the yurt camp, the trail begins climbing steadily through alpine grasslands flanked by slate-colored ridges and rust-hued hills.

About halfway up, the valley narrows into a shallow gorge, and then it opens up again. You’ll know you’re close when you see the first shimmer of green.

And then, boom, there it is.

Izyumrudnoe: a small, glacial lake tucked into a high bowl, its waters a wild mix of jade and sapphire depending on the light. Only a few other souls around- all Kyrgyz hikers.

Izyumrudnoe Lake, Alay Valley, Kyrgyzstan, Adventures of Nicole

Can You Camp At Izyumrudnoe?

Yes! Wild camping is allowed. Just bring all your gear, pack out your trash, and be ready for cold nights (even in summer). You won’t find any facilities, so be self-sufficient.

If you don’t want to haul in gear, you can opt to rent a bed in one of the yurts on the way up to Izyumrudnoe, which you passed on your way to the lake.

If you’re not camping, plan to return to Sary Tash the same day. Start early to make the round trip hike and descent before dark.

What to Pack for the Hike to Izyumrudnoe

Offline GPS or Maps.me
Sturdy hiking boots
Day pack
Layers (weather changes fast at altitude)
Windproof jacket
Snacks & water
Sun protection (hat, glasses, SPF)

Tips to Know Before You Go to Izyumrudnoe

Altitude can make it challenging. Even though the hike isn’t that long, you’ll stay between 2335-2885 meters the entire time.
Not much cell service. You should have a little internet connection until you reach the yurt camp at the end of the road. From there, service is spotty.
No water sources past Uch Tyube until you reach Izyumrudnoe, so it’s not a bad idea to bring a couple of liters per person.
No official trail. The trail is pretty easy to follow, but it does sort of scatter at certain points, thanks to the sheep the local shepherds take up to Izyumrudnoe to graze.

Why You Should Trek to Izyumrudnoe

Lake Izyumrudnoe might not have the fame of Song Kul or the majesty of Issyk Kul, but what it does have is stillness. Untouched, unbothered stillness. The reward here is solitude and scenery that feels like you’ve stepped into your own private alpine dream.

If you’re already planning a swing through southern Kyrgyzstan or tackling the Pamir Highway, take that detour. Lace up your boots in Uch-Tyube, and chase the emerald.