Sarkent Nature Park
ChallengingBatken Oblast (Leylek)2,000-4,500 m

Sarkent Nature Park

Wilderness & Snow Leopards

Duration: 3-5 days recommended
Best Time: June to September for hiking; March-April for wildlife tracking
Altitude: 2,000-4,500 m

About Sarkent Nature Park

Sarkent Nature Park protects 40,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Turkestan Range. This biodiversity hotspot is home to snow leopards, brown bears, golden eagles, lynx, and rare saker falcons. Five alpine lakes (Aikol, Zhashylkol, Sutkol, Boyrokkol, Zhashkol) dot the high country.

The park's juniper forests, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks offer exceptional wildlife watching and hiking opportunities. This is one of the best places in Kyrgyzstan to potentially spot a snow leopard in the wild.

Highlights

Snow leopard habitat
Five pristine alpine lakes
Brown bears and golden eagles
Ancient juniper forests
40,000 hectares of protected wilderness

Things to Do

Wildlife watchingHikingBird watchingPhotographyCamping

How to Get There

From Batken ~140km to park entrance. 4WD essential. Local guides required for navigation.

Where to Stay

Camping and basic ranger stations. Yurt camps may be arranged through local CBT.

Pro Tips

  • 1Hire guides trained in wildlife tracking
  • 2Dawn and dusk best for wildlife sightings
  • 3Bring good binoculars and camera with zoom
  • 4Respect wildlife - maintain safe distances

Plan Your Visit

Get all the practical information you need to visit Sarkent Nature Park.

View Travel Guide

Location

39.8000°N, 69.9000°E

Back to All Destinations