ACROSS KYRGYZSTAN HIGHLANDS

Overview

Trip code: EGC-8

Trip season: 01/07-31/08

Duration: 8 days

Departures:  Please contact us for individual departures.

Accommodation: 1 nt-hotels, 2 nts –guesthouse, 4 nts-tents

Meals: Full board 8 breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 dinners.

Transportation: Motor roads: Comfortable a/c vehicle. Off road: Army truck

Group size:  No minimum set, Maximum 10

Price: On request.

Extensions:  It is possible to combine your tour with other activities in Kyrgyzstan or extend it to other Central Asian republics: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Please inquire.

Description: This eight days-long trek takes in some of the most remote and the less visited scenery of Eastern Kyrgyzstan -the Sary Djaz valley which was closed for trekkers until very recently. The trek goes over Tuz pass at 4001 m above sea level, from where you can see one of the longest glaciers in the world Inylchek which is presently 60 km long. The area around is abounded with wild life: mountain goats, Marco Polo sheep, deer, foxes, wolves, plenty of marmots etc. On the way to Karakol town the route passes the world's second largest alpine lake Issyk-Kul, mountain ranges, passes, fur tree forests and juniper groves. The tour begins and ends with the opportunity to visit some of Kyrgyzstan's finest cultural and historical treasures.

Route: The route begins with drive to Karakol town located on the eastern end of Issyk-Kul lake. There will be time to swim and explore the lake and its environs on foot or by boat before continue to Karakol, once a Russian fortress. Next day we will drive to Sary Djaz mountain valley over the Chong Ashuu pass of 3822 m high. Here, porters take over and carry personal luggage and camping gear for the trek through stunning mountain scenery. The trekking route, known as the 'Across Kyrgyzstan highlands', goes by the Tuz river valley and then along Inylchek glacier-one of the biggest glaciers in the world, passing many tempestuous rivers, high glaciated summits and a wide variety of colorful panoramas. The alpine meadows are extremely beautiful with a profusion of flowers and lush grass pastures. Several Golden Eagles have their home here along with other colorful bird-life. There will be time at the end of the trek for sightseeing and shopping in Karakol's and Bishkek's bazaars, and we will gather together for a banquet on the last night.

Grade: Steady. The tour is four days trekking on foot. Paths are generally in good shapes. The trek is porter-assisted, so you need to carry only a day pack with some of your belongings. Average walking time is around 5-6 hours per day. Daily altitude gain is about 500-800 m. You must be reasonably fit to attempt this trek. Trekking/hiking and camping background advisable but not essential.

Trek Crew: The trek is assisted by guide, cook and porters to carry camping gear for the trek.