KARAKOL CLASSIC

Overview

Trip code: CKS-10

Trip season: 01/07-31/09

Duration: 10 days

Departures: Please contact us for individual departures.

Accommodation: 2 nts-guesthouses, 7 nts-tents

Meals: Full board 8 breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 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, Turkmenistan. Please inquire.

Description: This 10 days-long trek takes you in some of the most beautiful scenery in Eastern Kyrgyzstan -the world's second largest alpine lake Issyk-Kul, forested mountain ranges and snow capped peaks, passes, hot springs of Altyn-Arashan valley and truly amazing Ala-Kul lake located high in the mountains at the altitude of 3500 metres above sea level. 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 up into the nearby Kyzyl Suu mountain valley. Here, porters take over and carry personal luggage and camping gear for the trek through stunning mountain scenery. The trekking route, known as the 'Karakol classic', goes through cool juniper groves and passes crystal clear Ala-Kol lake, many tempestuous rivers, high glaciated summits and a wide variety of colourful 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 colourful 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: The tour is seven days trekking on foot. Paths are generally in good shapes. Mountain passes are steep but not technically difficult. 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 who carry camping gear for the trek.