TO THE HIGHEST PEAKS OF KYRGYZSTAN

Overview

Trip code: INL-14

Trip season: 01/07-31/08

Duration: 14 days

Departures: Please contact us for individual departures.

Accommodation: 3 nts-guesthouses, 10 nts-tents

Meals: Full board 14 breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 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 fourteen days-long trek takes in some of the remote and the less visited scenery of Eastern Kyrgyzstan. Amongst many highlights the route passes Inylchek valley where located one the longest glaciers in the world -Inylchek glacier, unique Mertzbaher lake and finally finishes at the Base camp of highest peaks of Kyrgyzstan. It starts in Djergalan valley - known for the thermal springs and goes over Sary Djaz valley which was closed for trekkers until very recently. The trek goes over several passes of mountain ranges, fur tree forests and juniper groves. As the area is not inhabited and less visited by trekkers it is abounded with wild and bird life: mountain goats, Marco Polo sheep, deer, foxes, wolves, plenty of marmots etc. 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 Djergalan 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 'Djergalan-Inylchek', goes by several mountain valleys passing 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 eleven days trekking on foot. Paths are generally in good shapes until the glacier where the trails are rude and sometimes disappear. 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. Trek graded as Steady extra: Trekking and camping background advisable. Varying extra demands: Remoteness, altitude, long days, weather, lack of comforts.

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