TURKESTAN CIRCLE

Overview

Trip code: TRK-12

Trip season: 01/06-31/09

Duration: 12 days

Departures: Please contact us for individual departures.

Accommodation: 3 nts-guesthouses, 8 nts-tents

Meals: Full board 12 breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 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 12 days-long trek takes into some remote and picturesque valleys of Turkestan mountain range, located on the very edge of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan south border. Known as Asian Patagonia in the west, the region unite of Ak Suu, Kara Suu and Karavshin valleys and are proud to have a number of kilometer long big wall sharp peaks. Warm climate and a great variety of routes plus easy approach attracts expeditions from all over the world these days. The area around is abounded with wild life: Mountain goats, Marco Polo sheep, deer, foxes, wolves, plenty of marmots etc. The route from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan’s capital crosses nearly the whole country from North East to South West given the opportunity to visit some of Kyrgyzstan's finest cultural and historical treasures.

Route:We meet crew at the airport and drive to a small mountain village of Izgurush hidden up in Turkestan range. Here we stay overnight in local house and make final preparation before trek starts. There will be time to explore the local life and village environs. Next day porters take over and carry personal luggage and camping gear for the trek through stunning mountain scenery. We trek by the most interesting valleys of Turkestan range, and cross Ak Suu and Kara Suu valleys, explore the upper reaches of Karavshin, 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 Osh's and Bishkek's bazaars, and we will gather together for a banquet on the last night.

Grade: The tour is 9 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 6 -8 hours per day. Daily altitude gain is about 800-1200 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.