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Special Highlights
Trip Highlights
Bishkek - Sightseeing of the capital city of Kyrgyzstan including the National museum.
Trekking in the High Tien Shan - Remote trek through high mountains passing glacial lakes and high pastures of nomads.
Trip Summary
The former Soviet Central Asia republic of Kyrgyzstan has a wealth of nomadic traditions plus some of the most beautiful mountains in Central Asia: the celebrated Tien Shan, the traditional mountain homeland of the Kyrgyz and Kazakh people, who have a colorful history of nomadic wanderings. Our trek focuses on the Kyrgyz- Alatoo section of the northern range of the Tien Shan. A continuous wall of ice and rock forms the central portion of the range, crowned by Semenov-Tien-Shanski (4895m), the highest peak in the region. The trek takes us along alpine flatlands, grassy hills choked with pretty wildflowers, through forests of unique Tien-Shan blue fir trees, and close to stunning glaciers. As we hike along the deep Alamedin, and Karakol gorges, we’ll keep to the tracks beaten by sheep and horses that are taken to high altitude summer pastures by local Kyrgyz shepherds. On trek we’ll gain insights into the lifestyle of these local nomads who have grazed their flocks here since ancient times. Hospitable and friendly, they may welcome us to their summer huts (called yurts) and persuade us to try kumyz, the national fermented drink made of mare’s milk, or airan (a yogurt-like dairy product). The gorges are laced by great 5000m summits whose glaciers feed numerous rivers, both large and small, with crystal clear water. We cross the range twice: via Alamedin pass (4032m) either the Tyuk Pass (3600m) or the Kegeti Pass (3779m). With the breakup of the former Soviet Union, this region is rarely visited, and we have good chances to see the diverse wildlife, including mountain turkey, mountain hen, golden eagle, mountain sheep, goat, and perhaps even a rare snow leopard. A team of porters carries all the gear and we hike with only a day pack.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive Bishkek
Situated dramatically at the foot of the Tien Shan range, Bishkek is a pleasant city with tree lined streets and comfortable summer temperatures. A former Silk Road settlement, Kyrgyzstan’s capital is a young city. A clay fort built by the Khan of Kokand in 1825 and destroyed by the Russians in 1868, was rebuilt in 1878 and it is from this time that Bishkek evolved. The city was known as Frunze in Soviet times, named after the Commander who kept Kyrgyzstan from the hands of the Tsars, but reverted to its old name of Bishkek in the 1990’s. On our afternoon tour we’ll have the chance to explore its open squares, many museums and interesting markets, including the State Historical Museum, Ala-Too Central Square and Central Park.
Overnight Guest House (H+)
Day 2:
Drive to Alamedin Gorge; start 10- day trek
Leaving the capital, a short drive brings us close to the lush and beautiful Alamedin Gorge (2050m) where we start our trek from the village of High Tatyr. Crossing the Chichar pass (2840m) we have a spectacular view of the Salyk glacier and the surrounding peaks; Kyrgyzstan peak (4795m), Alamedin Wall (4675m), and Usechenka peak (4606m). After a short descent, our route climbs once more into a stand of fir, from which we have great views of the 19 km long Alamedin gorge directly below. Descending steeply, we reach our first camp at 1950m in the gorge. Our local camp crew take care of all camp chores, including erecting tents, so you are free to relax at the end of each day. (approx. 8 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3:
Alamedin Gorge
We follow a scenic trail along the Alamedin River up the Alamedin Gorge; the longest in the Ala-Too Mountains. The gorge is picturesque with various types of trees growing on the banks of the river and a wide gap between the two ranges that form the gorge. We arrive at Altyn-Tor - (2350m) the “Gold Mountain” - where we make camp. (5-6 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4:
Upper reaches of Alamedin Gorge
Today we continue hiking to the upper reaches of Alamedin Gorge. Slopes covered with juniper and larch trees, turning into bush zone and then into alpine meadows. After 3- 4-hours hiking we reach the confluence of Alamedin River and its tributary – Ashu-Tor where we make camp. There should be the option of extending the walk on a radial hike (3-4 hours walking, including stops) to the upper reaches of Alamedin River and the Tuyuk-Ter glacier. (3-4 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5:
Upper reaches of Ashu-Tor River
Our trekking route continues up the Ashu-Tor River, along grassy slopes among scattered stones to the end of moraine where Ashu-Tor River flows from. We can see grazing mountain goats, and if we are lucky the golden eagle lammergier. (4-5 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:
Alamedin Vostochniy Pass
We start the day hiking to Ashu-Tor glacier along the moraine. We ascend to Alamedin Vostochniy pass, the highest point on our trek (4032 m), from where there is spectacular view of the Valley of Karakol Vostochniy River. Descending into the valley of Issyk-Ata South River, our way is along scree which gives way to the grassy slopes of “Syrty”– the high mountains pastures where proud Kyrgyz nomads have grazed their flocks since the days of the ancient Silk Road. (7-8 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7:
Karakol Pass
Today we continue descent into the valley. We’ll hike through alpine meadows of wild flowers before the easy ascent to Karakol pass (3460 m). From the pass, we descend into the valley of the east Karakol River. (5-6 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8:
Tyuk Pass
We proceed along an old road where we will meet Kyrgyz herders in their traditional yurts. A steep ascent brings us to the bottom of Tyuk Pass where we make camp. From this point the views of the Valley of West Karakol River and slopes of Djumgal-Too ridges are truly spectacular. (5-6 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9:
Kok-Moinok Pass
Today we ascend the scree slope to the top of Tyuk pass (3978m). Descending sharply past small glaciers and over moraine, we trek into the Tuyuk river valley and towards to the foot of Kok-Moinok pass (2760m). (7-8 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10:
Trek to the confluence of the Kok Moinok and Tyuk rivers
Crossing over Kok-Moinok pass (2911 m), we descend to the picturesque Kok-Moinok valley, passing a small lake. As we walk we can see the landscape changing from alpine meadows into forest. This region is famous for the Tien-Shan fir. We camp near to the confluence of the Kok-Moinok and Tuyuk rivers. (5-6 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Basic Camping (C)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11:
Konor-Say Canyon
From our camp we drive to Boomskoe Gorge where we make a circular hike to Konor-Say canyon. This canyon is like a bowl framed by red sandstone and rocks from the west, startlingly reminiscent of the Grand Canyon! We overnight in a small guesthouse near to the Boomskoe Gorge where we are reunited with our luggage. (4-5 hours walking, including stops)
Overnight Guest House (H)
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12:
Rafting on the Chu River
A morning rafting on the Chu River makes an exhilarating end to our time in the mountains. No previous experience is required and all equipment is provided. The excursion is accompanied by professional guides and we’ll receive a thorough safety demonstration before our guide takes us over the rapids. Later we drive back to Bishkek via the 11th century “Burana Tower” in the former ancient Balasagyn.
Overnight Guest House (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
Tour ends Bishkek
Included meals: Breakfast
