Kyrgyzstan: trekking in the Mountains of Heaven
Kyrgyzstan is sometimes called the Asian Switzerland thanks to its beautiful nature. In the south rises the Pamir foothills with the world's most easily accessible seven-thousander, Lenin Peak, and in the east the relatively young mysterious Tien-Shan foothills (Chinese: Heavenly Mountains) are still forming. And they too have many six- and seven-thousand-meter peaks, of which Khan Tengri (Ghost Mountain) stands out, attracting daredevils on climbing expeditions.
The Tien-Shan is made up of dozens of valleys full of green pastures, through which flow clear blue and extremely wide glacial rivers. Kyrgyzstan is the country that, of all the countries in the world, is the farthest from the sea, yet it is blessed with the second largest mountain lake in the world (after Titicaca). Lake Issyk-Kul, in which we will also bathe, is located extremely picturesque - in the background rise huge snowy peaks on the north side and red rocks on the south side. Our route passes through picturesque gorges, with steep slopes covered with huge fir and spruce trees. Further up the mountain lakes of Ala Kol and Aksu.
We will explore the most beautiful trails of eastern Kyrgyzstan, leading through mountain passes and valleys. There will be no shortage of more difficult ascents, but every effort will be rewarded with beautiful mountain landscapes. We will sit in a yurt, drink kumyz and vodka, eat shashlik and listen to traditional Kyrgyz musical instruments.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1-2
Departure from Poland and fly to Kyrgyzstan (or Almaty). Drive to the east of the country. If there is enough time, on the way a swim in Lake Issyk-Kul. In the evening, an opportunity to have dinner together at a local restaurant.
DAY 3
Touring Karakol, we will see a market, visit an Orthodox church and a Dungan mosque of "Sino-Soviet" Muslims, both distinguished by their stylish wooden architecture. Possibility to visit the museum of the Russian traveler Przhevalski. Then replenish supplies and drive to the site of the Jety-Oguz red rocks, where we will taste the delicacies of Kyrgyz cuisine for the first time. Overnight awaits us in a traditional yurt.
DAY 4-5
In the morning we will be joined by a local guide with porters who will carry our backpacks. Our expedition will run along the Jeti Oguz River. We climb further and higher, climbing 3960 meters above sea level to Ala Kol Lake (3532 meters above sea level). We spend the night near the lake.
[Estimated distance and altitude*: day 4 - 13 km, from 2255 to 2910 m above sea level; day 5 - 16 km, from 2910 through 3669 to 2476 m above sea level].
DAY 6-7
Further uphill, around the high mountain lakes we will cross the pass to the famous Altyn Arashan valley, considered the most beautiful in the whole Tien-Shan. It is known for its hot springs.
[Estimated distance and altitude*: day 6 - 8 km, from 2476 by 3448 to 3415 m above sea level; day 7 - 15 km, from 3415 by 3896 to 2564 m above sea level].
DAY 8-10
Continue up the Aksu River to the glacier and return to the Altyn Arashan hot springs.
[Estimated distance and altitude*: day 8 - optional day for rest or light trekking; day 9 - 12 km, from 2564 to 2878 m above sea level; day 10 - 12 km, from 2878 through 3378 to 2874 m above sea level].
DAY 11-12
The next part of the trek will follow the Anyrton Gorge to the small Aksu Lake at 3982 meters above sea level. We will descend to lower elevations and return to Karakol via the Dzerges or Ak Su valley.
[Estimated distance and altitude*: day 11 - 15 km, from 2874 to 2539 m above sea level; day 12 - 13 km, from 2539 to 1959 m above sea level].
DAY 13-15
Departure to Bishkek / Almaty in the morning. The program of driving and sightseeing depends on the place of departure. Possibilities: drive to the salt lake Issyk Kul, where those willing will be able to swim in the waters of the "warm lake". Visit to the fabulous Skazka Canyon and the peculiar Burana Tower. Arrival in Bishkek / Almaty, sightseeing in the city. Return to Poland.
*Distance and altitude are averaged, based on the route records of pilots and participants from previous trips.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• return flight ticket with all airport charges
• checked and hand luggage according to the airline's tariff
• care of an English-speaking guide
• during the trekking breakfast and dinners prepared by the local chef (9x)
• accommodation (4x guest accommodation and/or a traditional yurt, other accommodation in own tents)
• horses/porters to transport luggage during trekking
• local transport in Kyrgyzstan
• information packages and maps
• insurance guarantee for the travel agency
• insurance NNW + KL + insurance of amateur sports (!) + Luggage insurance up to 200 Euro
• mandatory fee for the State Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG) for each person
• mandatory payment to the state Tourist Fund for Assistance (TFP) for each person.
• insurance against contracting the virus (COVID-19) while abroad
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• You can rent a tent on site (however, we recommend taking your own). The price is about 12 USD/day.
• Catering in cities (prices relatively low).
• Covid-19 test (if applicable)
FLIGHT:
The place of departure is WARSAW. In case you wish to travel from another destination or book flights on your own, please contact us for price quotation for this trip.
TREKKING:
Most of the trail passes through shepherd's paths. We walk with little personal luggage, our main luggage is carried by porters. Good physical condition is required. Average daily trekking time of about 4-5 hours, plus additional rounds for those willing to trek once we reach our destination. There are no technically demanding approaches on the route, nevertheless, we will experience crossings and stream crossings.
FOOD:
During the trek (9 days), a Uyghur cook will be with us to prepare delicacies not only of Kyrgyz cuisine, but also of Uyghur and Tatar cuisine. During the expedition you should try a Tien-Shan shashlik. Individual boarding in the cities, prices in restaurants and stores are lower than in Poland.
ACCOMODATION:
In our own tents in places selected by the guide. In cities, overnight stays in family-run guesthouses/hostels. One overnight stay will be organized in yurts!
WEATHER:
From late June to mid-September, the weather in the mountains is the most stable, although you should be prepared for temperatures to drop even to around 0°C - -5°C at night. At altitudes above 3,000 meters above sea level, it can rain and snow. During the day the temperature is about 15-25°C, periodically rising to 30°C.
GROUP:
We travel in small groups. The minimum number of people on the trip is 6, maximum 15.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The itinerary may change depending on the date of departure, weather and other factors.
• Learn more about general conditions of participation and find out how to sign up for a trip.
• Attention! In case of the introduction of restrictions that prevent the implementation of the tour, we will refund 100% of the money paid up to 7 days from the date of cancellation of the tour.
• The organizer of the trip is Active Travel Agency Barents.pl.
