Kingdom
of the Tien Shan Mountains - KYRGYZSTAN
The unique climate of Issyk-Kul and its surroundings,
which combines the peculiarities of both mountainous
and maritime, is conditioned by the presence of a
giant, natural accumulator - Lake Issyk-Kul. Where
else in the northern latitudes of the world can you
get such a combination: hot sun, the scent of coniferous
forests and the refreshing coolness of a sea breeze.
Journey along the Terskey where the air itself is
salubrious - it is an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate
yourself and collect some unforgettable impressions.
Destination:Altyn-Arashan resort-
Jety-Oguz-Karakol Gorge-Ala-Kul
Duration : 10 Days
Best Time : Mid June to September
Day 1 : Arrival in Bishkek.
Transfer to the hotel. Rest. After small briefing
(around 12:00) city tour in Bishkek. Visiting Museums,
eastern bazaar.. Lunch in the local restaurant. Accommodation
and dinner in the private guesthouse.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point
- 800m in Bishkek, highest point -1690m in Boom Canyon,
end of day -1680m in Tamga)
Day 2 : Transfer to the Jety-Oguz (400 km).
Shepherds tell a lot of legends about the beautiful,
famous, red rocks known as "Seven Bulls"
and "Broken Heart". You will taste a traditional
Kyrgyz food "Besh Parmak" during the dinner.
Overnight stay in the yurta camp, in "Flower
valley".
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point
- 800m in Bishkek, end of day -2250m in the yurta
camp)
Day 3 : Trekking following a shepherd's path
for 16 km will bring you to the Pass Tilety. Spend
the night in tents. (Altitudes above sea level during
the day: start point - 2250m in the yurta camp, highest
point in end of day -3000m in the tent camp)
Day 4 : A three-hour walk passing Tilety (3770
m), will bring you to the Karakol Gorge. You will
walk after the pass 10 km along an ancient nomads'
path will lead you to tent camp near a nomads' stopping
place. Here you can see cows being milked and acquaint
yourself with the natural way of life of the shepherd-nomads.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point
- 3000m in the tent camp, highest point - 3770m the
Pass Tilety, end of day -2550m in the Karakol Gorge)
Day 5 : A shorter hike, of about 8 km from
Karakol Gorge to the "Orphan" Mountaineer
Shelter. Stop in the "Orphan" Shelter, for
a rest and lunch. Free time in the afternoon. You
can hike around Shelter for you self. Stay for the
night in tents.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point
- 2550m in the Karakol Gorge, highest point in end
of day - 2950m in the Shelter)
Day 6 : Hiking to Mountain Lake, called Ala-Kul
(3550 m). It is more than 70 meters deep and of incomparable
beauty. From the shore of the lake you can see a beautiful
glacier - it is the source of the lake. Hike through
the Ala-Kul pass (3860 m) to the Keldyke Gorge. From
the Pass you will have an excellent view of the five
thousand mountain peaks of Terskey Ala-Too - including
Karakol peak, Djigit peak and Tashtanbek peak. The
tent camp will be waiting for you in this wonderful
place which is surrounded by magnificent rocks, and
from where a lot of streams begin from the glaciers.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: start point
- 2950m in the Shelter, highest point - 3900m the
Pass Ala-Kul, end of day - 3400m in the tent camp)
Day 7 : Four-hour walk to the Altyn-Arashan
resort, which is situated 2450 m above sea level.
Lunch. You will never be able to forget the sight
of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m. Transfer
to Karakol town (30 km). Dinner in Uigur family (Uigur
- it small Muslim nationality, who migrated long time
ago from China). Accommodation in guest house.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: highest
pointing beginning of day - 3400m in the tent camp,
end of day -1800m in Karakol)
Day 8 : City tour in Karakol in the morning.
Visiting Prejevalskiy (famous Russian traveler) museum,
Russian Orthodox Church, Moslem mosque in Dungan style.
Visit a felt carpet workshop where it is possible
to buy carpets or souvenirs. Lunch in a Uzbek family.
Transfer to the North shore of Issyk-Kul (150 km).
Accommodation in the hotel Aurora (***) or similar.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: highest
pointing beginning of day - 1800m in Karakol, end
of day -1650m in Issyk-Kul)
Day 9 : Transfer to Bishkek (270 km). On the
way you visit the Burana Tower (11th century) the
remains of Karakhanid's empire in Central Asia and
the "Petroglyphs" Open Air Museum. Farewell
dinner in the restaurant. Folklore program. Accommodation
in the hotel.
(Altitudes above sea level during the day: highest
pointing beginning of day - 1650m in Issyk-Kul, end
of day -800m in Bishkek)
Day 10 : Transfer to the airport. Fly home
