The Tien Shan

15 days - from $2980

An adventurous trek to the heart of the Celestial Mountains
This superb trek to the Inilchek Glacier takes us across verdant alpine valleys, past rushing mountain streams and through high summer pastures dotted with traditional yurts, the homes of Kyrgyz nomads. Across the Tyuz Pass we are in another world, a dramatic vista of high snow-covered peaks, ice and rock. With Central Asia behind, and the world's greatest mountain ranges stretching to the east and south, we feel very privileged to be standing in such a special and seldom-visited place.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Bishkek; afternoon city tour. 2 Drive to Karakol along the north of Issyk-Kul (lake), via Burana Tower. 3 Morning sightseeing; drive to Dzhergalan, start trek. 4 Ascend through forest to alpine meadows and Dzhergalan Pass (3327m). 5 Cross Tyup River and climb Ashutor Pass (3649m); into Dzanalach Valley and camp by a Kyrgyz kosh (encampment). 6 Over the Dzanalach Pass (3510m) and into Turuk River valley; through alpine meadows and over the Turuk Pass (3586m); descend into Echkilitash River valley. 7 Easy day along the Tyuz River through open rolling landscape. 8 Tough ascent of the Tyuz Pass (4001m) with great views of Inilchek Glacier and Tien Shan peaks; descend to Chon-Tash. 9 Day-walk on the glacier and moraines; camp opposite Chon-Tash. 10 Short trek down valley, crossing the Atjailu River; camp at Atjailu. 11 Circular day walk to Atjailu Pass with views into adjacent valley; afternoon transfer to Maida-Adyr. 12 Transfer to old tin mining area; optional walk along scree with views of Uchat Mountains and Kaindy Range. 13 Scenic drive to Karakol. 14 To Bishkek along the wilder south shore of Issyk-Kul. 15 End Bishkek.

Mode of travel: 9 days point-to-point walking with full porterage. Altitude maximum 4001m, average 3000m.
Group size: Normally 8 to 16, plus leader and appropriate local staff.
Accommodation: 3 nights comfortable hotels, 2 nights standard hotels, 2 nights basic cottage all en suite, 9 nights full-service camping
Food: All meals included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $166.25
Trip Reference: TRK
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: TRK