The Taste of Tian-Shan 2022

A Trekking tour in Terskei Ala Too mountain range is a wonderful combination of landscapes and romantics of adventures…

It is impressions and emotions that one remembers forever… Overnights in tents under the starlit sky, campfire after a long day, amazing beauty of the hidder coners and unusual nature views… it is worth coming to our mountainous land – Land of Kyrgyzstan!

The peaks we can see are – Oguz Bashi peak (5165 m.), Karakol (5216 m.). The famous moraine-glacial lake Ala Kol (3532 m.). We go over two mountain passes – Telety (3800 m.) and Ala Kol (3800 m.). As a “dessert” we offer you bathing in the hot natural springs with curative mineral water in Altyn Arashan valley!

EVENT COST:

The cost of the program in 2022: 1980 USD/pax

SGL supplement in hotels: 130 USD / pax.

SGL supplement in tents:   70 USD / pax.

Itinerary

Day 1 (04.08).  Airport – Bishkek city.

Drive: 30 km. /1 h.

Upon arrival to the international airport “Manas” you will be met by “Ak Sai Travel” guide. Short drive to Bishkek and accommodation in a hotel. Afternoon city tour. The capital and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is a city of wide avenues, handsome buildings and Soviet heritage. The gesturing statue of Lenin can still be seen in the city’s vast central square, yet it is the permanently snowcapped Kyrgyz Alatau mountain range which towers over Bishkek providing a quite stunning backdrop. We visit Manas Monument, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Then excursion to the State History Museum and walking tour around main Ala Too Square to watch ceremony of changing of the Guard of Honor, Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, main governmental buildings, and finish at the Old Square with Parliament House. Transfer to the Victory Square to finish the city tour by short excursion there.

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Optionally: During dinner we take the unique opportunity to listen to the Manaschi (a singer performing the national Kyrgyz epos, Manas) and see Kyrgyz folklore show. The musicians in traditional Kyrgyz costumes present you a wide range of national musical instruments – starting from Komuz (a three-stringed wooden musical instrument) to Chopo Choi (wind instrument made of mountain reed). You hear the fascinating singing of young Kyrgyz ladies and men and learn more about the traditional music and poetry of Kyrgyz.

Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2 (05.08). Bishkek city – Karakol town.

Drive: 430 km. /7-8 hrs. / +900 m.

After breakfast we drive to Issyk Kul Lake that is considered to be the “pearl” of Tien Shan and one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Our way goes via ruins of Burana Tower (old minaret) near Tokmok city. That minaret was constructed in Balasagun town, one of the capitals of Karakhanid State existed in 11-12 centuries AD. Explore ruins of that important trading point at the Great Silk Road and visit a little local museum telling about that civilization. Also watch a collection of Balbals, Turkic ancient tombs.

Optionally: On the area around the tower it is possible to organize horse riding games. Along with hunting dogs and birds, horses have always played an important role in the life of Kyrgyz people. They were used in every day life as true assistants in household and as thoroughbred racers. There are festivals of Horse Games (Ulak Tartysh, Kyz Kuumai, Tyiyn Enmei, etc) held throughout the year.

Lunch en route.

In the late afternoon three hours drive to Issyk Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. Measuring 182 km long by 58 km wide, the lake appeared as a result of volcanic activity. It is heated from below by thermal activity and never freezes even in the depths of winter. In the summer the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade (warmer than the air) and you can swim in the lake enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains. Extremely deep and nicely warm over the centuries the lake has been something of an oasis in this inhospitable mountain environment. With diverse flora and fauna Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding environments are rightly considered to be one of Central Asia most remarkable locations.

En route we also visit so called “Stone garden” or Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs site, the temple in the open air of Scythians and Hung suns civilizations dated back 9-8 centuries BC till 3-4 centuries AD. The area of those stone drawing lies at the foot of Kungei Alatau Ridge with a beautiful view of the whole lake. Continue driving to Karakol town. Upon arrival accommodation in a guest house.

Dinner in a local café/local family.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 3 (06.08). Karakol city tour. Karakol town – Djety Oguz gorge.

Drive: 45 km. / 1-1,5 hrs. / +900m.

Morning short sightseeing tour in the town – Dungan Mosque, Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Prjevalskii Memorial Complex. Lunch in a local café.

Transfer to Djety Oguz gorge located in the Northern slopes of Terskei Ala Too some 15km west from Karakol town. The length of the valley is 40 km. There is a chance to see the well-known redsand rock formations – “The Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls”. The slopes in the gorge are covered with the world-famous Tien Shan blue spruce for about 25km along the fast mountain river. The road goes along the river (five log bridges to cross). This is the most narrow part of the way. Later it opens into so called “Flower Meadow” (Kok Jaiyk). The upper part of Djety Oguz valley is blocked by a long Djety Oguz wall with a fabulous Oguz Bashi peak (5165m) in the central part of it.

Dinner and overnight in “Djety Oguz” tent camp at 2600m.

Day 4 (07.08). Trek to foot of Telety pass.

Trek: 16 km. / 6-8 hrs. / +450 m.

The path along the river bank in a very narrow wooded gorge Bay Tor leads us to the alpine meadows. Here, on a flower carpet, in the mountains the air is sweet and clear, the views are amazing, one forgets all his troubles and gets closer to the nature. It is not a difficult trek, about 6-7km along West Telety river.

Dinner and overnight in “Telety” tent camp at 3050m.

Day 5 (08.08). Trek over Telety pass (3800m) to Karakol gorge.

Trek: 18 km. / 6-8 hrs. / +750 m. /-1300 m.

Going up the pass is not very difficult, mainly the route goes along a narrow path with a slight ascend. There are only two rather steep slopes, which require some efforts. From the top of the pass at 3800m asl we enjoy the views of the surroundings. Descent is rather simple, along a wide slope covered with talus, across alpine meadows with various herbs and flowers, along East Telety river. Later we hike through the wood along a trail covered with roots.

Dinner and overnight in “Karakol” tent camp at 2500m.

Day 6 (09.08). Radial hike to the foot of Karakol peak (5216m).

Trek: 16 km. / 6-8 hrs. / +700 m. /-700 m. 

Radial hike up along Uyun Tor river to the foot of Karakol peak. We have a chance to see Tien Shan blue spruce forest, underwood (dog rose, honeysuckle, black barberries, mountain ash, black current, etc. There are mushrooms in the forest. Starting from May there are flowers blooming on the meadows – snowdrops, tulips, primerose, white anemone, alpine Aster, edelweiss (really big ones), etc. We reach the point with a view at the highest peak of Terskei Ala Too – Karakol peak.

Possibility to use sauna. Dinner and overnight in “Karakol” tent camp at 2500m.

Day 7 (10.08). Trek along the gorge to “Sirota” hut and to Ala Kol Lake (3532m).

Trek: 9 km. / 6-8 hrs. / +1100 m. 

Descent along the gorge about 3 km, later we cross the river over a bridge and the trail leads us into a forest. Rather long ascent finishes at a steep slope covered with grass, the trail turns into a serpentine, passes by a river overflow, and arrive to an unusual place which is called “Sirota” mountain hut. It is a log hut. There is a table, benches, fireplace inside. We can find a number of sculptures of animals and idols carved in wood around the hut. It looks like a fairy tale place. It is a nice place to sit down, rest, have a snack. Later the trail goes up higher, leaving the forest behind we hike along the river and reach a beautiful waterfall, flowing down from Ala Kol Lake.

Dinner and overnight in “Ala Kol” tent camp at 3600m.

Day 8 (11.08). Trek over Ala Kol pass (3800m) passing Ala Kol Lake and descend to Arashan gorge.

Trek: 18 km. / 6-8 hrs. / +200 m. /-1200 m. 

Moraine Lake of Ala Kol stretches from east to west for 2.8km,  its width is 500m,  and depth 70m. Ala Kol means Colorful Lake in Kyrgyz language. Depending on the light the water might change its color. It can be emerald green, turquoise with white clouds reflected, light green or dark grey, or even black. During the ascent we enjoy wonderful views of the lake. Arriving closer to the lake we see the main range of Terskei Ala Too with a number of peaks – Aksu, Djigit, Karakol, Oguz Bashi, etc. From the lake edge it will take us another hour and half to the pass.

Descent from the pass along a talus slope, and later across a wide valley of Keldike with picturesque landscapes, herds of cattle and flocks of sheep grazing. Later the trail brings us into a forest again and descends into Arashan valley. Upon arrival to the tent camp you may use an opportunity to relax in the hot springs. There are thermal baths (up to +50C) in the valley.

Possibility to take thermal baths. Dinner and overnight in “Altyn Arashan” tent camp at 2600m.

Day 9 (12.08). Altyn Arashan gorge – Cholpon Ata town.

Drive: 155 km. / 4-5 hrs. / -1000 m. 

There is a resort Altyn Arashan founded 1963, famous for its hot mineral springs. The resort represents several wooden huts located on a big treeless meadow on the right bank of Arashan river. The Northern slopes of the left river bank are covered with fir trees. It gives an unforgettable picture – dark green trees with snowcapped mountains “Aksu wall” (5022m) in the background.

Transfer to Cholpon Ata town. Possibly to descent over green fields with blooming flowers and crystal mountain springs. The final 5 km of the gorge are very narrow not more than 30 m with high rock walls. At the entrance to the gorge we pass by a village – Ak Suu (the name comes from the hot springs). Here you will take place inside the car. On arrival accommodation in a hotel on the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake.

Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 10 (13.08). Cholpon Ata town – Bishkek city.

Drive: 250 km. / 3-4 hrs. / -800 m. 

Morning, after breakfast, transfer to Bishkek city.

Lunch en route. Upon arrival to the city accommodation in a hotel.

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight in a hotel.

Day 11 (14.08). Bishkek city – Airport “Manas”

Drive: 30 km. / 1 h. 

Morning transfer to airport to catch your flight back home.

Cost includes

  • Accommodation in hotels in Bishkek – 3 nights
  • Accommodation in Amir hotel or Green Yard Guest House in Karakol – 1 night
  • Accommodation at the Hotel at Issyk-Kul Lake – 1 night
  • Accommodation and full board (hot food for breakfast and dinner, lunches as snack boxes) in the permanent tent camps along the trek Djety Oguz gorge – Altyn Arashan gorge – 6 nights. (Please note, you do not need to set up your tents, they will be set in advance + cook will be waiting for your with hot meal when you arrive!)
  • FB during whole program
  • Escorting Guide during the whole program
  • Porter service during the trek (*please read about baggage allowance on trek below)
  • All the transfers according to the program
  • Entry and ecological fee

Cost doesn’t include

  • Visa support and visa fee (if necessary)
  • All optional deviations from the main itinerary
  • Beverages and meals not included in main menu

Additional Info

Luggage allowance

* Luggage allowance on trek:
Your baggage on trek will be carried by porters. The packed weight of your trek bag whilst trekking should be no more than 12 kg of personal belongings. 1kg extra – 12 $ per program. It is possible to leave travel clothes or other items not required on trek in our office – we will deliver them to Issyk-Kul hotel on your arrival there after trekking. 

EQUIPMENT

  • For this trip you will need the following:
  • 4 season sleeping bag
  • walking boots
  •  waterproof jacket and trousers
  • fleece jacket or similar
  • warm hat and gloves
  •  sunglasses
  • a daypack of around 40 liters
  • head-torch and batteries
  • 2 x 1 liter water bottles sun cream.
  • A down jacket, pair of sandals and walking sticks are recommended.

MENU

Always on the tables: honey, jam, sugar, condensed milk, dried fruits, cookies or sweets, salt, pepper, ketchup.

Breakfast:

Each breakfast consists of porridge and additional dish.

Additional dish: omelet with bacon, omelet with cheese, fried sausages, pancakes, cheesecakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs.

Supper:

Each supper consists of salad, soup, main dish and dessert.

Salads: funchoza(starch noodles), rice with crab sticks, eggs with fish, cabbage with carrot, greek salad, beans with onion, cod-liver with eggs.

Soups: minestrone, kesme, lentil puree soup, rice soup, pumpkin puree soup, fish soup and soup with dumplings.

Main dish: kuurdak, pilaf, stew with spaghetti and cheese, dymlyama, stuffed pepper, lagman, befstroganof with rice.

Dessert: cakes, waffles, fruits and rolls.

Lunch-box:

Consists of main dish, fruits or dried fruits, processed cheese, bread, chocolate, water (cold tea with lemon or compote)

Main dish: fried chicken, smoked chicken, smoked duck breast, cheese sandwich, cutlet, boiled eggs, meat pate.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In the season 2019 “Ak sai Travel” will set up permanent tent camps all along the itinerary. It makes a tour so easy for trekkers. If you book the trekking tour “Contrasts of Tien Shan” with Ak-Sai Travel, you can stay in our tent camps all along the tour!

1)           It makes your journey so much easier – no need to carry all heavy tents, pots, plates and other kitchen equipment, as well as food for the whole trek.

2)           It makes your trip cheaper – you don’t need to hire porters, cooks and so on.

3)           It makes your tour safer – you have connection in every camp. Upon arrival you will get a map with the route and all the tent camps marked, as well as a brochure describing the itinerary in details.

4)           It makes the vacations more comfortable – every night you will stay in a warm tent; eating hot delicious European and national food.

By Joining this trip YOU :

  • Acknowledge all the TERMS & CONDITIONS : https://sgtrek.com/terms-conditions/
  • Acknowledge that YOU have read and agreed to RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT FORM of (SGTREK) : https://sgtrek.com/sgtrek-indemnity-form/
  • YOU have read all the above paragraphs and YOU know, understand, and appreciate these and other risks that are inherent in The Activity. YOU hereby assert that your participation is voluntary and that YOU knowingly assume all such risks.YOU acknowledge the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by completing this form and unconditional release of all liability to SGTREK PTE. LTD.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: https://sgtrek.com/terms-conditions/

For any queries related to the event do contact below person:
Phone: +65 92700908 (WhatsApp)
Email : contact@sgtrek.com

This trip is organized by: 
SGTREK PTE. LTD.
Reg. No. 201816267K
STB License No. 03160

Address: 28A, Kandahar Street
Singapore 198889
Email: contact@sgtrek.com
WhatsApp: +6592700908
Website: https://sgtrek.com

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