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.

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