The Tien Shan (Celestial) Mountains take up most of the small republic of Kirghizstan, half of which is over 3000m and much of it under permanent snow cover. The upper reaches of these magnificent mountains themselves are swathed in snow and ice. Lower down glaciers abound. The highest point is Pik Pobeda (7439m). More splendid is Khan Tengri, (7010m), a huge, snow-white pyramid. The mountains of Tien Shan are almost as high as the Pamir, but less rugged valleys make it a much greener and richer region agriculturally. They are considered to be some of the most beautiful places in Central Asia. The region is rich in alpine lakes with the largest fresh water lake in Central Asia, Issyk-Kul - after Lake Titicaca, the world's second highest lake. The name translates to Sacred Lake which, in spite of its high altitude (over 5000 feet above sea level), is still warm in summer. As a total contrast, not far from the lake, there are ski resorts which are open all the year round! The valleys of Kirghizstan and neighboring Kazakhstan lie on the Silk Road trade route and for centuries the region has been of great importance due to its position and rich valleys.
Our trek takes us from the more populated northern valleys to the south east of Issyk-Kul and up into the more wild and almost uninhabited mountains of the Terskei-Ala-Too ridge (from the Kirghiz "motley mountains turned back upon the sun"). We cross some high mountain passes and hike in picturesque valleys with slopes covered by coniferous forests of the famous Tien Shan pyramidal fir-tree which grow up to a height of 50m. Along the way we will meet local people. They graze sheep and horses and are very hospitable. We'll visit their yurts and try their local milk and milk products - airan (yogurt) and kumys. The area is rich in fauna. Marmot, hare, mountain goat, partridge, eagle are most likely to be seen. Much less likely to be seen are snow leopard, bear, wolf or fox. On trek we will admire 5000 meter peaks towering above us their with snow-ice caps, camp on the banks of a pearl of this area - the Ala-Kul Lake (from Kirgiz - Motley lake), 3500m. The lake changes its color depending on the time of day and on the weather; it can have an innumerable number of tints of violet, blue and green at any one time. We visit hot springs; swimming in them is said to give you second youth. Our trip starts in Almaty from where we have a long drive, first eastwards, round the high mountain ridges dividing Kirghizia from Kazakhstan to Karakol. Here we can leave a small amount of luggage before continuing to our first camp site. We will return here at the end of our trek to collect our luggage before spending a day by Issyk-Kul Lake - the largest fresh lake in Eurasia - for an excellent rest and day to relax after the mountains. Stunning mountains all around over 5000m high and magical lakes make this an unforgettable experience.
This trek involves some long days (up to 7 hours) walking with a rucksack. Several mountain passes will be crossed for which a walking axe, or at least a ski-stick, is essential. Several days are very demanding physically when crossing these high passes; clients should be confident about when on snow and ice and fit. The trek is porter supported for communal camping gear and food but you will need to carry your personal equipment including sleeping bag and mat. On days 8 and 9 an optional overnight "mini-trek" radiates out from a base camp. Crampons are not essential for this day nor for any other day on this trek. The maximum altitude reached is 3900m during the 10 days of trekking.
The climate of the Western Tien-Shan is mild-continental, settled weather is encountered during the summer months. However, mountain weather is variable, rain, summer storms and even snowfall on the passes can be encountered at any time. It is essential to be prepared and have good waterproofs. In the mountains expect day temperatures of about 20°C. At night, especially at the highest campsites, you may experience frosts and an extra fleece or duvet jacket is recommended for the evenings after the sun sets. On the other hand, in towns, afternoon temperatures often rise to above (30°C). If you are already a hiker or backpacker you will probably have much of the clothing and equipment required. A three season sleeping bag and 65-70 liter rucksack should be adequate. It is worthwhile to think carefully about the items you take since you will be carrying this for the whole trek although you will be able to leave some in Karakol. A walking-axe (or possibly a ski-stick) is essential. Other major items are warm clothes, good waterproofs, walking boots and a three season sleeping bag and mat. A more detailed equipment list will be sent with confirmation of booking.
All accommodation and all your meals are included in the trip cost. On trek we use double skinned three man tents but only two people are expected to share - please assist with pitching your tent. The campsites are without amenities. We use a good hotel in Bishkek with double rooms with en-suite facilities. The lodge on Issyk-Kul is a also good and clean with double rooms. Food on trek is prepared by our own cooks from local fresh foods supplemented by supplies brought in from St Petersburg. Two hot meals are served plus a picnic lunch. We try to cater for vegetarians but we cannot provide the same standard as expected in the West. We suggest that vegetarians take their own protein supplement if this is likely to cause a problem.
The staff includes a medically trained person. We nevertheless recommend that you carry your own personal first aid kit. A suggested list of contents as well as more general health information is included in your pre-departure information. No special inoculations are necessary but we recommend that your tetanus inoculations are up to date and that you consult your doctor for other cover such as typhoid. A Kirghiz visa is required. Full details of the procedures involved will be included in the pre-departure booklet.
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