Trekking in the Celestial Mountains

Kyrgyzstan is the smallest country in Central Asia, sandwiched between China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Much of the country consists of mountains and highlands, but there are also fertile areas around the large Lake Issyk-Kul and in the Fergana Valley.

Kyrgyzstan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with green mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and nomadic shepherds. Some of them and their horses accompany us on our trek through the spectacular mountains that are rightly called the Celestial Mountains.

The Kyrgyz were largely nomadic in the 20th century, and even today many live in the traditional circular dwelling, the yurt. We are introduced to a fascinating culture.

Day 7. Ak-Suu valley

Walking a sometimes rather steep but still good path up to Ailanysh pass, 3671m. Then a long descent with few streams crossing to our campsite in Ak-Suu valley.
Altitude: 3200m to 2800m via 3671m pass
Walking: 6-7 hours, 10km

Day 8. Altyn-Arashan valley

We start the day by walking a comparatively steep path up to another unnamed pass, 3609m. Then a long gentle walk down to our next campsite in Altyn-Arashan resort area famous by its hot springs. The resort is set in a botanical research area called the Arashan State Nature Reserve.
We stay in our tents. Relax in the hot springs.
Altitude: 2500m to 3200m
Walking: 5-6 hours, 8 km

Day 9. Foot of the Ala-Kol pass

Today we are gaining altitude again. The first 3 hours of walking take us through a beautiful pine forest. There are many small rivers that we have to cross. After passing the border of the forest we walk up by grassy slopes.
A stop at a lovely spot for lunch. Further on the path to our campsite takes us up rocky slopes.
Altitude: 2500m to 3200m
Walking: 5-6 hours, 8 km

Day 10. Ala Kol Lake - Karakol Gorge

Walk 2-3 hours uphill to reach the Ala-Kol pass, 3860m. From the pass one can clearly see the highest peaks of Terskey Ala-Too mountain range: peak Karakol, 5273m, and peak Djigit, 5100m. The ridge formed by these peaks runs along the horizon from west to east.
Descent to Ala-Kol Lake which is located at an altitude of 3500 m. This lake surprises with its constantly changing colour.
We will stop by the lake for lunch. Then we descend into the forest zone and reach the Sirota hut.
Finally, the trail takes us to Karakol gorge to our waiting vehicles to take us to the town of Karakol. Hotel.
Altitude: 3200m → 3860m (Ala-Kol pass) → 3500m (Ala-Kol Lake) → 2700m (Karakol river)
Walking: about 5-6 hours, 10 km

Day 11. Karakol – Issyk-Kul Lake

Morning tour of Karakol with visits to Dungan Mosque, Orthodox Church and the museum of Nikolai Przewalski, geographer and naturalist, who died here in 1839.
Then we drive to a hotel on the Northern Shore of Issyk-Kul Lake on our way back to Bishkek.
Rest on the beach. Lunch and dinner.

Day 12. Issyk-Kul Lake - Bishkek

Drive to Bishkek, ca. 4 hours, 270 km.
In the morning there will be a 30-40 minutes tour (local guide) of the field of petroglyphs near the town of Cholpon-Ata. Then continue driving to Bishkek.
Short tour of Bishkek.
Lunch and dinner. Hotel.

Day 13. Bishkek

Trip ends. Departure.

Grade & Qualifications

This trek is within the capabilities of any normal healthy and fit individual who is used to hill walking. The route is not difficult but will on occasion require the expenditure of a fair amount of energy. Although we cross some high mountain passes most of the walking is on good paths. Horses will carry the main luggage allowing you to walk with only a day pack. The average day involves some 4 to 7 hours walking but will vary from day to day.

Food & Accommodation

Bishkek: Asia Mountains or similar 3* hotel.
Karakol: Altamira or similar 3* hotel.
Jyrgalan: Guesthouse or yurts. Jyrgalan is the only place where we cannot provide staying in twin rooms. In guesthouses likely 3-4 people sharing a room, in yurts – 4.
On trek: tents.
Issyk-Kul Lake: Azure or similar 3* hotel.

Airport transfers and Meeting instructions

As this is a tour of the kind that participants arrive at the start and leave at the end in different ways, we decided to exclude transfers from the cost of the tour. Our meeting place is a hotel in Bishkek.
Most international flights arrive in Bishkek early in the morning.
Taxi dispatcher counters can be seen on the ground floor of the airport. You can also order a taxi online.
In case you want a driver to meet you with a plate you can order the transfer from us for US $45 per car (not per person).
We leave the hotel at 11:30 a.m. on 15^th July.  Please make sure you appear at the hotel before this time!