Trekking to the Heart of Tian-Shan

Program:
Day 1: Drive 280 km from Karakol to Echkili-Tash
Transfer to Echkili-Tash to the beginning of the trek. We will drive to the valley of Sary-Jaz river along the mountain road through Chon-Ashu pass (3822 m) and magnificent valleys – Turgen’-Aksu and Ottuk. After arriving to Echkili-Tash, we will walk few hours to our first camp. 
Day 2: Echkili-Tash – Chon-Tash 
We cross Sary-Jaz River using bridge and then begin hiking up along the Tuz River to Sary-Jaz ridge. It is not difficult hike with small difference between mountain heights. 
Day 3:  Chon-Tash - Iva, 7-9 hours
Intensive day, crossing over the Tyuz pass (4001 m). Group goes along one of the tributaries of Tyuz river up to small glacier. Then go up the steep screed slope to the top of the pass. From the pass, there is spectacular view of the Inylchek glacier, the valley of Inylchek River and Inylchek-Too range, where just in front of the pass the snow-covered Nansen peak (5695 m) is raised above. Further steep descent the grassy slope to the Valley of Inylchek River, which is situated 1200 m lower the pass. Time in the way – 8-9 hours. 
Day 4: Camp Iva – Camp Glina (3100m a.s.l.) 8 km, 5-6 hours, +200 m.  
We go up and down, up and down all the time on the glacier. Lunch on the glacier at about 1 pm. Then we ascent another steep terrace along a narrow trail. The variety of terrains and the steepness of the slope trails will add some more adrenaline in blood. The Inylchek Glacier is the largest glacier and centerpiece of the Central Tien Shan. Extending 62 km in length with a width of over 3 km, the Inylchek Glacier is the third longest glacier outside the Polar Regions.  
Day 5: Camp Glina – Merzbacher Glade (3400m a.s.l.) 9 km, 5-6 hours, +300 m.  
We trek up and down various terraces though have also about 10 km of straight path. Only once, we trek across a small glacier, passing a river and have lunch on the shore of a small lake, swim and rest. It will be an hour left to get to the Camp. Merzbacher glade is the last grassy place in the area located just across the unique Merzbacher Lake. 
Day 6: Merzbacher Lake. 10 km, 5-6 hours.  
Across South Inylchek glacier up to Mertzbacher Lake. The trekking time both ways is 5-6 hours. Sandwiched between the Northern and Southern branches of the glacier lies the mysterious Merzbacher Lake, which form every summer and then, sometime in August, burst through the ice banks and the waters flow into the Inylchek River.  
Day 7: Merzbacher Lake – Komsomolskiy Glacier 3800m a.s.l. 12 km, 4-6 h, +400 m. 
It is a long day of trekking surrounded with beautiful landscapes – snow, rocks and multi-colored ice – black, white and sometimes even striped. The terrain is very diverse: rivers, crevices, ascents and descents, the hikes around those take much time and energy. It will be our first night on the glacier.  
Day 8: Komsomolskiy Glacier – Dikiy Glacier 3900m a.s.l. 7 km, 3-5 h, +100 m.  
Trekking in this part of Tien Shan is absolutely fabulous. The distinctive characteristic of the region is a great number of nameless peaks, unclimbed yet, about 5000m above sea level high. From Dikyi camp you have beautiful view of Khan Tengri, Pobeda, Gorky, Chapaev, Trehglavaya peaks.  
Day 9: Dikiy glacier – South Inylchek base camp 4100m a.s.l. 8 km, 4-6 h, +200 m.  
We cross the whole glacier till the central moraine where the base camp is situated. The path is covered with rocks, ice, creeks, lakes and cracks. But it is possible to do without any ropes and crampons. Inyclhek Base Camp is ideally situated in the heart of North Tien-Shan at the South Inylchek glacier approximately at 4000 m. above the sea level. It has a picturesque view of Khan-Tengri (7010 m) and Pobeda (7439 m) peaks. Overnight in BC in tents.  
Day 10: South Inylchek base camp. 
Rest day at South Inylchek BC or radial hiking to Khan-Tengri Peak (7010 m a. s. l.). The beautiful pyramid of Khan Tengri is without doubt the Jewel of the Tien Shan. It is the second highest mountain in this most northerly and remote of the great Asian mountain ranges.  
Day 11: Helicopter flight to Karkara helicopter pad – transfer to Karakol. 200 km, 3 h, -2500 m.  
Breakfast. Helicopter flight from Inylchek BC to Karkara BC, where you will be meeted by our car and delivered to  Karakol. End of service.
 

Andoni

"Since our first e-mail to contact them, the level of attention they provided to us was unbeatable, making all the arragements incredibly easy. Once we arrived in Karakol, they gave us a warm reception and provided all the necesary documents (permits, vouchers, etc). And finally, all the transfers they organized for us ran perfectly."

Practical Information:
Duration: 11 day 
Distance: Total 250km (Walking part 80km)
Route: Karakol (by car) – Echkili-Tash – Chon-Tash – Iva - Mertzbakher Glade - radial access to the Lake Mertzbakher - Komsomolskiy glacier – Dikiy - South Inylchek base camp (1 day walk to the foot of Khan Tengri peak) 
Back way: South Inylchek BC - Karkara BC (by helicopter) – Karakol (by car)
Period: June-August
Highest point: South Inylchek base camp 4100m
Area: Issyk-kul region, Terskey Ala-Too and Sary-Jaz  mountains range 
Connection: No signal connection
Level of difficulty: Hard. This track is oriented for people with good health and training, because the route consists of long passages over rough terrain, sharp fluctuations in temperature and ascents to a height of 4000 meters above sea level. 

Equipment

Equipment and items for trekking part:

Sleeping bag up to -10 C

Good trekking boots with high proper ankle support and good thread. Extra shoes or pair of sandals, in case if main became wet during the rain and etc.

Waterproof rain jacket and trousers

Warm closes and extra closes to exchange

Hat and cap, sun glasess, high factor sun cream

Daypack 50-60 litters and rain cover. It is also good idea to line your daypack with a quality plastic bag

Head-torch

Bottle for water

Quick drying towel

First aid kit, if you have some disease

Recommended to have

Walking sticks

Toiletries

Insect repellants (for lower elevations)

Water purification tables or a water filter (more details in Notes)

Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if you don’t have altitude adaptation)

Pocket knife

Important Notes

WATER

While on a trek, you are in the wild to enjoy the nature and the thrill of it. Its very important that you stay healthy and do not take ill on the trek to have a joyful experience in the wild. Water is important during trekking, we are providing boiled water or tea/coffee during breakfast and dinner, however boiling the water is limited, and it is not enough if you will need to fill up your bottles for next day. Water can be a cause of stomach problems on a trek. On the other hand, you need to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Water in some hills are also the source of water for animals and wild animals on the higher area. Always fetch water from running streams. The faster the better. Stagnant water has high risk of bearing pathogens, irrespective of the cold surrounding. Whereas, as fast gushing water has very low chances of bearing pathogens in it. It even has less particulate materials. You will be able to fill up water from natural springs, it’s the best as it acts as a natural filter and has very less chances of having particles in it. Local people same as a lot of tourist don't have a problems to drink water from the source, however if you are not sure please bring water cleaning pills with you for the trek from your homeland. You will not be able to find water cleaning pills in Kyrgyzstan.

LUGGAGE ON TOUR

Main Baggage:

The item of luggage used to carry all your belongings in the hold of the plane and used to store all of the items you don't need on trek. This can be left behind at the group hotel used prior to the trek.

Luggage to the porters:

Price shown in tour price is not including porters, due to transition is going from camp to camp, where tent and meal (D,B,L) will be provided. However, group will need to carry and prepare food for themselves upon arrival to BC Iva, where tent and meal will be provided until the end of trek. We can provide porters and cook for few days, while you will reace BC Iva, if you don't want to carry the weight and prepare food for yourself. We will send you extra bill.

Daysac/Rucksack:

50-60 liters recommended. In mountain region, the weather can change very fast and you must be equipped for this eventuality. Your day sac should therefore be large enough to carry waterproofs, fleece jacket, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun cap, sun cream, water bottle and other staff which you need during the trek. On a few occasions, it is also necessary to carry your own packed lunch.

TRECKKING GRADE

You need to have a good level of fitness and previous trekking experience is recommended. Trekking days are generally longer, challenging and at higher altitudes up to 3800 meters. Terrain may be difficult and ascents and descents are often demanding, especially during rain or snow.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is NOT included. We recommend that clients have their own travel insurance against illness, injury, loss/damage to personal belongings. In case of emergency our staff will make all the best to delivery you to hospital or other point and solve your problem, insurance will cover your charges, if you don't have insurance, you will be required to cover charges by yourself.

MEAL

Breakfast: consist some of following dishes: Porridge, omelet, omelet with fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs and etc + bread, jam, butter, honey, sweets, tea/coffee. Lunch boxes or lunch: Dried fruits, chocolate, yogurt, juice, cheese, sandwich, vegetables/fruits and tea/coffee. Dinner: Our cooks is preparing european and asian cuisine You need to let us know if you are vegetarian or have some preferences, so we will be able to make special menu for you.

TIPPING

Service of local staff is included to the program; however, it is polite to tip to local staff if the service has been very good. Also at your discretion, you might also consider tipping your tour manager in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

Terms and Conditions

Price

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Trekking to The Heart of Tian-Shan (via Tyuz pass)

Program:

Day 1: Drive 280 km from Karakol to Echkili-Tash

Transfer to Echkili-Tash to the beginning of the trek. We will drive to the valley of Sary-Jaz river along the mountain road through Chon-Ashu pass (3822 m) and magnificent valleys – Turgen’-Aksu and Ottuk. After arriving to Echkili-Tash, we will walk few hours to our first camp.

Day 2: Echkili-Tash – Chon-Tash

We cross Sary-Jaz River using bridge and then begin hiking up along the Tuz River to Sary-Jaz ridge. It is not difficult hike with small difference between mountain heights.

Day 3: Chon-Tash - Iva, 7-9 hours

Day 4: Camp Iva – Camp Glina (3100m a.s.l.) 8 km, 5-6 hours, +200 m.

Day 5: Camp Glina – Merzbacher Glade (3400m a.s.l.) 9 km, 5-6 hours, +300 m.

Day 6: Merzbacher Lake. 10 km, 5-6 hours.

Day 7: Merzbacher Lake – Komsomolskiy Glacier 3800m a.s.l. 12 km, 4-6 h, +400 m.

Day 8: Komsomolskiy Glacier – Dikiy Glacier 3900m a.s.l. 7 km, 3-5 h, +100 m.

Trekking in this part of Tien Shan is absolutely fabulous. The distinctive characteristic of the region is a great number of nameless peaks, unclimbed yet, about 5000m above sea level high. From Dikyi camp you have beautiful view of Khan Tengri, Pobeda, Gorky, Chapaev, Trehglavaya peaks.

Day 9: Dikiy glacier – South Inylchek base camp 4100m a.s.l. 8 km, 4-6 h, +200 m.

Day 10: South Inylchek base camp.

Rest day at South Inylchek BC or radial hiking to Khan-Tengri Peak (7010 m a. s. l.). The beautiful pyramid of Khan Tengri is without doubt the Jewel of the Tien Shan. It is the second highest mountain in this most northerly and remote of the great Asian mountain ranges.

Day 11: Helicopter flight to Karkara helicopter pad – transfer to Karakol. 200 km, 3 h, -2500 m.

Breakfast. Helicopter flight from Inylchek BC to Karkara BC, where you will be meeted by our car and delivered to Karakol. End of service.

Practical Information:

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